Daiichi Sankyo Expands Oncology Portfolio with Gatipotuzumab Acquisition
Daiichi Sankyo has finalized the acquisition of intellectual property rights for gatipotuzumab, an anti-tumour-associated mucin-1 (TA-MUC1) antibody, from Glycotope for $132.5 million. This strategic move builds upon a 2017 option agreement and a subsequent 2018 licensing deal between the two companies, the financial terms of which were previously undisclosed. The one-time payment resolves all remaining clinical, regulatory, and sales milestone obligations, as well as royalties outlined in the 2018 licensing agreement.
Gatipotuzumab and DS-3939: A New Hope for Solid Tumours
Gatipotuzumab serves as the antibody component in DS-3939, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) currently under evaluation in a Phase I/II clinical trial (NCT05875168). This trial is assessing the efficacy and safety of DS-3939 in patients with advanced solid tumours, including but not limited to non-small cell lung, breast, urothelial, ovarian, biliary tract, and pancreatic cancers. DS-3939 leverages Daiichi Sankyo’s proprietary DXd ADC technology, which combines tetrapeptide-based cleavable linkers with topoisomerase I inhibitor payloads to deliver targeted anti-cancer effects.
The Role of TA-MUC1 in Cancer Therapy
TA-MUC1, the target of gatipotuzumab, is a glycoprotein that is overexpressed in the majority of human epithelial cancers. ADCs like DS-3939 represent a significant advancement in oncology due to their ability to selectively deliver chemotherapy to tumours, minimizing damage to healthy cells and potentially improving patient outcomes.
ADCs: A Growing Focus in Oncology
The acquisition of gatipotuzumab reflects a broader trend in the pharmaceutical industry, where ADCs have become a focal point of research and development. Since 2023, ADCs have dominated high-value pharmaceutical deals, with the global ADC market expected to grow as currently approved and pipeline ADCs become available for new indications and in earlier treatment lines. This expansion is anticipated to significantly increase the addressable market for ADCs, as highlighted in GlobalData’s State of BioPharmaceutical Industry Report.
Conclusion
Daiichi Sankyo's acquisition of gatipotuzumab from Glycotope not only strengthens its oncology portfolio but also underscores the pharmaceutical industry's shift towards innovative cancer therapies. With DS-3939 in clinical trials, the potential for new, effective treatments for advanced solid tumours is on the horizon, offering hope to patients worldwide.
