Candid Therapeutics has entered into a significant licensing agreement with WuXi Biologics, securing global rights to a preclinical tri-specific T-cell engager (TCE) in a deal valued at up to $925 million. The agreement includes an undisclosed upfront payment and various development and commercial milestones.
The novel TCE, developed using WuXi's proprietary WuXiBody platform, represents a strategic addition to Candid's growing immunotherapy portfolio. While specific indications remain undisclosed, the company plans to initiate first-in-human studies in the first half of 2026.
Strategic Portfolio Expansion
"We are excited to further the advances made by WuXi Biologics and to unlock the full potential of this molecule," stated Dr. Ken Song, CEO of Candid Therapeutics. The acquisition brings Candid's TCE program count to three, with targets including BCMA, CD20, and CD19 either in or approaching clinical development.
Technology Platform and Therapeutic Approach
T-cell engagers represent a sophisticated class of engineered antibodies designed to redirect the immune system's T cells against specific cellular targets. While traditionally employed in oncology to target cancer cells, these therapeutics show promising potential in treating autoimmune diseases by targeting autoreactive B cells.
Candid's Rapid Growth and Pipeline Development
The deal marks another milestone in Candid's aggressive expansion strategy since its September 2024 launch with a $370 million Series A funding round. The company has established multiple strategic partnerships, including:
- A potential $1 billion collaboration with EpimAb Biotherapeutics
- A $320 million partnership with Nona Biosciences
- Multiple research agreements signed in December 2024
Advanced Clinical Programs
Candid's existing pipeline includes two disclosed candidates:
- CND106: A BCMAxCD3 bispecific antibody targeting later-stage B cells
- CND261: A therapeutic targeting multiple B-cell subtypes
Both candidates have completed Phase I dose escalation studies in oncology patients and are being repositioned for autoimmune disease applications, demonstrating the company's commitment to addressing unmet needs in autoimmune disorders.
