Candid and EpimAb Collaborate to Develop T-Cell Engagers for Autoimmune Diseases
After debuting with 370$ million capital raise in September 2024, Candid Therapeutics, a San Diego-based biotechnology company specializing in T-cell engager (TCE) therapies for autoimmune diseases, has announced a research collaboration with EpimAb Biotherapeutics. EpimAb, headquartered in Shanghai, utilizes its Fabs-In-Tandem Immunoglobulin (FIT-Ig platform for the development of bispecific antibodies. The partnership will focus on discovering and developing novel T-cell engager candidates for a range of autoimmune indications.
Update: Candid Therapeutics has also announced two new collaborations with Nona Biosciences and Ab Studio. The partnership with Nona Biosciences will leverage its HBICE platform to develop next-generation T-cell engagers, with potential payments totaling $320 million. Meanwhile, the collaboration with Ab Studio focuses on discovering novel T-cell engager candidates using its antibody design tools, further expanding Candid’s pipeline for autoimmune indications.
Under the terms of the agreement, EpimAb will receive an upfront payment along with milestone payments potentially exceeding $1 billion, assuming multiple candidates advance to commercialization. Additionally, Candid secures exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize the programs arising from this collaboration. Royalties on net sales are also part of the deal structure.
Candid Therapeutics: T-Cell Engagers for Autoimmune Diseases
Candid Therapeutics, founded in 2024, aims to redefine autoimmune therapy by leveraging T-cell engagers to target autoreactive B-cells. Its currently disclosed pipeline includes two lead candidates:
- CND106 (BCMAxCD3): Designed to deplete late-stage B-cells responsible for harmful autoantibodies, offering potential advantages over anti-FcRn therapies. CND106 is being repurposed from oncology into autoimmune diseases following a successful Phase 1 dose-escalation study.
- CND261 (CD20xCD3): Targets a broad range of B-cell subtypes and employs T-cell engager technology to enhance efficacy compared to existing CD20-based antibodies.
Candid’s approach seeks to achieve efficacy while ensuring safe and easy administration, addressing limitations of traditional antibody therapies and the complexities of cell therapy. By targeting deeper B-cell depletion, the company envisions setting a new standard of care in autoimmune disease treatment.
EpimAb Biotherapeutics: Bispecific Antibodies
Founded in 2015, EpimAb has developed the proprietary FIT-Ig platform, which allows for the creation of bispecific antibodies without requiring complex engineering. The platform integrates the functionality of two parental antibodies into a single tetravalent molecule, offering flexibility, solubility, and manufacturability comparable to standard monoclonal antibodies.
EpimAb’s pipeline includes:
- EMB-01: A bispecific antibody targeting EGFR and cMET for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. It is being evaluated in Phase I/II trials both as monotherapy and in combination with existing treatments.
- EMB-02: A bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and LAG-3, designed to restore T-cell activity and enhance anti-cancer effects in solid tumors. A Phase I/II study is underway.
- EMB-06: A BCMAxCD3 bispecific antibody for multiple myeloma that recruits and activates T-cells to eliminate tumor cells. It is being evaluated in Phase I/II trials.
- EMB-07: A bispecific antibody targeting ROR1 and CD3, developed for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. It demonstrates promising preclinical efficacy and safety profiles.
- EMB-09: A PD-L1/OX40 bispecific antibody for solid tumors, combining immune checkpoint blockade with T-cell activation to enhance immune responses.
Additionally, EpimAb has over 10 preclinical candidates under development, leveraging its FIT-Ig platform to expand into other indications.
Cover: Coronado Bridge, Joseph S. Giacalone
Topics: Startups & Deals
