Genmab Assumes Sole Responsibility for Development of Acasunlimab, Strengthening Partnership with BioNTech
Genmab A/S, a leading biotechnology company, has announced that it will take on the sole responsibility for the continued development and potential commercialization of acasunlimab. This decision comes as BioNTech SE (BioNTech) has chosen not to participate in the further development of the acasunlimab program under their existing collaboration agreement. However, the overall collaboration between the two companies will continue unchanged.
Acasunlimab, also known as GEN1046, is an investigational PD-L1x4-1BB bispecific antibody that combines Genmab’s proprietary DuoBody(R) technology platform with BioNTech’s immunomodulatory antibodies. It is designed to activate an antitumor response by binding to PD-L1 on T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, which is dependent on simultaneous binding of the 4-1BB arm.
Genmab plans to initiate a Phase 3 study for acasunlimab in the second half of this year. Despite BioNTech’s decision, the company remains confident in the potential of acasunlimab and its ability to impact patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. The initial results presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Meeting have shown promise.
Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab, expressed his confidence in the company’s ability to maximize the potential of acasunlimab. He also emphasized the continued partnership with BioNTech on other pipeline programs.
The decision by BioNTech to not participate in the further development of the acasunlimab program is not expected to have an impact on Genmab’s 2024 financial guidance. The companies’ collaboration in antibody science remains strong, and they will continue with their existing programs under development as per their expanded agreements in 2022.
Genmab, with its core purpose of improving the lives of patients with innovative antibody therapeutics, aims to transform the lives of people with cancer and other serious diseases through its proprietary pipeline. The company’s vision is to develop knock-your-socks-off (KYSO(R)) antibody medicines by 2030.
For more information about Genmab and its ongoing initiatives, please visit Genmab.com and follow the company on LinkedIn and X.