Agomab strengthens in targeting growth factor pathways with Origo buy

Belgian biotech Agomab Therapeutics is to acquire Origo Biopharma, a Spanish firm developing organ-restricted small molecule drug candidates targeting the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway for the treatment of fibrosis-related disorders.

The combined organization will focus on translating growth factor signaling pathways into innovative therapies. Agomab’s hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-targeting monoclonal antibodies together with Origo’s small molecule programs will create a rich clinical pipeline of therapeutics that address fibrosis and organ failure in multiple therapeutic areas, the companies believe.

"A growth factor-focused drug development leader with both antibody and small molecule capabilities"Tim Knotnerus, chief executive of Agomab, said: “Agomab and Origo share a common vision that targeting growth factors has tremendous disease-modifying potential.