BRIEF—Daiichi Sankyo exercises Zymeworks option

Daiichi Sankyo has exercised its 2016 option with Zymeworks, for a license to a proprietary immuno-oncology bispecific built on Zymeworks’ Azymetric and EFECT platforms.

Zymeworks will receive $3.5 million, based on Daiichi Sankyo’s selection of the first of up to three product candidates. The firm is also eligible to receive milestones of up to $143 million, plus royalties on global sales.

Antoine Yver, global head of oncology R&D said: “We have identified a novel bispecific therapeutic that we are excited to be advancing towards the clinic. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Zymeworks to develop novel therapeutic options for patients with cancer worldwide.”