GSK buys T cell-engager from Chimagen

UK pharma major GSK (LSE: GSK) is to buy CMG1A46, a clinical-stage dual CD19 and CD20-targeted T cell-engager (TCE), from privately-held Chinese biotech Chimagen, for $300 million upfront.

GSK plans to develop and commercialize CMG1A46 with a focus on B cell-driven autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN), with potential to expand into related autoimmune diseases.

The London-based drugmaker describes itself as a pioneer in the treatment of lupus and believes that this acquisition underscores the importance of novel therapeutic approaches to address the heterogeneity of lupus manifestations and the continued burden, particularly in patients who suffer from severe disease and are refractory to current standard of care.