Gilead, MacroGenics Enter $1.7B Blood Cancer Bispecific Antibody Alliance

Gilead Sciences, Inc. and MacroGenics, Inc. entered an exclusive option and collaboration agreement to develop MGD024, an investigational, bispecific antibody that binds CD123 and CD3 using MacroGenics’ DART platform, and two additional bispecific research programs. Gilead has the option to license MGD024, a potential treatment for certain blood cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
 
MacroGenics has extensive experience applying its DART platform to develop novel therapeutics. MGD024 is a next-generation, bispecific that incorporates a CD3 component that is designed to minimize cytokine-release syndrome (CRS), a potentially life-threatening toxicity, while increasing the magnitude of antitumor activity with a longer half-life to permit intermittent dosing.
 
MacroGenics will be responsible for the ongoing Phase 1 study for MGD024 during which Gilead may elect to exercise its option to license the program at predefined decision points. The Phase 1 study will include a dose escalation segment and an expansion segment that aims to evaluate MGD024 as monotherapy and in combination with other therapies across multiple indications.
 
Gilead will pay $60 million upfront and MacroGenics will be eligible to receive as much as $1.7 billion in target nomination, option fees, and development, regulatory and commercial milestones. MacroGenics will also be eligible to receive royalties on worldwide sales of MGD024 and a flat royalty on worldwide sales of products under the two research programs.
 
“MacroGenics’ bispecific expertise naturally complements Gilead’s portfolio strengths in immuno-oncology and our growing hematology franchise,” said Bill Grossman, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President, Oncology Clinical Development, Gilead Sciences. “We believe MGD024, with its potential to reduce CRS and permit intermittent dosing through a longer half-life, could translate to more patient-friendly dosing and enhanced clinical outcomes for people living with AML and MDS. This partnership is the latest in our efforts to develop and advance transformative new cancer therapies as we deepen our portfolio across oncology indications.”
 
Scott Koenig, MD, PhD, President, and CEO, MacroGenics said, “Rapid advances over the last decade have made CD123 a very promising target in oncology research. Advancing our bispecific DART molecule, MGD024, through a strategic collaboration with the team at Gilead will accelerate our ability to drive further development of MGD024 to the potential benefit of people living with blood cancers.”