BioNTech Invests $800M in PD-L1xVEGF-A Bispecific, Aiming to Challenge Keytruda Dominance
BioNTech's Strategic Move:
BioNTech has paid $800 million upfront to acquire Biotheus and secure full rights to a PD-L1xVEGF-A bispecific, a potential competitor to Merck & Co.’s Keytruda34.
Challenging Keytruda:
Keytruda, a cancer immunotherapy, has been a lucrative product for Merck & Co., earning 40 approvals since 2014 and generating $25 billion in global sales in 20221.
PD-L1xVEGF-A Bispecific:
The acquired drug targets both PD-L1 and VEGF-A, which are implicated in tumor growth and immune suppression, offering a dual-action approach compared to Keytruda’s single PD-1 inhibition34.
Market Impact:
This move positions BioNTech to potentially disrupt the dominance of Keytruda in the cancer immunotherapy market, leveraging the innovative bispecific technology to offer a new treatment option for patients34.
Strategic Acquisition:
The acquisition of Biotheus and its PD-L1xVEGF-A bispecific asset aligns with BioNTech’s strategy to expand its portfolio and challenge existing market leaders in oncology34.
Sources:
1. https://www.pharmazoom.lt/news