Genmab A/S, an international biotechnology company, has announced that it will take on the sole responsibility for the continued development and potential commercialization of acasunlimab. This decision comes after BioNTech SE (BioNTech) opted not to participate in the further development of the acasunlimab program under their existing collaboration agreement.
Despite this change, the overall collaboration between Genmab and BioNTech in the field of antibody science will continue unchanged. Both companies will proceed with their existing programs under development, which were expanded in 2022.
Genmab plans to initiate the Phase 3 study of acasunlimab in the second half of this year. The company remains confident about the potential of acasunlimab, as it has already demonstrated promising initial results in impacting patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. The decision by BioNTech to not participate in the further development of the acasunlimab program is not expected to have an impact on Genmab’s 2024 financial guidance.
Acasunlimab (GEN1046) is an investigational PD-L1x4-1BB bispecific antibody that combines Genmab’s proprietary DuoBody(R) technology platform with BioNTech’s proprietary immunomodulatory antibodies. It is designed to elicit an antitumor response by activating 4-1BB on T cells and natural killer cells, dependent on simultaneous binding of the PD-L1 arm.
Genmab, with its passionate and innovative team, aims to transform the lives of people with cancer and other serious diseases through its antibody therapeutics. The company’s vision is to develop knock-your-socks-off (KYSO(R)) antibody medicines by 2030.
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