FRANKFURT: BioNTech SE (NASDAQ: BNTX) and Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) announced Monday a global collaboration to co-develop and co-commercialize BioNTech’s experimental bispecific antibody, BNT327, for treating solid tumors.
The partnership aims to accelerate the development of BNT327, which targets PD-L1 and VEGF-A, two key pathways in cancer progression. The antibody is currently being tested in multiple global Phase 3 trials, including studies for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A Phase 3 trial for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is expected to begin by the end of 2025.
More than 1,000 patients have already been treated with BNT327 in ongoing trials. Early data suggest that combining anti-PD-L1 and anti-VEGF-A into a single molecule could improve outcomes for patients across multiple tumor types.
Under the agreement, the companies will jointly develop and commercialize BNT327, both as a standalone therapy and in combination with other treatments. Each company retains the right to independently pursue additional uses for BNT327, including combinations with their own pipeline drugs.
“We believe BNT327 has the potential to become a foundational immuno-oncology therapy, extending beyond single-mechanism checkpoint inhibitors,” said Prof. Ugur Sahin, CEO and co-founder of BioNTech.
Christopher Boerner, CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb, said the partnership could “transform the standard of care for patients with solid tumors.”
Bristol Myers Squibb will pay BioNTech $1.5 billion upfront, along with $2 billion in non-contingent payments through 2028. BioNTech could also receive up to $7.6 billion in milestone payments based on development, regulatory and commercial achievements. The companies will share development, manufacturing and global profits equally, with some exceptions.
The $1.5 billion upfront payment will be recorded as Acquired IPR&D Expense in the second quarter.