Biogen has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Human Immunology Biosciences (HI-Bio) in a deal worth more than $1.8bn, gaining access to its lead asset to improve a range of immune-mediated and rare diseases. Anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2024, the acquisition will expand Biogens immunology portfolio while also addressing the serious unmet needs of three renal diseases. Immune-mediated diseases result from an abnormal immune system response, which causes the immune system to mistakenly target the body and create an inflammatory response that causes damage. Under the terms of the agreement, HI-Bio will receive an upfront payment of 1.15bn and will be eligible for additional payments of up to $650m contingent on certain development milestones. As part of the deal, Biogen will gain access to HI-Bios lead asset, felzartamab, an investigational fully human anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody that has been shown to selectively deplete CD38+ cells in a broad range of immune-mediated diseases, as well as its izastobart/HIB210, an anti-C5aR1 antibody in development to treat a range of complement-mediated diseases. Furthermore, Biogen aims to establish a San Francisco Bay Area team focused on expanding efforts in immune-mediated diseases. Felzartamab has already received Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the US Food and Drug Administration to treat primary membranous nephropathy and has received ODD to treat antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplant recipients. In addition, phase 2 studies have been completed in both indications and remain ongoing in IgA nephropathy, a chronic kidney disease, with plans to advance each indication to phase 3. Priya Singhal, head of development, Biogen, commented: We believe this late-stage asset is a strategic addition to the Biogen portfolio as we continue to augment our pipeline and build on our expertise in immunology. We look forward to advancing potential therapies for patients with rare immune diseases with high unmet need. In July 2023, Biogen entered into a definitive agreement to acquire rare disease specialist Reata Pharmaceuticals in a deal worth approximately $7.3bn to gain access to the biotechs Skyclarys (omaveloxolone), the only US-approved treatment for Friedreichs ataxia, a rare and inherited neurologic disorder.

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Biogen to expand immunology and rare disease portfolio with $1.8bn HI-Bio acquisition - PMLiVE