#None #HBM9378 #Windward Bio #Harbour BioMed

Harbour BioMed Secures Strategic Partnership with Windward Bio

In a significant move for the biopharmaceutical sector, Harbour BioMed, a leading innovator in the development of antibody therapeutics, has entered into a license agreement with Windward Bio AG. This partnership centers on HBM9378, also referred to as WIN378, which is a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) for the treatment of immunological diseases.

This collaboration was officially announced on January 10, 2025, and marks an exciting development in the realm of immune-oncology and immunology. Harbour BioMed, which trades under the stock code HKEX: 02142, is set to benefit significantly from this partnership alongside Sichuan Kelun Biotech, which co-developed this antibody. Under the agreement, Windward Bio is granted exclusive global rights to research, develop, manufacture, and commercialize HBM9378, excluding several regions within Greater China and Southeast Asia.

Financial Aspects of the Agreement

Harbour BioMed and Kelun-Biotech are poised to receive up to $970 million in total, which includes upfront payments, milestone fees, and tiered royalty structures based on the net sales of HBM9378. The initial installment consists of $45 million in cash and equity interest in Windward Bio's parent company. Additionally, both companies stand to gain further financial rewards if Windward Bio engages in future sublicensing agreements or experiences a change in control.

Windward Bio has also recently announced a $200 million Series A financing round, led by major investors such as OrbiMed and Novo Holdings. This funding is crucial for progressing the extensive research and development plans for HBM9378.

The Science Behind HBM9378/SKB378

HBM9378 is a fully human monoclonal antibody designed to intercept the TSLP signaling pathway, a well-recognized mediator in various immunological conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Through its innovative mechanism, this treatment interrupts TSLP's interaction with its receptor, thus potentially offering therapeutic benefits across different inflammatory conditions. Notably, the antibody boasts advantageous biophysical properties and an extended half-life, which can lead to improved dosing protocols.

In a strategic move, prior to finalizing the licensing agreement, Harbour BioMed submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in China for HBM9378's use in treating COPD, and they had previously completed a Phase I clinical trial focused on moderate-to-severe asthma.

Comment from Leadership

Dr. Jingsong Wang, the Founder and CEO of Harbour BioMed, expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, highlighting the promising nature of HBM9378 and its potential to transform treatment paradigms for immunological diseases. He emphasized that the partnership underscores the effectiveness of their proprietary Harbour Mice® technology platform, a vital asset in developing revolutionary treatment solutions for patients globally.

About Harbour BioMed

Founded with a commitment to advancing therapeutic antibodies, Harbour BioMed has established a reputation for innovation in medical science. Their proprietary antibody technology, including the Harbour Mice® platform, facilitates the creation of fully human monoclonal antibodies, thereby enhancing drug discovery and development capabilities. Alongside its robust research initiatives, the company also focuses on strategic collaborations and select acquisitions to expand its portfolio.

Conclusion

With HBM9378 now in Windward Bio's hands for further development, this partnership signals a critical step forward in advancing treatments for those suffering from immunological conditions. The collaboration between Harbour BioMed, Kelun-Biotech, and Windward Bio is expected to fast-track the availability of this groundbreaking therapy to patients worldwide.

As these developments unfold, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential impacts on the biopharmaceutical landscape, particularly in addressing the unmet medical needs in immunological disease treatment.