The Life Sciences team advised Nanjing Leads Biolabs Co., Ltd. (“Leads”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies in oncology and autoimmune diseases, on an exclusive global partnership to jointly advance LBL-047 with Dianthus Therapeutics, Inc. (“Dianthus”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation therapeutics to address severe autoimmune diseases. LBL-047 is a novel anti-BDCA2-TACI bispecific fusion protein that has obtained IND approval in the U.S. and IND acceptance in China.
Under the terms of the agreement, Dianthus will receive exclusive global rights to research, develop, manufacture and commercialize LBL-047 outside Greater China. Leads will receive up to US$38 million upfront and near-term milestone payment comprised of an upfront payment of US$20 million, US$5 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 and potential near-term milestone payments up to US$13 million, with the total potential deal value reaching up to $1 billion, including clinical development, regulatory and commercial milestones. In addition, Leads will be entitled to tiered royalties from mid-single digit to a low double digit royalty on net sales outside Greater China.
Founded in 2012, Leads Biolabs is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapies for underserved medical needs in oncology, autoimmune, and other severe diseases in China and globally. A front-runner in next-generation immuno-oncology, the company has a pipeline of 14 drug candidates, including six clinical-stage programs, four of which are among the most advanced in their class. Leads Biolabs leverages proprietary platforms, including LeadsBody™ (CD3 T-cell engager) and X-body™ (4-1BB engager), along with integrated capabilities across discovery, translational medicine, clinical development, CMC, and business development. The innovative nature and competitive strengths of its drug candidates, combined with a proactive strategy, efficient clinical validation, and global perspective, position Leads Biolabs as a preferred partner for leading biopharmaceutical companies and venture capital investors.
The Goodwin deal team was led by David R Chen and consisted of Jennifer L. Ford and Longfei Fang with invaluable assistance from Wenseng 'Wendy' Pan and Daniel S Karelitz.
For more information on the deal, please read the press release.