Biogen Finalizes Acquisition of HI-Bio, Expands Immunology Pipeline with Felzartamab Therapy

Biogen has finalized the acquisition of Human Immunology Biosciences (HI-Bio), adding felzartamab to its pipeline for immune-mediated diseases. Felzartamab has shown promise in Phase 2 studies for IgA nephropathy and antibody-mediated rejection, with positive interim results and publication in the New England Journal of Medicine. The merger will integrate HI-Bio's research into Biogen's global infrastructure, aiming to advance felzartamab and expand Biogen's immunology portfolio.

Biogen Inc. (BIIB), a leading biotechnology company specializing in neurology and immunology, has recently completed the acquisition of Human Immunology Biosciences (HI-Bio), a privately-held clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on targeted therapies for severe immune-mediated diseases (IMDs) [1]. This strategic move adds felzartamab, a promising late-stage therapeutic candidate, to Biogen's expanding immunology portfolio.

Felzartamab, an investigational therapeutic human monoclonal antibody, selectively targets CD38-expressing plasma cells [2]. In recent Phase 2 studies, felzartamab demonstrated positive interim results for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), with publication of the latter in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine [1]. Additionally, felzartamab has shown promise in a Phase 2 study for primary membranous nephropathy (PMN), with plans to advance to Phase 3 trials in all three indications [2].

Biogen's acquisition of HI-Bio is expected to accelerate the development of felzartamab, integrating HI-Bio's research into Biogen's global infrastructure. Travis Murdoch, M.D., CEO of HI-Bio, expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting the shared values and commitment to positively impacting patients with severe diseases [1]. Priya Singhal, M.D., M.P.H., Head of Development at Biogen, echoed this sentiment, stating, "We are very excited about the addition of felzartamab into our pipeline, further strengthening our presence in immunology with a promising late-stage therapeutic candidate being studied in multiple indications" [1].

The strategic acquisition of HI-Bio by Biogen is a testament to the company's commitment to expanding its immunology portfolio and addressing unmet needs in a range of rare diseases. With felzartamab showing promise in multiple indications, the collaboration between Biogen and HI-Bio is poised to yield significant advancements in the field of immunology.

References:
[1] Biogen, Inc. (2024, July 2). Biogen Completes Acquisition of Human Immunology Biosciences. Retrieved from https://investors.biogen.com/news-releases/news-release-details/biogen-completes-acquisition-human-immunology-biosciences
[2] MorphoSys AG (2024). FELZARTAMAB (MOR103) Overview. Retrieved from https://www.morphosys.com/en/pipeline/our-pipeline/programs/felzartamab-mor103