BioNTech Boosts Oncology Strategy with Biotheus Acquisition

BioNTech, a leading biotechnology company, has announced its acquisition of Biotheus, a clinical-stage biotech company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel antibodies. This strategic move aims to bolster BioNTech's oncology portfolio and strengthen its capabilities in developing, manufacturing, and commercializing next-generation bispecific antibodies and novel treatment combinations. The acquisition, valued at $800 million upfront and up to $150 million in potential milestone payments, grants BioNTech full global rights to BNT327/PM8002, an investigational PD-L1 x VEGF-A bispecific antibody with encouraging efficacy and tolerability data.

BNT327/PM8002, a late-stage clinical asset, targets PD-L1 and VEGF-A simultaneously, potentially replacing current checkpoint inhibitor standard of care treatments for solid tumors. With over 700 patients treated in clinical trials, this asset complements BioNTech's existing pipeline and enhances its capabilities in developing and commercializing next-generation bispecific antibodies. The acquisition also includes Biotheus' innovative antibody discovery and development platform, expediting preclinical research and bolstering BioNTech's pipeline with promising candidates like PM8002.

The combined expertise of BioNTech and Biotheus in bispecific antibodies and novel treatment combinations will accelerate clinical trials and regulatory approvals. BioNTech's strength in mRNA vaccines and targeted therapies, along with Biotheus' innovative antibody discovery platforms, will enable the development of novel bispecific antibodies targeting PD-L1 and VEGF-A. Multiple registrational trials are planned to start in late 2024 and 2025, evaluating BNT327/PM8002 in combination with chemotherapy and other therapies. This synergy can lead to faster regulatory approvals and increased patient access to innovative cancer therapies.



The acquisition of Biotheus fits into BioNTech's broader strategy to expand its oncology pipeline and market share. By obtaining full global rights to BNT327/PM8002, BioNTech aims to replace current checkpoint inhibitor standard of care treatments for solid tumors. This asset, with encouraging efficacy and tolerability data, complements BioNTech's existing pipeline and strengthens its capabilities in developing, manufacturing, and commercializing next-generation bispecific antibodies and novel treatment combinations. The acquisition also allows BioNTech to initiate multiple registrational trials with BNT327/PM8002 in late 2024 and 2025, further expanding its oncology footprint.

In conclusion, BioNTech's acquisition of Biotheus is a strategic move that bolsters its oncology portfolio and market share. The full global rights to BNT327/PM8002, an investigational PD-L1 x VEGF-A bispecific antibody, position BioNTech to replace current checkpoint inhibitor standard of care treatments for solid tumors. The acquisition also includes Biotheus' innovative antibody discovery and development platform, expediting preclinical research and bolstering BioNTech's pipeline. With the combined expertise of both companies, clinical trials and regulatory approvals can be accelerated, leading to faster patient access to innovative cancer therapies. This acquisition aligns with BioNTech's long-term growth strategy and sets the stage for continued success in the oncology sector.