BioNTech acquires Biotheus for 800 million euros

The acquisition of Biotheus gives BioNTech worldwide rights to BNT327/PM8002 and further advances research into innovative combination cancer therapies
Mainz / Marburg, November 13, 2024 - The German biotechnology company BioNTech has announced the planned acquisition of the Chinese biotechnology company Biotheus. With this acquisition, BioNTech secures the worldwide rights to the bispecific antibody candidate BNT327/PM8002, which targets the PD-L1 and VEGF-A proteins and has the potential to outperform existing checkpoint inhibitor therapies in solid tumors. The acquisition supports BioNTech's strategy to expand its oncology pipeline with innovative combination therapies to improve the treatment spectrum for patients with cancer.
BioNTech has announced that it will make an upfront payment of USD 800 million for the full acquisition of Biotheus. In addition, milestone payments of up to 150 million US dollars are to follow upon the achievement of certain development targets. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
Next generation cancer therapies
The acquisition of Biotheus will provide BioNTech with a promising antibody candidate. BNT327/PM8002 is a bispecific antibody that inhibits both the immune checkpoints and the blood supply of tumors. Initial clinical studies have shown that the blockade of the PD-L1 protein in combination with the neutralization of VEGF-A triggers an enhanced anti-tumor immune response. The treatment could be particularly beneficial for patients whose tumors do not respond to conventional checkpoint inhibitors because they have low or negative PD-L1 expression.
We believe that BNT327/PM8002 has the potential to set new treatment standards beyond traditional checkpoint inhibitors in several oncology indications.
Prof. Dr. Ugur Sahin, CEO and co-founder of BioNTech
Expansion of the pipeline and production capacities
The planned acquisition is a further step in BioNTech's goal to establish a comprehensive portfolio of novel cancer therapies. In addition to the antibody candidate BNT327/PM8002, BioNTech will also acquire a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and Biotheus' local research center in China, which will be used for local clinical trials. This supports BioNTech's plans to expand its presence in Asia while continuing to develop its oncology pipeline globally.
This antibody has tremendous potential in multiple tumor indications and we are committed to advancing transformative cancer therapies.
Xiaolin Liu, Biotheus President and CEO
Start of clinical trials planned for late 2024 and 2025
BioNTech is planning several pivotal trials for BNT327/PM8002 to start in late 2024 and 2025. The studies will evaluate the use of the antibody as a combination therapy in various tumor indications such as small cell and non-small cell lung cancer and triple-negative breast cancer. In addition, further studies will investigate the use of BNT327/PM8002 in combination with BioNTech's own antibody-drug conjugates. A Phase 1/2 trial combining BNT327/PM8002 with an antibody-drug conjugate from BioNTech already began in June 2024.
With the planned acquisition, BioNTech is sending a clear signal in global oncology research and demonstrating its willingness to strengthen its pipeline through strategic investments and to advance the use of new, combined cancer therapies.

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