June 11 Company Quick Takes: Genmab, Janssen together again on CD38; plus GT Apeiron’s launch; BiomX, Aimmune, Keytruda

Genmab, Janssen partner on next-gen CD38 mAb

Genmab A/S (CSE:GEN; Pink:GMXAY) granted Janssen Biotech Inc. an option to HexaBody-CD38, building on the companies' collaboration on multiple myeloma CD38 mAb Darzalex daratumumab. Genmab will fund R&D through proof-of-concept clinical studies in MM and diffuse large B cell lymphoma, at which point the Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) unit can exercise its option for exclusive, worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize the anti-CD38 mAb. If it opts in, Janssen would pay $150 million up front and up to $125 million in milestones, plus a flat royalty rate of 20% through 2031 and tiered 13-20% royalties thereafter (see "Genmab's Blockbuster Darzalex Surpasses $2B in Sales")...