After ‘reset year,’ CSL builds in nephrology via Alentis deal

CSL’s deal with Alentis for lixudebart is its latest step toward building a nephrology franchise following a turbulent period for the company, as it seeks to add growth products that complement its legacy businesses.

The Australian biopharma said Monday it would pay $355 million up front to share rights to lixudebart, an antibody targeting CLDN1 that is in Phase II development to treat antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (AAV-RPGN). CSL Ltd. (ASX:CSL) could pay out another $1.2 billion in milestones, plus royalties; it would fund lixudebart’s development, and receive 55% of profits, if the treatment is approved...