On May 21, 2024 Genmab A/S (Nasdaq: GMAB) reported that it has completed its acquisition of ProfoundBio, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADC)s and ADC technologies for the treatment of cancers in an all-cash transaction of USD 1.8 billion (subject to adjustment for ProfoundBio’s closing net debt and transaction expenses) (Press release, Genmab, MAY 21, 2024, View Source [SID1234643486]).
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With the completion of this strategic transaction, we are excited to welcome our new colleagues and their expertise in developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates to our exceptionally talented R&D team," said Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Genmab. "We look forward to unlocking new opportunities as we strengthen our oncology portfolio and continue to work towards our goal of transforming the lives of patients with innovative antibody medicines."
The acquisition gives Genmab worldwide rights to ProfoundBio’s portfolio of next-generation ADCs, further broadening and strengthening its clinical pipeline. These programs include Rina-S, a potential best-in-class, clinical-stage, FRα-targeted, Topo1 ADC, currently in part 2 of a Phase 1/2 clinical trial, for the treatment of ovarian cancer and other FRα-expressing solid tumors. The addition of Rina-S to Genmab’s portfolio enables Genmab to deepen its presence in the gynecologic oncology space and establish a firm foundation in solid tumors. Based on the data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial, which also indicates that Rina-S has the potential to address a broader patient population than first-generation FRα-targeted ADCs, Genmab intends to broaden the development plans for Rina-S within ovarian cancer and other FRα-expressing solid tumors. In January 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) granted Fast Track designation to Rina-S for the treatment of patients with FRα-expressing high-grade serous or endometrioid platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
In addition, the transaction provides Genmab with access to ProfoundBio’s novel ADC technology platforms, which complement Genmab’s already validated suite of proprietary technology platforms. The combination of the companies’ technology platforms could create new opportunities to generate and develop new medicines with the potential to transform the treatment of cancer and improve patients’ lives.
As previously disclosed in Company Announcement No. 26, following the closing of this acquisition, Genmab’s operating expenses, before expenses incurred by it in connection with the transaction, are anticipated to be at or moderately above the upper end of the previously disclosed guidance range of DKK 12.4 -13.4 billion. The anticipated increase reflects the incremental R&D investment to support the advancement of ProfoundBio’s clinical programs, primarily Rina-S. Genmab’s revenue guidance is unchanged and expected to be in the previously disclosed guidance range of DKK 18.7 – 20.5 billion. Genmab expects to update its guidance no later than in connection with its second quarter 2024 earnings.