GenScript’s ProBio Licenses PD-1 Molecule to LaNova Medicines

• GenScript Biotech’s CDMO subsidiary, ProBio, licensed its PD-1 NME to LaNova Medicines, which has partnered with Merck for $3.3B.

• The partnership highlights ProBio’s innovation in immuno-oncology and future expansion plans.

GenScript Biotech, a global biotechnology company, has announced that its CDMO subsidiary, ProBio, has licensed its proprietary PD-1 new molecular entity (NME) to LaNova Medicines. This licensing agreement has paved the way for LaNova’s PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody program, LM-299, which is now the focus of a $3.3 billion collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc.

LaNova utilised ProBio’s PD-1 molecule in the development of LM-299, which aims to enhance cancer treatments through its dual-action targeting mechanism. This deal is set to generate substantial revenue for ProBio as part of the LaNova-Merck agreement.

Patrick Liu, Chair of ProBio’s Board of Directors, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We congratulate LaNova Medicines for unlocking the therapeutic potential of our anti-PD-1 NME to treat patients in need.”

This agreement underlines ProBio’s commitment in immuno-oncology as well as its capability to combine molecular innovation with advanced contract manufacturing services. The revenue from this partnership is expected to bolster ProBio’s ongoing expansion efforts, including the enhancement of its manufacturing site in Hopewell, New Jersey.