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J&J Deal Helps Zymeworks Continue Transformational Year

 
• By Joseph Haas

Vancouver biotech says $50m up front from Janssen reflects clinical validation of its antibody technology platforms. Firm also moved first proprietary candidate into clinic and netted $59m from an IPO in 2017.

businessman with half wire frame body with technology screen backgrouund

Zymeworks Inc. has pursued a strategy of funding its internal development of bispecific antibody therapies for cancer by licensing non-exclusive rights to its technology platforms with six partners now, dating back to 2011, but the $50m upfront payment it is getting from Janssen Biotech Inc. in a deal announced Nov. 13 exceeds the aggregate upfront cash it received up front in its previous deals.

In outlining the six-target licensing agreement around its Azymetric and EFECT (Effector Function and Enhancement Control Technology) platforms with the Johnson & Johnson affiliate, Zymeworks CEO Ali Tehrani explained...

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