Zenas BioPharma and Royalty Pharma Enter into Obexelimab Funding Agreement for up to $300 Million

Core Insights - Zenas BioPharma and Royalty Pharma have entered into a partnership where Royalty Pharma will provide up to $300 million in funding for the development and potential commercialization of obexelimab, a treatment for IgG4-Related Disease [1][2][3] Funding and Financial Terms - The agreement includes an initial payment of $75 million, with three additional payments of $75 million each contingent upon specific milestones: success in the Phase 3 INDIGO trial, FDA approval for IgG4-RD, and FDA approval for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [3] - Royalty Pharma will receive a 5.5% royalty on worldwide net sales of obexelimab by Zenas and its affiliates [3] Product Development and Clinical Trials - Obexelimab is currently in Phase 3 development for IgG4-RD and Phase 2 development for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [2][5][7] - The topline results from the pivotal Phase 3 trial for IgG4-RD are expected around the end of 2025, with a potential commercial launch in the first half of 2027, pending FDA approval [2][6] Mechanism of Action - Obexelimab is a bifunctional monoclonal antibody designed to inhibit B cell function by binding to CD19 and FcγRIIb, which are present across B cell lineage, without depleting them [5][8] Company Background - Zenas BioPharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for autoimmune diseases, with obexelimab as its lead product candidate [8] - Royalty Pharma is a leading funder of innovation in the biopharmaceutical industry, known for acquiring royalties and co-funding late-stage clinical trials [9]