In the latest investment in the immunology space, Sanofi has agreed to a $600 million upfront payment to buy Dren Bio’s investigational bispecific antibody DR-0201 in a deal announced Thursday.
The asset is a targeted cell engager that binds to the CD20 protein on B cells, tagging them for destruction. In early clinical studies, DR-0201 has demonstrated the ability to strongly deplete B cells, an effect that according to Sanofi’s release on Thursday gives it the “potential to reset the adaptive immune system.” Under Thursday’s agreement, Sanofi has also promised to hand over up to $1.3 billion in certain development and launch milestone payments. The companies expect to close the transaction in the second quarter of 2025, contingent on regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. It remains unclear what the arrangement for royalties will be.