Neurotoxicity kills a CAR-T rival pushed by J&J, MacroGenics in $700M deal
Back in late 2014, MacroGenics $MGNX CEO Scott Koenig touted the potential of his bispecific CD19/CD3 drug for B-cell malignancies, claiming MGD011 (duvortuxizumab) looked like it could beat the CAR-T drugs that were beginning to gather rapt attention. And J&J bought in, claiming worldwide rights in a deal launched with $125 million in cash and $575 million in milestones.
Today, the drug is likely dead and J&J is throwing in the towel on the Phase I after patients in the study experienced neurotoxicity. Ironically, the smash up occurred the same week CAR-T was heralded for an historic first approval, with most analysts ready to applaud the cell therapy’s potential as a game changer for B-cell malignancies.
Unlock this article instantly by becoming a free subscriber.
You’ll get access to free articles each month, plus you can customize what newsletters get delivered to your inbox each week, including breaking news.