AnaptysBio Inc. announced an exclusive license agreement for Centessa Pharmaceuticals? blood dendritic cell antigen 2 (BDCA2) modulator antibody portfolio, including lead asset CBS004 and related family of backup antibodies, for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Anaptys anticipates filing an IND application for CBS004, which will be renamed ANB101, in H2 2024.

Under the terms of the agreement, Anaptys will receive from Centessa Pharmaceuticals an exclusive, global license for ANB101. Anaptys will also receive the same rights to ANB102, an extended half-life BDCA2 modulator with the potential to enable quarterly or less frequent dosing. ANB101 has successfully completed IND-enabling studies and manufacturing scale-up.

Anaptys will assume responsibility for all future clinical development. In exchange, Anaptys will pay Centessa a one-time upfront cash payment of $7 million, inclusive of a one-time cash payment of $3 million for manufactured and released GMP supply of ANB101. Centessa is eligible to receive an additional development milestone payment and low single-digit royalties on global net sales.