shutterstock_685347493_katherine_welles
Katherine Welles / Shutterstock.com
27 August 2020Americas

BMS to acquire Forbius in oncology expansion

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has announced a deal to acquire protein engineering company  Forbius, including its portfolio of protein inhibitors.

The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year. According to a BMS statement, at the heart of the deal is Forbius’ portfolio of “highly selective and potent inhibitors” of TGF-beta 1 and 3, described as “key mediators of immunosuppression and fibrosis”.

TGF-beta is a key cytokine (a type of small protein) that regulates cell processes, including the immune system. Selective inhibition of TGF-beta 1 and 3 may enhance anti-tumour efficacy in combination with immunotherapy, the BMS statement said.

The TGF-beta portfolio includes AVID200, Forbius’ “lead investigational asset”. BMS’ initial R&D of AVID200 will focus on oncology, and could spin out to other diseases such as fibrosis.

“With this acquisition, we extend our leading position in oncology by including new pathways that complement our expansive oncology pipeline with the potential to serve more patients with cancer, including those who may not respond to immunotherapy,” said Rupert Vessey, executive vice president at BMS.

“Our portfolio of highly selective TGF-beta inhibitors has shown potential across a broad range of therapeutic areas,” said Ilia Tikhomirov, president and CEO of Forbius. “We are proud that BMS recognises this potential given their global leadership in oncology and unique position to translate innovative science into meaningful treatments for patients with cancer across the globe,” Tikhomirov added.The deal is the latest effort by BMS to strengthen its position in the field of oncology. Last January, the company announced it was purchasing cancer drug manufacturer Celgene, in a  $74 billion deal.

Did you enjoy reading this story?  Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories sent like this straight to your inbox.


More on this story

Americas
5 February 2020   Bristol-Myers Squibb and BioMotiv, a drug development accelerator, have launched Anteros Pharmaceuticals, a biotech focused on developing a new class of drugs for fibrotic and other inflammatory diseases.
Americas
3 January 2019   American pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb has announced it is purchasing drug manufacturer Celgene in a $74 billion deal.
Generics
3 September 2020   Generics maker Sigmapharm Laboratories is appealing against a court win for Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb over patents for blood-thinner Eliquis.

More on this story

Americas
5 February 2020   Bristol-Myers Squibb and BioMotiv, a drug development accelerator, have launched Anteros Pharmaceuticals, a biotech focused on developing a new class of drugs for fibrotic and other inflammatory diseases.
Americas
3 January 2019   American pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb has announced it is purchasing drug manufacturer Celgene in a $74 billion deal.
Generics
3 September 2020   Generics maker Sigmapharm Laboratories is appealing against a court win for Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb over patents for blood-thinner Eliquis.