Biohaven, Ono Pharma Partner to Commercialize IgG Degrader for Graves’ Disease

Editor’s Take: A lead candidate may have additional potential against a broad spectrum of IgG-mediated diseases.

Biohaven inked a strategic licensing and collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical to develop and commercialize Biohaven’s immunoglobulin G (IgG) portfolio. Exclusivity in the deal applies to Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The MoDE pan IgG degrader portfolio features BHV-1300, an investigational small-molecule IgG degrader in Phase III development for Graves’ disease. In the deal, Ono obtains exclusive license to the portfolio, also including next-generation follow-on degraders BHV-1310 and BHV-1320.

Graves’ and How IgG Degrader Helps

Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder, can cause hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid. Left untreated, it can cause (among other complications) a rapid, irregular heartbeat leading to blood clots, stroke, or heart failure.

Biohaven says the collaboration is its first regional one regarding an extracellular protein degrader from the company’s platform. The company advanced the technology into the clinic after its origination in research done at Yale University.

Biohaven believes BHV-1300, particularly, has potential not only in Graves’ disease, but also a broader spectrum of IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases.

Biohaven and Ono A Good Fit

“Ono [is] the ideal partner to bring this immune-modulating technology to patients,” Biohaven Chairman and CEO Vlad Coric, MD, said. “Few companies in the world can match Ono’s innovation in drug development … We are excited for an outstanding collaboration to accelerate new therapeutics.”

“Biohaven has a strong track record of developing innovative therapeutics,” Ono President and Chief Operating Officer Toichi Takino, PhD, said. “Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen our late-stage pipeline in the immunology and inflammation field, [a] key focus area. We look forward to working with Biohaven to advance the development program … and maximize the value of this treatment.”

Financially, Ono Pharma will pay Biohaven up to $100 million in near-term payments, $80 million of that due at closing. Biohaven retains rights to the MoDE IgG degrader portfolio outside the licensed territory—throughout the United States, Europe, and China.