First FDA approval of a bispecific antibody discovered using OmniAb technology
OmniAb, Inc. is eligible to receive a $25 million milestone upon first commercial sale in the United States
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:LGND) announced that Janssen Biotech, Inc. (Janssen) has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for TECVAYLI (teclistamab) for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) multiple myeloma. Teclistamab is a T-cell redirecting, bispecific antibody targeting both B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3 discovered and developed by Janssen scientists using OmniAb's OmniRat antibody discovery technology.
Under the terms of the licensing agreement with an affiliate of Janssen, OmniAb is eligible to receive a $25 million milestone payment upon the first commercial sale of teclistamab in the United States.
"We are delighted Janssen's TECVAYLI has been approved by the FDA, which follows its approval by the European Commission. This first FDA approval of an OmniAb-derived antibody is a major milestone for OmniAb as we continue to build momentum in the business," said Matt Foehr, President and COO of Ligand and planned CEO of OmniAb, Inc. following spin-off from Ligand. "Our strategic partners and collaborators have now received regulatory approvals for three different OmniAb-derived antibodies in three major geographies that include the U.S., Europe and China. We continue to see use of our platform increase for a variety of novel modalities, and are proud of the role we play within the industry and the contribution our technologies and team make to the discovery of therapeutics to improve human health on a global level."
The spin-off of OmniAb from Ligand remains on track with an expected closing on November 1, 2022, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of closing conditions for the business combination (Business Combination) of Avista Public Acquisition Corp. II (APAC) (NASDAQ:AHPA) and OmniAb. The record date for the dividend of shares of common stock of OmniAb to be distributed to Ligand shareholders (Distribution) is October 26, 2022, and the Distribution is expected to be made on November 1, 2022 immediately prior to the Business Combination, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of closing conditions. Following the closing of the Business Combination, OmniAb will begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the stock ticker symbol "OABI." Under the terms of the separation and distribution agreement between Ligand and OmniAb, the milestone payments related to the first commercial sale of TECVAYLI will remain with OmniAb regardless of timing and achievement of the milestone and the timing of the closing of the Business Combination. The license agreement with an affiliate of Janssen does not include royalty payments, and OmniAb will not receive royalties on sales of TECVAYLI.