Roche signs global deal with Qyuns for bispecific antibody

Swiss pharma major Roche (ROG: SIX) has entered a global exclusive licensing agreement with China’s Qyuns Therapeutics for QX031N, a pre-clinical bispecific antibody targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and interleukin-33 (IL-33). The deal, disclosed in a Hong Kong Stock Exchange filing, grants Roche worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize the candidate.

Under the terms, Qyuns will receive $75 million upfront and stands to earn up to $995 million in development, regulatory and commercial milestones, alongside tiered royalties on future sales. The agreement remains subject to customary closing conditions, including US antitrust clearance.

QX031N is designed to dampen the dual inflammatory pathways triggered when airways are irritated by allergens, viruses or pollutants. Qyuns believes that blocking both alarmins could control the chronic inflammation underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The biotech expects to file investigational new drug applications in China and the USA by late 2025.