The acquisition strengthens HiFiBiO Therapeutics’ strategic focus on identifying first-in-class targets for multiple immune cell types, as well as applying industry-leading technologies to develop diverse antibody therapeutics. Specific financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Established in late 2016 as a spin-out of the French Atomic Energy Commission, H-Immune was founded by Luc Boblet, PhD, Former Co-founder and CEO of Institute Pasteur spin-out PathoQuest, and Michel Léonetti, PhD, Senior Immunologist.
H-Immune has pioneered a unique in vitro immunization-based fully human antibody generation platform (IVI), which complements HiFiBiO’s world-leading single-cell platform, and has developed an early-stage novel pipeline through translational collaborations with leading cancer centers in Europe. Following the acquisition, Dr. Boblet has joined the HiFiBiO Therapeutics’ leadership team as Executive Vice President, Business Development.
HiFiBiO Therapeutics president and CEO Liang Schweizer said: “Over the past several months, we have made significant strides in our evolution as a biotherapeutics pioneer with this acquisition of H-Immune Therapeutics, collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies including Takeda and Kite, and fast progression of our own internal projects through our open innovation model.
“This acquisition not only adds a pipeline of promising novel therapeutics, but also strengthens our team of world-class immunologists and immune assay scientists. Together, we will accelerate the development of a full repertoire of innovative antibody drugs that will soon transform patient care.”
“HiFiBiO Therapeutics is well known for its expertise with immune modulation antibody therapies and unprecedented drug discovery engine,” said Dr. Boblet. “My team and I are excited to join this group of experienced, enthusiastic drug hunters. Together, with our synergies, we will be able to bring innovative immuno-oncology drugs to patients in need, faster and more effectively than before.”
Source: Company Press Release