Building on its legacy as a leader in lupus treatment, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is making a substantial investment in a new clinical-stage drug with the potential to reach lupus patients who don’t respond to current treatments. The British pharmaceutical giant has committed $300 million upfront to acquire CMG1A46, a T-cell engager developed by China-based Chimagen Biosciences, with further payments of up to $550 million possible if the drug achieves key milestones.
CMG1A46, currently in early-phase trials for leukemia and lymphoma, targets CD19 and CD20 proteins on B cells—central to lupus pathogenesis. While initially tested for blood cancers, GSK sees this candidate’s potential to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis, along with other B-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.
The molecule is designed with an IgG-like structure that enables it to effectively bind CD19- and CD20-positive B cells while minimizing attachment to CD3, potentially reducing the toxicity seen in other T-cell engagers. Preclinical trials have demonstrated that CMG1A46 leads to rapid and significant depletion of B cells in both the blood and tissues, hinting at its potential to provide lasting effects for patients suffering from severe lupus cases.
The investment is a strategic move by GSK, which pioneered the lupus treatment landscape with Benlysta, the first lupus drug approved over a decade ago. Now, the pharmaceutical giant aims to add a new option to its lupus portfolio, addressing unmet needs for those with severe, treatment-resistant lupus.
Commenting on the acquisition, GSK Chief Scientific Officer Tony Wood, Ph.D., stated, “Through our work in systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis, we increasingly understand the underlying drivers of B cell-driven diseases. CMG1A46 represents an exciting opportunity to advance deep B cell depletion in lupus and autoimmune conditions where current options fall short.”
Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, causes the immune system to mistakenly attack its own tissues, leading to widespread inflammation and damage to organs. For patients with SLE, the most common form of lupus, organ damage can occur within five years of diagnosis in nearly half of those affected. GSK’s latest investment aims to provide a lifeline for those who suffer from severe disease forms, marking another step in its pursuit of innovative therapies in lupus care.
