Immunome, a clinical-stage biotech developing novel antibody drugs for cancer, plans to merge with private peer Morphimmune in an all-stock deal. The combined company will unite complementary technology platforms with the goal of creating best-in-class targeted oncology therapies.
Morphimmune brings its proprietary Targeted Effector platform designed to selectively deliver anti-cancer payloads directly to tumor cells. Immunome contributes its human memory B cell interrogation platform that can identify novel antibodies against disease-associated antigens.
The merged entity, which will operate under the Immunome name, intends to submit 3 IND applications within 18 months after the transaction closes. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
Leading the charge as new Immunome CEO will be current Morphimmune chief Clay Siegall, an industry veteran who previously founded and led Seattle Genetics for over two decades. Siegall built Seagen into a multi-billion cancer drug company on the back of its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology.
His experience commercializing ADCs, which similarly target treatments directly to tumors, is highly relevant. Siegall called the merger “the first step in establishing a preeminent oncology company.”
The transaction will also bring in $125 million via a concurrent private placement from healthcare institutional investors. Participants include Enavate Sciences, EcoR1 Capital, Redmile Group, and Janus Henderson.
The fresh funding will support advancement of Immunome’s lead asset, a novel IL-38 targeting antibody. It originates from the company’s memory B cell interrogation platform, which sorts through patient blood samples to uncover new therapeutic candidates.
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From Morphimmune, a potent TLR7 agonist and radioligand therapy are currently in preclinical testing. The TLR7 program stimulates the immune system against cancer cells when targeted via Morphimmune’s effector platform. The radioligand directly delivers cell-killing radiation.
Siegall highlighted the productive synergy between Morphimmune’s delivery technology and Immunome’s antibody generation engine. The combined company will be able to pursue a wider array of novel targets across multiple therapeutic modalities.
For investors, the merger and additional capital provide Immunome with a deeper pipeline and strengthened financial footing. The $125 million infusion should fund operations well into 2024 even with increased R&D activity.
The more diversified targeted therapy portfolio also helps mitigate risk, with programs based on different mechanisms of action. This provides more shots on goal for achieving clinical success and advancing partnership opportunities.
However, Immunome stock initially fell on news of the deal, indicating some investors were unimpressed by the initial progress made since its August 2020 IPO. The cash position was also becoming strained, likely necessitating the additional financing.
But the opportunity to start fresh under industry ace Siegall may give the story new appeal. His track record of building shareholder value and delivering oncology drugs could reinvigorate Immunome.
The merger puts all the pieces in place to become a fully integrated cancer therapy player. Immunome now has platform technology, industry expertise, development capabilities and a strengthened balance sheet.
Execution will be key, but Siegall’s involvement is about as good as it gets in terms of leadership. For long-term investors, Immunome may offer an intriguing backdoor into the vision of one of biotech’s most accomplished CEOs.