AstraZeneca has reportedly entered an agreement to acquire TeneoTwo, Inc., comprising TNB-486, Phase one clinical-stage T-cell engager, CD19/CD3, which is currently under assessment in refractory and relapsed B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma1.

As per reports, AstraZeneca is set to take over all exceptional equity of TeneoTwo by trading an open payment of $100 million on closing the deal.

As per the agreement terms, AstraZeneca will reportedly make an extra unforeseeable Research and Development-related benchmark payment of nearly $805 million along with another commercial-centric payment of around $360 million to the equity holders of TeneoTwo.

Notably, the procurement of TNB-486 aims to speed up the growth of this potential new medication for B-cell haematological malignancies, consisting follicular lymphoma and large B-cell lymphoma.

Mounting on the triumph of Calquence (acalabrutinib), TNB-486 further expands the haematology pipeline of AstraZeneca that spans various therapeutic mechanisms and modalities to meet a broad spectrum of blood cancers.

Not to mention, TNB-486 belongs to the group of therapeutic antibodies called T-cell engagers which are gaining prominence as promising therapeutic approaches amongst solid tumours and haematologic malignancies.

According to sources, T-cell engagers are considered bispecific molecules that are orchestrated to redirect the T-cells of the immune system to spot and eliminate cancer cells.

Moreover, by binding to the CD3 receptor on T-cells and CD19, which is an antigen that is expressed on B-cell, TNB-486 recruits and activates T-cells to CD19, forcing out tumours where they can stimulate an immune response.

Senior Vice President of Haematology Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Anas Younes, stated that TNB-486 either in combination with CD2O-targeted therapy or alone can possibly improvise patient results and intensify clinical responses by redirecting the body’s natural immune outcomes to target B-cell growths.

Overall, the acquisition will be reported as an intangible asset procurement, initially recognised at the current value of the non-contingent consideration with the anticipated benchmark capitalised in the intangible resources as they are recognised.

Source Credits: - http://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/news/astrazeneca-acquire-teneotwo-and-its-clinical-stage-t-cell-engager-strengthening-its