UCB has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Candid Therapeutics, securing the rights to cizutamig—a promising bispecific antibody for severe autoimmune diseases. This acquisition marks a pivotal milestone for UCB as it strengthens its portfolio of next-generation immunology assets.
Financial terms of the agreement The deal is valued at up to $2.2 billion, structured as follows:
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Upfront payment: $2.0 billion in cash.
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Milestone payments: Up to $200 million based on the achievement of future development and regulatory goals.
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Closing timeline: Expected in late Q2 or early Q3 2026, subject to antitrust clearance and customary closing conditions.
Cizutamig: A transformative therapeutic asset The centerpiece of the acquisition is cizutamig, a BCMA×CD3 bispecific T-cell engager (TCE).
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Mechanism of action: It redirects T-cells to target and deplete BCMA-expressing plasma cells and B-cells.
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Safety profile: Specifically engineered to maintain high cytotoxicity while mitigating the risk of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a significant safety concern for many TCE therapies.
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Clinical potential: The drug is currently being evaluated in more than 10 autoimmune indications, including an active Phase I trial for refractory seropositive rheumatoid arthritis.
UCB’s broader immunology strategy The Candid acquisition is UCB’s second T-cell engager deal in quick succession, following its transaction with Antengene for a CD19-targeting asset. By integrating cizutamig, UCB is building a multi-antigen, platform-driven strategy to address various immune-mediated disease mechanisms.
UCB leadership considers cizutamig a potentially transformative asset poised to redefine treatment expectations for patients suffering from severe, underserved autoimmune conditions.
source: https://www.pharmexec.com/view/ucb-enters-2-billion-agreement-acquire-candid-therapeutics