Acasunlimab Program for Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Advances

  • Genmab takes control of lung cancer drug development after BioNTech exits program
  • Acasunlimab program for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
  • Phase 3 trial planned for second half of 2024
  • No impact on Genmab’s 2024 financial guidance

Genmab has announced that it will assume sole responsibility for the development and potential commercialization of a lung cancer therapy after BioNTech decided to exit the joint program. The acasunlimab program, a drug candidate designed to treat patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, will be subject to certain milestones and a tiered single-digit royalty on net sales by Genmab to BioNTech. This decision does not affect Genmab’s 2024 financial guidance, according to the biotechnology company. Genmab plans to initiate the phase 3 trial for acasunlimab in the second half of 2024. The move comes as BioNTech informed Genmab that it made this decision based on its portfolio strategy, and their collaboration in antibody science remains intact. Genmab’s shares dropped by 5.4% to $26.71 in premarket trading.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about the transfer of responsibility for a drug development program from BioNTech to Genmab, with details on the terms of the agreement between the two companies. It also mentions the reason behind BioNTech’s decision and its impact on Genmab’s financial guidance and plans. The article is mostly factual, but it lacks some context about the drug itself and the collaboration history between the companies.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about a company’s decision to assume responsibility for a potential lung cancer therapy and its impact on the company’s financial guidance. It also mentions the reason behind BioNTech’s decision and the collaboration between the two companies. However, it lacks in-depth analysis or exploration of long-term trends or consequences.
Public Companies: Genmab (GMAB), BioNTech (BNTX)
Key People: Michael Susin (Author)


Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Genmab and BioNTech
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a change in the joint development program for a potential lung cancer therapy, which may impact the companies’ financials and their collaboration. It also mentions Genmab’s financial guidance and stock price.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com