Plus, news about Vertex, Genomics and Lantheus:
SOTIO, Biocytogen team up on antibodies: SOTIO will get the option to license bispecific antibodies designed using Biocytogen’s RenLite platform. These antibodies will likely form the basis of next-generation antibody-drug conjugates for solid tumors. Biocytogen could get up to $325.5 million in upfront and milestone payments, as well as royalties on net sales. — Ayisha Sharma
Pliant Therapeutics touts Ph2a liver disease data: The biotech said bexotegrast improved liver stiffness versus placebo in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis at 24 weeks. The drug candidate was also well tolerated up to 40 weeks, with lower rates of pruritus and cholangitis versus placebo. — Ayisha Sharma
Vertex expands machine learning work: The company extended and expanded a genetics and machine learning pact with Oxford-based Genomics to 2026. The partnership began in 2018, and no terms were disclosed. — Lei Lei Wu
Lantheus acquires experimental amyloid imaging agent for Alzheimer’s disease: The company gained the brain imaging agent via its purchase of Meilleur Technologies. Lantheus also has its own investigational tau imaging agent. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. — Lei Lei Wu