At a Glance
- Companies: CSL Limited; Memo Therapeutics AG
- Locations: Melbourne, Australia (CSL); Zurich, Switzerland (Memo)
- Deal value: Up to CHF 265m ($328m) in R&D funding, licence fee, milestones; single‑digit royalties
- Focus area: Recombinant polyclonal IgG antibodies for rare diseases
- Next steps: Memo develops products; CSL options exclusive global rights
What happened?
CSL has entered a collaboration and option agreement with Memo Therapeutics for recombinant polyclonal immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies using Memo’s Dropzylla platform. CSL gains an option to exclusively license resulting products for up to CHF 265 million ($328 million) in payments, plus single‑digit royalties on sales.
Why does it matter?
Polyclonal IgG immunotherapies treat immunodeficiencies and autoimmune disorders but rely on plasma sourcing; recombinant versions offer scalability, consistency and customisation. Memo’s microfluidic platform clones full human B‑cell repertoires, enabling 100x better coverage to isolate potent antibodies for rare diseases.
Who’s behind it?
CSL seeks novel rare disease treatments via external partnerships amid restructuring for $500–550m annual savings. Memo provides Dropzylla for repertoire copying and polyclonal expression.
How was it achieved?
Memo develops IgG products; CSL exercises option for exclusive global rights, funding R&D, paying licence fees, milestones and royalties.
What’s next?
Memo advances programmes; CSL evaluates option exercise for clinical development.
What are people saying?
Memo CEO Erik van den Berg: “Validates Dropzylla… shared ambition to advance innovative IgG solutions.” CSL SVP Michael Wilson: “Explore new treatment options for people with rare and serious diseases.”