**BioLineRx Ltd., a biopharmaceutical firm focused on transformative treatments for cancer and uncommon medical conditions, and Ayrmid Ltd., the umbrella organization of Gamida Cell Ltd., revealed their new licensing arrangement on November 20, 2024. The agreement is set to advance motixafortide, marketed as Aphexda in the U.S. – an approved stem cell mobilization agent meant for use with filgrastim (G-CSF), assisting in the collection and subsequent self-donation in multiple myeloma patients.**
According to the deal’s stipulations, BioLineRx is granting Ayrmid exclusive rights to further develop and market Aphexda (motixafortide) across most indications, save for solid tumor cases, outside Asia. Previously, a separate exclusive license was afforded to Gloria Biosciences covering the Asia region for the same product.
As part of the contract, BioLineRx receives an initial $10 million, with possibilities for an extra $87 million connected to commercial milestones, plus royalties of 18% to 23% on Aphexda’s net sales.
Ayrmid plans to integrate the drug into its current commercial assets, which include Gamida Cell’s Omisirge. Omisirge is the sole FDA-approved cell therapy altered with nicotinamide (NAM) for individuals with blood cancers requiring a stem cell transplant. To aid this transition, Ayrmid expects to enlist certain alumni of BioLineRx’s commercial team based in the United States.
The agreement will allow BioLineRx to minimize long-term liabilities and operational costs, details of which will be further dissected during their forthcoming Q3 earnings call.
Further strengthening its financial position, BioLineRx has secured a $9 million equity investment from entities managed by Highbridge Capital Management, LLC. This investment, combined with upcoming potential revenues from their partnerships with Ayrmid and Gloria Biosciences, aims to bolster BioLineRx’s continued expansion and growing asset opportunities.
BioLineRx remains committed to advancing motixafortide against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with promising collaborations, including a significant phase 2b PDAC trial with Columbia University and a forthcoming trial in China backed by Gloria Biosciences.
Philip Serlin, CEO of BioLineRx, remarked, “Since APHEXDA’s introduction, its value to patients and transplant centers is clear, and our collaboration with Ayrmid is poised to unlock the drug’s full potential commercially. Our strategic focus now extends to honing our development skills, especially in rare diseases and oncology, creating substantial value.”
Dr. Joe Wiley, Ayrmid’s CEO, praised Aphexda’s progress, saying it “substantially enhances our treatment offerings for multiple myeloma patients, setting a firm position in our growing transplant-focused agenda.”
BioLineRx’s share offering, backed by the registration statement on Form F-3 with the SEC, is part of a larger financial strategy.
MTS Health Partners, L.P. advised BioLineRx throughout the deal, while Moelis & Company LLC guided Ayrmid Ltd.
About the Companies:
**Ayrmid Ltd.**, the parent organization to Gamida Cell Ltd., is a leader in cell therapy innovations. Gamida Cell is recognized for pioneering the use of NAM technology to create advanced, potentially life-saving cell therapies for hematologic cancer patients.
**Highbridge Capital Management, LLC** delivers alternative investment strategies worldwide, focusing on unique credit and volatility solutions.
BioLineRx Ltd. continues its mission in biopharma to deliver transformative remedies for oncology and rare diseases, with its initial product, Aphexda (motixafortide), now set for expansion through Ayrmid Ltd. (excluding Asia) and Gloria Biosciences (in Asia).**