In collaboration with BioWa, initial focus is on Mab targeting IL-5 receptor in Phase I with asthma patients.

MedImmune and BioWa will develop and commercialize new inflammatory disease therapies targeting the interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor, under a licensing and collaboration agreement. Initially, the companies will focus on developing BIW-8405, a Mab currently in Phase I studies in patients with asthma.


BIW-8405 was developed utilizing BioWa’s Potelligent™ technology platform for the development of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity enhanced antibodies. The molecule aims to directly deplete eosinophils, a class of white blood cells implicated in the pathology of asthma and other inflammatory diseases. Additionally, BIW-8405 has the potential to neutralize the activity of IL-5, which is believed to play a key role in the growth and development of eosinophils.


BioWa will receive an undisclosed upfront payment, milestone payments, and royalties on any future marketed products. BioWa will have exclusive marketing rights in Japan and certain countries in Asia for potential products developed as a result of the agreement. MedImmune will have exclusive marketing rights to these products for the U.S., Europe, and all other countries.

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