Pipeline power: Sionna’s AbbVie deal could redefine CF therapeutics
Sionna Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF), has significantly strengthened its position in the CF therapeutic landscape through a strategic licensing agreement with AbbVie. Announced on July 16, the partnership allows Sionna to develop and commercialize multiple clinical-stage CF compounds from AbbVie, including two Phase II compounds (ABBV-2222 and ABBV-3067) and a Phase I compound (ABBV-2851), marking a substantial expansion of its pipeline. AbbVie will receive an undisclosed upfront payment, equity investment in Sionna, and late-stage development and commercial milestones and royalties.
This collaboration follows a lack of CF drug development success by AbbVie, which underscores the strategic importance of combining Sionna’s innovative approaches with AbbVie’s advanced compounds. For context, CF is a genetic disorder that causes thick and sticky mucus to accumulate in the lungs and digestive system, challenging existing treatment paradigms. Despite advancements, many patients suffer from severe symptoms, highlighting the need for more effective therapies. The acquisition of AbbVie’s clinical compounds enhances Sionna’s ability to address these challenges and solidifies its position as a potential future player in the CF market.
Founded in 2019, Sionna focuses on novel small molecules targeting specific domains of the CFTR protein, particularly the NBD1 domain impacted by the ΔF508 mutation. Its approach aims to correct protein misfolding and instability at the molecular level, offering a promising new direction for CF therapy. Targeting NBD1, considered the “holy grail” of CFTR correction due to its challenging binding properties, Sionna’s strategy could potentially overcome significant obstacles in CF treatment. In recent years, Sionna has embarked on several notable initiatives to advance its CF pipeline. For instance, in January 2024, Sionna initiated a Phase I clinical trial for its lead compound, SION-109. This trial marked a critical step in evaluating the safety and efficacy of this promising therapy, which targets the defective CFTR protein to improve lung function and overall patient outcomes. In March 2024, the company completed a Series C funding round, in which Sionna secured $182m, following its April 2022 Series B funding round, where the company raised $111m. This capital infusion is expected to double the company’s clinical-stage assets and accelerate the development of its CF therapies.
The strategic implications of the agreement with AbbVie are substantial for both companies. For Sionna, incorporating AbbVie’s clinical-stage compounds could expedite the development of new treatments and potentially bring innovative therapies to market faster. This aligns with Sionna’s commitment to strengthening its portfolio and addressing the needs of CF patients more effectively. In parallel, AbbVie benefits by reallocating resources towards other strategic priorities while still contributing to CF advancements through Sionna’s continued development efforts. The partnership with AbbVie is particularly noteworthy given AbbVie’s recent challenges, such as the failure of ABBV-119 in a triple-combo therapy trial. Despite these setbacks, AbbVie’s collaboration with Sionna reflects a strategic pivot, leveraging Sionna’s innovative approach to potentially bring more effective therapies to market.
The market impact of this agreement could be significant, potentially reshaping the competitive dynamics in the CF treatment market. Sionna’s acquisition of these clinical-stage compounds not only strengthens its pipeline but also exemplifies the dynamic nature of strategic partnerships in the biopharmaceutical industry. Currently dominated by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the market could see a shift as Sionna’s expanded pipeline introduces new therapeutic options. Vertex’s flagship CF therapies, such as Trikafta, have set a high standard in treatment efficacy, but Sionna’s new assets hold promise for further advancements. Sionna’s pipeline is designed to address the complex pathology of CF through a multifaceted approach, targeting various regions and functions of the CFTR protein beyond just NBD1. This competitive pressure could stimulate further innovation in the CF treatment space, ultimately benefiting patients through improved care and outcomes.
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles
on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
View profiles in store
Company Profile – free
sample
Your download email will arrive shortly
We are confident about the
unique
quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most
beneficial
decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by
submitting the below form
By GlobalData
Country *
UK
USA
Afghanistan
Åland Islands
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antarctica
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bonaire, Sint
Eustatius
and
Saba
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Bouvet Island
Brazil
British Indian Ocean
Territory
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China
Christmas Island
Cocos Islands
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Democratic Republic
of
the Congo
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Côte d”Ivoire
Croatia
Cuba
Curaçao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French Southern
Territories
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala
Guernsey
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Heard Island and
McDonald
Islands
Holy See
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Isle of Man
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jersey
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
North Korea
South Korea
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Lao
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao
Macedonia,
The
Former
Yugoslav Republic of
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Palestinian Territory
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Réunion
Romania
Russian Federation
Rwanda
Saint
Helena,
Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Vincent and
The
Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South
Georgia
and The South
Sandwich Islands
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Syrian Arab Republic
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Togo
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
US Minor Outlying Islands
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
British Virgin Islands
US Virgin Islands
Wallis and Futuna
Western Sahara
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Kosovo
Industry *
Academia & Education
Aerospace, Defense &
Security
Agriculture
Asset Management
Automotive
Banking & Payments
Chemicals
Construction
Consumer
Foodservice
Government, trade bodies
and NGOs
Health & Fitness
Hospitals & Healthcare
HR, Staffing &
Recruitment
Insurance
Investment Banking
Legal Services
Management Consulting
Marketing & Advertising
Media & Publishing
Medical Devices
Mining
Oil & Gas
Packaging
Pharmaceuticals
Power & Utilities
Private Equity
Real Estate
Retail
Sport
Technology
Telecom
Transportation &
Logistics
Travel, Tourism &
Hospitality
Venture Capital
Tick here to opt out of curated industry news, reports, and event updates from Pharmaceutical Technology.
Submit and
download
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
No Byline Policy
Editorial Guidelines
Corrections Policy
Source