April 17, 2025 | Middletown, DE — Earendil Labs, a U.S.-based biotech company pioneering AI-driven biologic drug development, announced a major licensing agreement with Sanofi for the global development and commercialization of two next-generation bispecific antibodies, HXN-1002 and HXN-1003, targeting autoimmune and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will gain exclusive worldwide rights to both biologics. In return, Earendil Labs will receive:
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$125 million upfront,
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A near-term milestone payment of $50 million,
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Up to $1.72 billion in total potential development and commercial milestones, and
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Tiered royalties on future product sales ranging from high-single to low-double digits.
AI-Powered Pipeline for Complex Diseases
The antibodies were developed using Earendil’s proprietary discovery platform that combines predictive protein modeling, generative protein engineering, and high-throughput experimental biology. This technology enables rapid identification and optimization of promising protein therapeutics with improved manufacturability and clinical potential.
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HXN-1002 is designed to target α4β7 and TL1A, two key players in the immune response in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The dual-targeting approach aims to improve efficacy in patients who are non-responsive to current treatments.
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HXN-1003 targets TL1A and IL23, central drivers of inflammation across a range of autoimmune diseases. Preclinical studies have shown synergistic effects in models of colitis and skin inflammation.
Addressing Unmet Needs in Autoimmunity
“Autoimmune diseases affect millions globally and often require life-long treatment,” said Dr. Zhenping Zhu, President and Co-CEO of Earendil Labs. “Despite multiple approved therapies, many patients continue to experience disease flares and progression. We believe Sanofi’s development expertise can help bring these next-generation therapies to market efficiently.”
Dr. Jian Peng, CEO of Earendil Labs, emphasized the platform’s broader implications: “This partnership demonstrates the power of combining AI and high-throughput biology to deliver first-in-class or best-in-class therapeutics.”
Sanofi, a leader in immunology, continues to expand its autoimmune and IBD portfolio through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. The deal further reinforces its commitment to novel biologics with transformative clinical potential.
Cosmael ThinkLab Commentary
This partnership between Earendil and Sanofi is a defining example of how AI-driven drug discovery is maturing into a commercial force. The choice of dual-target bispecifics is particularly noteworthy, reflecting a broader trend toward precision immunomodulation in chronic inflammatory diseases.
HXN-1002 and HXN-1003 could address important therapeutic gaps for patients with moderate-to-severe IBD or other refractory autoimmune conditions. Moreover, the significant upfront and milestone commitments signal Sanofi’s confidence in both the mechanism and platform behind these candidates.
From a business lens, this is another validation of AI-native biotech and the emerging role of digital-first platforms in drug development pipelines.