Nona Biosciences, a global biotechnology company providing a total solution from "Idea to IND" (I to I^TM),  announced a research collaboration and license agreement to discover next-generation T-cell engagers ("TCEs") with Candid Therapeutics, Inc. ("Candid"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in San Diego and focused on becoming the leader in advancing TCEs for autoimmune diseases.

Under the terms of the agreement, Nona Biosciences is eligible to receive up to $320 million, including an upfront payment and potential milestone payments. Candid will be responsible for all further product development.

"We are pleased to collaborate with Candid Therapeutics, a pioneer in advancing T-cell engagers for autoimmune diseases," said Jingsong Wang, MD, PhD, Chairman of Nona Biosciences. "T-cell engagers generated from our proprietary HBICE^® technology platform offer several advantages, including precision targeting, flexible formats, enhanced efficacy and optimized safety profiles. Leveraging our industry-leading technology platforms, alongside our extensive expertise in antibody discovery and development, we look forward to supporting Candid in advancing innovative treatments and bringing new hope to patients."

"Nona Biosciences has an impressive discovery toolkit and we look forward to developing novel T-cell engagers through this collaboration," said Ken Song, MD, PhD, Chairman, President and CEO of Candid Therapeutics.