Forty Seven

The company's business model was centered on the research, clinical development, and eventual commercialization of novel antibody therapeutics. Its primary focus was on patients with various forms of cancer, including both solid tumors and hematological malignancies like myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Forty Seven's core strategy involved developing its lead product candidate, magrolimab, both as a standalone therapy and in combination with other existing cancer treatments to enhance their effectiveness. The company's name itself is a direct reference to the CD47 protein it targeted.

Magrolimab, Forty Seven's lead asset, is a humanized monoclonal antibody designed to block the CD47 "don't eat me" signal. By interfering with the interaction between CD47 on cancer cells and the SIRPα receptor on macrophages, the antibody allows the patient's own immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. This approach represented a significant development in immuno-oncology by engaging the innate immune system. Clinical trials showed promising results, particularly in treating MDS and AML, which led to Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A pivotal milestone for the company occurred in March 2020, when Gilead Sciences announced its intention to acquire Forty Seven for approximately $4.9 billion. The acquisition was completed in April 2020, making Forty Seven a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gilead, which aimed to integrate magrolimab into its oncology portfolio to advance the fight against cancer.