Inhibrx

About Inhibrx

Inhibrx, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, was established in 2010. The company's inception is rooted in the collaboration of its founders, Mark Lappe, Brendan Eckelman, and Quinn Deveraux, who shared a vision for developing a broad pipeline of novel biologic therapeutic candidates. Mark Lappe, serving as CEO, brings a background in investment management and has been a director since the company's founding. Brendan Eckelman, the Chief Scientific Officer, holds a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology and has been pivotal in building the company's discovery and development capabilities since joining in 2012. Quinn Deveraux, the Chief Development Officer, has a Ph.D. in biochemistry and a background in cancer research, contributing significantly to the company's therapeutic programs since 2010.

The firm focuses on creating treatments for cancer and orphan diseases, conditions with high unmet medical needs. Inhibrx's operational strategy revolves around its proprietary single-domain antibody (sdAb) platform, which is engineered to produce therapeutic candidates with enhanced properties. This platform enables the development of complex, multi-functional biologics that can engage multiple targets simultaneously, potentially offering more effective treatments than traditional monoclonal antibodies. One of the company's key programs involved INBRX-101, a recombinant human AAT-Fc fusion protein designed for treating alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), a rare genetic disorder. This asset demonstrated the platform's potential, leading to a significant strategic move.

In early 2024, Inhibrx entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Sanofi. The acquisition, valued at approximately $1.7 billion, also included a contingent value right (CVR) worth up to $0.5 billion. As part of the transaction, INBRX-101 became a wholly-owned asset of Sanofi, which plans to advance its development towards regulatory approval and commercialization. The remaining assets of Inhibrx, which include a pipeline of therapeutic candidates focused primarily on oncology and other non-AATD indications, were spun off into a new publicly traded entity known as Inhibrx Biosciences. This new company will continue to leverage the sdAb platform to advance its portfolio, which includes potential treatments for various cancers. Shareholders of the original Inhibrx received shares in the new company, allowing them to retain an interest in the ongoing research and development efforts.