US-based global biotechnology company Nona Biosciences announced on Monday that it has signed a research collaboration and licence agreement with Candid Therapeutics Inc, a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in San Diego, for discovering next-generation T-cell engagers (TCEs).

Under the terms of the agreement Nona Biosciences is eligible to receive up to USD320m, including an upfront payment and potential milestone payments. Candid will be responsible for all further product development.

Jingsong Wang, MD, PhD, chairman of Nona Biosciences, said: "We are pleased to collaborate with Candid Therapeutics, a pioneer in advancing T-cell engagers for autoimmune diseases. T-cell engagers generated from our proprietary HBICE technology platform offer several advantages, including precision targeting, flexible formats, enhanced efficacy and optimised 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."