Vischer advises Kelun Biotech, Harbour BioMed, and RTW investments

Vischer advised Chinese companies Kelun-Biotech and Harbour BioMed in all Swiss law matters of a licencing agreement. Moreover, the Swiss law firm assisted RTW, an investor, within the seed financing round of Winward Bio, the Basel-based company now holding such licensing rights.

The parties

Kelun Biotech Is a biopharmaceutical company committed to the R&D, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative drugs. Similarly, Harbour BioMed is a global clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel antibody therapeutics in oncology and immunological disease areas.

They’re both and exclusively involved in the development of WIN378, a potential best-in-class, long-acting monoclonal antibody targeting the ligand of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), whose global licencing rights have now been secured by Winward Bio.

Under the terms of the agreement, Windward Bio is granted an exclusive license to research, develop, manufacture, and commercialize the antibody globally, given the exceptions of Greater China and some smaller neighbouring markets in Asia.  

The investor

RTW Investments, a life sciences investment firm with headquarters in New York City, contributed in a USD 200m series A seed financing round for the launch of Winward Bio. Proceeds from the financing will go into the development of a phase 2-ready, long-acting anti-TSLP antibody with best-in-class potential in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The team

Corporate and M&A partners Matthias Staehelin (pictured right) and Gian-Andrea Caprez (pictured left) led the Vischer team on all matters, supported by managing associate Vincent Reardon and senior associate Sandro Bernet.