Mabwell and Aditum Launch Kalexo Bio to Advance Dual-Target siRNA Therapy in “NewCo” Spinout

Mabwell Bioscience and Aditum Bio have announced the formation of Kalexo Bio, a new company dedicated to the development of 2MW7141, a dual-target siRNA therapy designed to manage dyslipidemia and reduce high-risk atherosclerotic cardiovascular events.

Under the agreement, Mabwell will grant Kalexo exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize 2MW7141 outside of China. As part of the deal, Mabwell receives $12M upfront in cash, double-digit A-round preferred shares, and is eligible for up to $1.0B in milestone payments, in addition to low-single-digit royalties.

2MW7141, currently in preclinical development, demonstrates potent, durable gene suppression with minimal off-target effects. It is among the first dual-target siRNA therapies to be delivered via a non-LNP system, potentially offering more convenient and effective options for patients with dyslipidemia and high cardiovascular risk.

This move reflects the growing trend of Chinese biopharma companies using “NewCo” spinouts to advance innovative therapies overseas, following similar strategies by peers such as Hengrui Pharma with its Braveheart Bio deal. By combining proprietary RNAi technology with AI-driven discovery and high-throughput screening, Mabwell aims to accelerate the timeline from candidate identification to clinical development.

Reference:

• PR Newswire: Mabwell and Aditum Bio announce Kalexo Bio