Deal involves potential first-in-class BK polyomavirus monoclonal antibody as potential breakthrough therapy in kidney transplantation.
Ipsen is acquiring Memo Therapeutics AG for up to €700 million, an opportunity that will expand its rare disease pipeline with a potential first-in-class asset for BK polyomavirus associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN), where there is high unmet need in kidney transplant patients.
The deal centres on potravitug, a Phase II clinical-stage monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against BK polyomavirus (BKPyV). Its mechanism of action offers potential for direct antiviral intervention without compromising transplant immunology.
Christelle Huguet, PhD, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D at Ipsen said: “With potravitug, we have the opportunity to add a promising first-in-class asset to our rare disease pipeline and address the significant clinical consequences of BK virus-associated nephropathy in kidney transplant recipients, where current standards of care can compromise transplant success and graft outcomes.”
With potravitug, we have the opportunity to add a promising first-in-class asset to our rare disease pipeline and address the significant clinical consequences of BK virus-associated nephropathy in kidney transplant recipients”
Christelle Huguet, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D, Ipsen
Dr Darshana Dadhania, Medical Director of the Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program and Associate Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, said: “With no approved targeted treatment, clinicians are forced to reduce immunosuppressive therapy, which increases the risk of graft rejection and graft loss. Given the frequency and serious consequences of BK virus reactivation, there remains an urgent need for effective therapy that avoids this trade-off.”
The Phase II SAFE KIDNEY II trial is the largest placebo-controlled clinical study conducted to date in BKPyVAN. Topline results show that the treatment enabled sustained and significant antiviral effect alongside meaningful histological benefit.
This includes 24.4 percent of potravitug-treated patients achieving undetectable BKPyV-DNAemia by week 38. In comparison, this outcome was achieved by 13.0 percent of those in the placebo group.
Additionally, >2-log₁₀ viral load reductions were observed in 40.3 percent of treated patients compared with 24.7 percent in the placebo arm. Biopsy-proven BKPyVAN declined from 51.2 percent to 31.6 percent in the potravitug group by week 20, with no corresponding change observed for placebo.
As part of the deal, Memo Therapeutics AG shareholders will receive €200 million upfront.
The transaction is expected to close during Q3 of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.
Last October, Ipsen agreed to acquire ImCheck Therapeutics for €1 billion. The deal gives the firm access to a potential first-in-class mAb, however this time for oncology indications.
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