UCB to Buy Candid Therapeutics to Strengthen Its Immunology Pipeline

This deal supports UCB’s goal to deliver better treatments for people with serious immune related diseases, especially where options are limited and reflects its strategy to grow through acquisitions.

The Candid acquisition builds on UCB’s recent deal with Antengene, and shows its strategy to advance next-generation immunology. Together, these investments expand UCB’s focus on different B cell targets, and disease pathways, improving its ability to treat antibody-driven autoimmune diseases with diverse, biology based approaches rather than relying on a single product or method.

Cizutamig, Candid’s main drug candidate, could be a leading BCMA-targeting T-cell engager for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. It is a bispecific antibody that targets BCMA on plasma cells and CD3 on T cells, helping T cells kill harmful plasma cells and B cells. It is designed to remain effective while reducing cytokine-related side effects. Cizutamig has been tested in over 100 patients with multiple myeloma and autoimmune diseases and is now being studied in more than 10 autoimmune conditions.

Along with cizutamig, Candid is developing a range of advanced T-cell engager antibodies that target harmful B-cells in immune-related diseases to help reset the immune system. These programs use a flexible approach to target multiple B-cell types, which may enable more complete removal of disease-causing cells and longer-lasting disease control.

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“We started Candid to redefine the standard of care for immune-mediated diseases. We purposefully built a broad portfolio of TCE assets against several clinical indications,” said Ken Song, MD, Chairman, CEO, and President, Candid Therapeutics. “Our focus has been to efficiently generate clinical data to identify where our TCEs could provide maximal clinical benefit for the broadest number of patients. UCB’s successful track record in immunology, including development, launch, and commercialization, will enable the continuation of our clinical programs and help deliver on the potential for our pipeline.”

“This acquisition demonstrates our inorganic innovation strategy in action and marks a pivotal moment for UCB as we secure a significant technological advancement in the field with the addition of cizutamig to our pipeline,” said Jean Christophe Tellier Chief Executive Officer at UCB. He added, “This exemplifies the next wave of therapies to treat immune mediated diseases, and reflects our commitment to setting new standards to achieve immune reset. We consider cizutamig as a potential transformative asset that complements our existing programs and is poised to redefine treatment expectations for severe underserved immune mediated diseases offering the potential to deliver meaningful improvements in patient outcomes, and quality of life.”

About UCB

Founded in 1928, and based in Brussels, UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company that develops innovative medicines to improve the lives of people with serious immune and central nervous system diseases. The company has over 9,000 employees in about 40 countries and reported revenue of €7.7 billion in 2025.

About Candid Therapeutics

Founded in 2024, Candid Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotech company developing new T-cell engager (TCE) treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. It is working on two main B-cell–targeting TCE drugs and aims to study their use across different autoimmune conditions by targeting various B-cell proteins and levels of B-cell removal. Based in San Diego, the company is led by experienced executives and backed by leading life science investors.

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