The Story : A New Start for Promising Therapeutics
On February 20, 2024, Taran Therapeutics, a private Delaware C-corp, acquired the assets of Humanigen, Inc., A NASDAQ-listed company, in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy sale overseen by the court in Delaware and Judge Brendon Shannon, who signed off on the sale. Humanigen had pursued development of Lenzilumab (LENZ), a monoclonal antibody, as a therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, CMML, acute GvHD, as a companion therapy to CAR-T, and more recently for COVID-19. Despite a promising trial in COVID, LENZ did not receive Emergency Use Authorization in COVID and Humanigen could not continue as a going concern.

Taran now owns all rights to three drugs, including LENZ, a promising monoclonal antibody with two on-going, funded Phase 2/3 trials for often-fatal conditions that currently lack adequate therapies. The Mayo Clinic is planning to initiate a third Phase 3 trial. Taran also plans three additional trials. LENZ shows promise in hematology/oncology and chronic inflammation. It could be commercialized in certain territories for a form of leukemia in 2026.

​Thanks to the investments already made under the prior ownership, LENZ now has a well-established and excellent safety profile at a sunk cost of approximately $300 million. In addition, extensive Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) work was completed and inventory manufactured at a sunk cost of approximately $200 million. In addition, Taran acquired two other monoclonal antibodies in the bankruptcy sale. These promising drugs could be developed, partnered, or divested.

Taran Therapeutics

Org chart

Teams

Offices

Taran Therapeutics

Org chart

Teams

Offices

Related companies