UCB, a global biopharmaceutical leader based in Brussels, announced on May 3, 2026, its agreement to acquire Candid Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company specializing in novel T-cell engagers (TCEs) for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
The deal, valued at up to 2.2 billion dollars (2 billion dollars upfront plus 200 million dollars in milestone payments), aligns with UCB’s strategy to expand its next-generation biologics portfolio and advance its mission of achieving "immune reset" for patients with severe immune-mediated conditions.
Candid’s lead asset, cizutamig, a bispecific antibody targeting BCMA and CD3, is currently in Phase 1 trials across over 10 autoimmune indications, positioning it as a potential best-in-class therapy.
The acquisition complements UCB’s recent partnership with Antengene, reinforcing its platform-driven approach to immunology. Cizutamig, designed to balance cytotoxicity with limited cytokine release, has already been evaluated in over 100 patients, offering a promising pathway to address unmet needs in antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases.
UCB CEO Jean-Christophe Tellier highlighted the deal as a "pivotal moment," emphasizing cizutamig’s potential to redefine treatment standards and improve patient outcomes. The transaction also includes Candid’s broader pipeline of multi-specific TCEs, which target pathogenic B-cell populations to achieve deeper and more durable disease control.
The deal, expected to close by end of Q2 or early Q3 2026, remains subject to regulatory approvals.
UCB’s 2026 financial guidance remains unchanged, with revenue projected to grow in the high single-digit to low double-digit range. Lazard and Covington & Burling LLP advised UCB, while Jefferies, Goldman Sachs, and Cooley LLP represented Candid. This acquisition underscores UCB’s commitment to innovation in immunology, leveraging its expertise to accelerate the development of transformative therapies.
