Ipsen hands back Sutro’s ROR1 ADC at center of $875M deal

CAR-T Digest - August 2020

09 August 2025: Ipsen hands back Sutro’s ROR1 ADC at center of $875M deal

Ipsen has exited an $875 million deal with Sutro Biopharma for the ROR1-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) STRO-003, after initially committing $75 million in April 2024
The decision followed a strategic reassessment by Ipsen based on new data and changes in the ROR1 therapeutic landscape, suggesting concerns about the viability of STRO-003
Recent clinical data in the ROR1 space has raised safety and efficacy concerns, including Merck’s ADC showing limited response improvements with higher doses and notable adverse events
Lyell Immunopharma’s ROR1-targeted CAR-T therapy also raised safety alarms after four cases of severe pneumonitis and one death in an early-stage trial
Despite dropping STRO-003, Ipsen has continued investing in oncology by acquiring a Topo1 inhibitor through a separate deal with Foreseen Biotechnology