Biogen struck an exclusive global licensing deal for Vanqua Bio’s preclinical C5aR1 antagonist, paying $70 million up front with as much as $990 million in downstream payments. The agreement hands Biogen worldwide development, manufacturing and commercialization responsibilities while Vanqua retains programs focused on neurological disorders. Jane Grogan, Biogen’s head of research, framed the move as a deliberate expansion into innate and adaptive immunology. The drug targets C5aR1, a complement receptor involved in inflammation and innate immunity; preclinical data cited by the companies support further development into clinical testing. Biogen plans to lead IND-enabling work and aims to file for human trials contingent on continued positive preclinical results. The deal signals Big Biotech interest in complement modulation as a platform for inflammatory and immuno-pathology programs.