On January 14th, Yilian Biotechnology announced that it has established a clinical research cooperation with AstraZeneca to jointly explore the potential of YL201 (an antibody conjugate drug targeting B7H3) in combination with Duvalimumab (an anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor) for the treatment of various solid tumors. Both parties will jointly initiate a multicenter, open label, phase I/Ib study aimed at evaluating the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of YL201 in combination with durvalumab in solid tumor patients.

 

 

 

YL201 is an ADC targeting B7H3, based on Yilian Biotech TMALIN ® Developed by the platform; This ADC is composed of an anti-B7H3 human monoclonal antibody that binds to a novel topoisomerase 1 inhibitor via a protease cleavable linker. The novel linker payload and site-specific coupling of YL201 result in a more hydrophilic ADC. In addition, the binding specificity, affinity, and affinity of the antibody after coupling are not affected.

 

 

 

Research shows that the combination of antibody conjugated drugs (ADCs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors is expected to improve clinical benefits for cancer patients. The deep cooperation between AstraZeneca China and Yilian Biotech is expected to explore further possibilities for the clinical treatment of various solid tumors and provide more innovative treatment options for cancer patients.

 

 

 

On January 13th, Xiansheng Zaiming, an innovative anti-tumor drug company under Xiansheng Pharmaceutical Group, and AbbVie announced that they have reached a license selection agreement for Xiansheng Zaiming's investigational candidate drug SIM0500. SIM0500 is currently conducting a Phase I clinical study on relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM) in both China and the United States. According to the terms of the agreement, Xiansheng Zaiming will receive a down payment from AbbVie, as well as up to $1.055 billion in optional equity payments and milestone payments.

 

 

 

According to the data, SIM0500 is a humanized GPRC5D-BCMA-CD3 tri specific antibody developed by Xiansheng Zaiming through its proprietary T cell adaptor multi specific antibody technology platform. This molecule binds to low affinity yet highly targeted activated CD3 antibodies, as well as two anti-tumor related antibodies against G protein coupled receptor C family member D (GPRC5D) and B cell maturation antigen (BCMA). SIM0500 exhibits strong T-cell toxicity against MM cells through various anti-tumor mechanisms.

 

 

 

On January 10th, Konya announced a partnership with Timberlyne Therapeutics, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as Timberlyne) has reached an exclusive licensing agreement, granting Timberlyne exclusive rights to develop, produce, and commercialize antibody drug CM313 globally (excluding China), with a total licensing transaction amount of up to 367 million US dollars.

 

 

 

According to the data, CM313 is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD38 independently developed by Conova. In multiple clinical studies in the past, CM313 has demonstrated effectiveness. Based on the mechanism of action of CD38 and preliminary clinical efficacy results, CM313 is expected to become an innovative treatment option for recurrent/refractory multiple myeloma, as well as autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and primary immune thrombocytopenia. In addition, CM313 is also a domestically produced anti-CD38 antibody approved for clinical trials by the National Medical Products Administration in China.

 

 

 

On January 10th, Xianweida Biotechnology announced an important global development and commercialization license and cooperation agreement with Verdiva Bio Limited (hereinafter referred to as "Verdiva"). It is reported that this collaboration covers multiple innovative therapeutic product combinations of Xianweida Biotechnology, including oral Inoglutide Oral (XW004), oral amylin receptor agonist (Amlin RA), and subcutaneous injection of amylin receptor agonist (Amlin RA).

 

 

 

On January 10th, Hebao Pharmaceutical and Kolombotai jointly announced the completion of a capital transaction with Windward Bio AG. According to the terms and conditions of the license agreement, Windward Bio is granted an exclusive license to SKB378/HBM9378 for research, development, production, and commercialization worldwide (excluding Greater China and some Southeast and West Asian countries). In return, the licensor is eligible to receive a total down payment and milestone payments of up to $970 million, as well as single to double digit percentage tiered royalty fees based on SKB378/HBM9378 net sales. The total down payment and recent payments amount to 45 million US dollars, including cash consideration and equity in Windward Bio's parent company. According to the terms and conditions of the license agreement, if Windward Bio experiences a recent change in control or enters into a sub license agreement with a third party, the licensor is also eligible to charge Windward Bio additional fees.

 

 

 

On January 7th, WuXi Biologics announced that it has reached a research service cooperation agreement with Candid Therapeutics (hereinafter referred to as Candid). According to the agreement, Candid will have global ownership of a three specific antibody in preclinical development. This antibody was discovered based on WuXiBodyTM, a universal multispecific antibody technology platform of WuXi Biologics. WuXi Biologics will receive a down payment and be eligible to receive milestone payments for development and sales, totaling up to $925 million, as well as sales commissions after the product is launched.

 

 

 

On January 2nd, Xinda Biotech announced a global exclusive cooperation and licensing agreement with Roche for a DLL3ADC drug. Xinda Biotech not only received a down payment of $80 million, but also potential milestone payments of up to $1 billion for development and commercialization. According to the data, IBI3009 is a new generation ADC drug targeting DLL3. IBI3009 has obtained clinical application approval in Australia, China, and the United States, and completed the first patient administration in phase I clinical trials in December 2024.

 

 

 

According to industry insiders, based on these BD projects in January, domestic biotech companies are still inclined to engage in deep cooperation with large MNCs. This not only yields good cash flow, but also leverages the deep international drug development experience and market advantages of overseas MNCs to accelerate the research and commercialization process of innovative drugs and improve the success rate of related candidate drug development.