3SBio Inc. (3SBio), a leading China-based biotechnology company focused on researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing biopharmaceutical products, has entered into an exclusive licensing deal with Alteogen Inc. (Alteogen), a biopharmaceutical company, for the development, manufacturing and marketing of ALT-P7, a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting HER2 pathway for cancer in the territory of Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. The deal included undisclosed upfront, milestone and royalty payments.

Approximately 20 per cent of breast cancers and 15 per cent of gastric cancers are characterized by amplification of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene and over-expression of HER2ALT-P7, developed based on Alteogen's proprietary NexMab ADC technology, is expected to be more efficacious and stable compared with first generation ADC products. Preclinical proof-of-concept, including in vitro binding assays and in vivo efficacy in animal models, has demonstrated superiority of ALT-P7 over current drugs in murine models of HER2-positive breast cancer.

"This is our first collaboration with Alteogen. We are impressed by Alteogen's NexMab ADC technology and look forward to working with them as we seek regulatory approvals to move ALT-P7 into clinical trials in China. Novel mAb candidates, including ADCs and bispecific antibodies, shed light on the treatment for refractory or metastatic cancers, such as breast and gastric cancers, which is consistent with 3SBio's core therapeutic areas of oncology and nephrology," said Dr. Jing Lou, chairman and CEO of 3SBio.

"We are very pleased to start our partnership with 3SBio. 3SBio is a well-established industry leader with long-term vision in the innovative biological field in China, which makes them an ideal partner for strategic collaborations in the long term. ALT-P7 is a novel ADC with great potential to treat refractory tumors. We are looking forward to working with them to develop this drug in China, so that tens of thousands of patients suffering for cancers can benefit from this drug candidate," said Dr. Soon Jae Park, CEO of Alteogen.