China’s Shanghai Henlius Biotech Inc., (HKG: 2696) has announced a new licensing agreement with India-based Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd, granting Intas exclusive development and commercialization rights to its anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody (mAb) HanSiZhuang (serplulimab) in Europe and India. This strategic partnership further expands the global reach of Henlius’s innovative oncology treatments.
Deal Terms and Financial Commitments
Under the terms of the agreement, Intas will make an upfront payment of EUR 42 million (USD 44.4 million) to Henlius, along with potential regulatory milestone payments of up to EUR 43 million (USD 45.4 million) and commercial milestones of up to EUR 100 million (USD 105.6 million). Additionally, Henlius is set to receive double-digit royalties on net sales, reflecting the significant potential of HanSiZhuang in the market.
Previous Collaboration and Market Expansion
This marks the second collaboration between Henlius and Intas, following a previous agreement in 2018 where Intas’s subsidiary, Accord Healthcare Inc., secured exclusive commercialization rights to Henlius’s trastuzumab biosimilar Zercepac (HLX02) in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. The partnership was further expanded in 2021 to include development and commercialization rights in the United States and Canada.
HanSiZhuang’s Approvals and Development Pipeline
HanSiZhuang, the first innovative mAb developed by Henlius, has received approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the treatment of MSI-H solid tumors, non-small cell lung cancer (sqNSCLC), extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The drug is also in development for combination therapies targeting a range of cancers, including lung, esophageal, and gastric cancer, showcasing Henlius’s commitment to advancing cancer treatment options.-Fineline Info & Tech
