Suzhou-based Medilink Therapeutics has announced a strategic cooperation and global licensing agreement with Germany-headquartered BioNTech SE (NASDAQ: BNTX). Under this partnership, the two companies will collaborate to develop next-generation antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3).
Leveraging TMALIN Technology for Enhanced Efficacy
The ADC program, built on Medilink’s proprietary TMALIN technology, has demonstrated exceptional efficacy and safety in multiple pre-clinical tumor models. This innovative approach aims to address the urgent need for effective therapies targeting HER3, a receptor that is highly expressed in various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer, and is closely associated with tumor metastasis and disease progression.
Significant Financial Commitment and Market Potential
As part of the agreement, Medilink will grant BioNTech exclusive rights for the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of one ADC product globally, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. BioNTech will pay Medilink an upfront fee of USD 70 million and has committed to additional development, regulatory, and commercialization milestone payments that could exceed USD 1 billion. The agreement is subject to standard transaction completion conditions, including approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.-Fineline Info & Tech
