US-based Leap Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: LPTX) announced last week that China-based BeiGene Ltd. (HKG: 6160, SHA: 688235, NASDAQ: BGNE) had declined to exercise its option to take up development and commercial rights in Asia for DKN-01, Leap’s anti-Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) monoclonal antibody (mAb). Despite this decision, the two companies will continue to collaborate on an ongoing clinical trial focused on DKN-01 in combination with BeiGene’s PD-1 antibody tislelizumab plus chemotherapy in first-line gastric cancer patients.
Background of the Agreement
BeiGene signed an agreement with Leap in January 2020, paying USD 3 million upfront to secure the option to take on DKN-01’s development and commercialization in Asia (excluding Japan), Australia, and New Zealand once the drug had completed proof-of-concept studies. If the option had been exercised, the total deal value could have reached up to USD 132 million in combined milestone payouts.
Future Development of DKN-01
Leap’s most advanced clinical candidate, DKN-01, continues to be developed by Leap for esophagogastric, gynecologic, and colorectal cancers. The ongoing collaboration on the clinical trial ensures that both companies remain engaged in advancing the therapeutic potential of DKN-01 for cancer patients.-Fineline Info & Tech
