Shanghai Henlius Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (HKG: 2696) has announced the termination of a licensing deal with Japan-based Chiome Bioscience Inc. effective January 17, 2023. The agreement, originally signed in January 2021, granted Henlius exclusive development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights to Chiome’s anti-trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2) antibody. The decision to terminate the deal was influenced by the overly congested competitive landscape, which Henlius cited as impacting the commercial viability of the product.
Original Agreement and Financial Terms
Under the 2021 agreement, Henlius paid Chiome USD 1 million upfront and committed to up to USD 23 million in milestone payments in exchange for the rights to Chiome’s TROP2 antibody product candidate in Greater China. The termination of the deal marks a strategic shift for Henlius, as the company navigates the competitive dynamics in the biopharmaceutical market.
Future Outlook
With the termination of the TROP2 antibody licensing deal, Henlius is likely to reassess its pipeline and focus on other strategic opportunities. The move underscores the importance of market dynamics in shaping biopharmaceutical partnerships and highlights the need for companies to adapt to evolving competitive environments.-Fineline Info & Tech
