Eucure Biopharma, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sino-US contract research organization (CRO) Biocytogen, has entered into an agreement with US firm Syncromune, an innovative pharma company focused on the development of next-generation tumor immunotherapies via intratumoral delivery. The collaboration aims to advance the development and commercialization of intratumoral immunotherapy based on Syncromune’s Syncrovax technology, a next-generation individualized tumor therapy used to optimize intratumoral immunotherapy for the treatment of metastatic solid tumors.
Agreement Details
Syncromune will obtain exclusive global development and commercialization rights to intratumoral immunotherapy comprised of Eucure’s YH002 and other active ingredients, used in combination with Syncrovax. Eucure/Biocytogen will retain all global rights to YH002 and other active ingredients, with the exception of Syncrovax. Syncromune will pay Eucure “hundreds of millions” of US dollars in total, including an upfront cash payment based on the clinical value of the antibody molecule, development and regulatory milestone payments, sales commission, and other commercial uses of Syncrovax-based combination therapy. Eucure will be responsible for drug manufacturing and supply, while Syncromune will take charge of product clinical development and commercialization.
YH002: Monoclonal Antibody for Advanced Solid Tumors
YH002 is a tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4 (TNFRSF4, OX40) monoclonal antibody (mAb) being developed to treat advanced/metastatic solid tumors. The candidate drug enhances antitumor activity by overcoming immunosuppression through stimulating effector T cells and suppressing or depleting regulatory T cells (Treg cells). YH002 is currently undergoing a Phase I clinical study for advanced solid tumors in combination with YH001, Eucure’s cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) checkpoint inhibitor, in China and Australia.
Previous Collaboration
Syncromune previously struck a deal with Sunshine Guojian Pharmaceutical (Shanghai) Co., Ltd in January 2022, obtaining global rights to the latter’s programmed-death 1 (PD-1) mAb 609A for combination use with Syncrovax.
Future Outlook
The partnership between Eucure Biopharma and Syncromune highlights the growing interest in next-generation tumor immunotherapies. By combining Eucure’s YH002 with Syncromune’s Syncrovax technology, the collaboration aims to enhance the treatment options for patients with metastatic solid tumors and drive innovation in cancer immunotherapy.-Fineline Info & Tech
