China-based Shanghai Henlius Biotech Inc. (HKG: 2696) announced a strategic partnership with US-based Palleon Pharmaceuticals Inc. to jointly develop and commercialize two bifunctional antibody-sialidase fusion proteins. This collaboration leverages Palleon’s innovative Enzyme-Antibody Glyco-Ligand Editing (EAGLE) platform, designed to enhance antitumor immunity by removing immunosuppressive sialic acids from tumor and immune cell surfaces.
Collaboration Details
Henlius will obtain exclusive rights to the products in China, including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. In return, Palleon will receive an upfront payment and up to USD 196.5 million in milestone payments, retaining rights outside China. The agreement includes a bifunctional anti-HER2 antibody-sialidase fusion protein and a second unspecified bifunctional antibody-sialidase.
Technology and Pipeline
Palleon’s EAGLE platform combines engineered human sialidase with antibody domains to create bifunctional molecules. These molecules target tumor-associated sialoglycans, which are linked to immunosuppression and poor patient outcomes. The lead candidate, a HER2-targeted sialidase fusion protein, is entering IND-enabling studies and has shown potential in treating both HER2-low and HER2-high tumors with significant tumor surface sialoglycans.-Fineline Info & Tech
