By Fineline Cube 
Japan-based Astellas Pharma Inc. (TYO: 4503) has entered into a licensing agreement with China-headquartered Evopoint Biosciences, securing global development and commercialization rights for Evopoint’s XNW27011, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Under the terms of the deal, Evopoint will receive an upfront payment of up to USD 130 million and is eligible for additional payments of up to USD 70 million in the near term. The agreement also includes development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments totaling up to USD 1.34 billion, as well as royalties based on net sales.
XNW27011: A Promising CLDN18.2 ADC
XNW27011 is a clinical-stage antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting CLDN18.2, a protein overexpressed in several solid tumors. The drug is currently undergoing a Phase I/II study in China, targeting CLDN18.2-positive solid tumor patients, including those with gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction cancer, and pancreatic cancer. This partnership aims to accelerate the development of XNW27011 and bring it to patients globally.
Strategic Collaboration to Advance Oncology Innovation
The collaboration between Astellas and Evopoint highlights the growing trend of international partnerships in oncology. By combining Astellas’ global reach and expertise in drug development with Evopoint’s innovative ADC technology, the two companies aim to address significant unmet needs in cancer treatment and improve outcomes for patients with CLDN18.2-positive tumors.-Fineline Info & Tech