CHENGDU—Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (SHE: 002422) has released its financial report for the first half of 2024, detailing significant updates on its collaboration with US pharmaceutical giant Merck, Sharp & Dohme (MSD; NYSE: MRK). The partnership, focused on the co-development of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), has seen substantial progress since its inception.
Kelun’s subsidiary, Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd (HKG: 6990), granted MSD exclusive rights to sac-TMT (sacituzumab tirumotecan), formerly known as SKB264/MK-2870, in a deal signed in May 2022. As of June 30, 2024, MSD has initiated a comprehensive clinical development program, launching 10 global Phase III studies for Sac-TMT. The trials are exploring the drug’s efficacy as a monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab or other agents across a range of indications.
In a separate development, MSD has decided to discontinue the development of SKB315, another asset from the July 2022 licensing agreement. This decision comes without any financial repercussions for Kelun, as MSD will not require the return of upfront fees. Despite this, Kelun has reported positive early safety and efficacy data for SKB315 and intends to continue its development of the CLDN18.2-targeted ADC independently.
Conversely, MSD has exercised an option to acquire another preclinical ADC from Kelun’s pipeline, agreeing to pay USD 37.5 million upfront for SKB571. While specific targeting details of SKB571 have not been disclosed, it is known to target various solid tumors, including lung and gastrointestinal cancers. The molecule is designed to enhance tumor targeting and address tumor heterogeneity, with an Investigational New Drug (IND) filing anticipated in the near future.
Throughout these collaborations, Kelun retains development and commercialization rights for all involved molecules in Greater China, highlighting the company’s strategic approach to global partnerships while maintaining a strong domestic presence.- Flcube.com
