Transcenta Holding Limited (HKG: 6628) announced a strategic collaboration and non‑exclusive licensing agreement with EirGenix Inc. (TPE: 6589) granting EirGenix access to its Highly Intensified Continuous Bioprocessing (HiCB) platform for biologics development and CDMO services, positioning Transcenta to capture value from its proprietary manufacturing technology across the global biopharma supply chain.
Deal Structure & Financial Terms
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Licensor | Transcenta Holding Limited (06628.HK) |
| Licensee | EirGenix Inc. (6589.TW) |
| Technology Licensed | HiCB platform: continuous perfusion, hybrid continuous purification, process documentation, know‑how, regulatory support |
| License Scope | Non‑exclusive, global |
| Use Case | EirGenix biologics programs & CDMO client services |
| Financial Terms | Substantial upfront + milestone payments + royalties on commercial sales |
Technology Profile: HiCB Platform
Highly Intensified Continuous Bioprocessing (HiCB) represents a next‑generation manufacturing paradigm designed to replace conventional fed‑batch processes:
| Feature | HiCB Platform | Conventional Fed‑Batch | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Process Type | Continuous perfusion + integrated hybrid purification | Batch/discrete steps | Uninterrupted production |
| Productivity | 3‑5x higher cell density/viability | Limited by batch duration | Higher yields, lower COGS |
| Process Control | Real‑time monitoring & adaptive control | Manual sampling & adjustments | Enhanced consistency, reduced variability |
| COGS Reduction | 30‑50% vs. fed‑batch | Baseline | Improved margins, affordable biologics |
| Facility Footprint | 40‑60% smaller | Larger scale tanks | Lower CapEx, faster scale‑up |
| Product Quality | Consistent product quality & potency | Batch‑to‑batch variation | Regulatory advantage, reduced rejections |
Commercial Impact: The platform enables 24/7 manufacturing with flexible capacity and reduced time‑to‑market for biologics.
Market Context: Continuous Bioprocessing
Global Biologics CDMO Market: $25‑30 billion (2025), growing at 12‑14% CAGR, with continuous manufacturing representing <5% of installed capacity but 30% of new facility investments.
China CDMO Growth: $8‑10 billion market, driven by:
- Biosimilar wave: 50+ biosimilars in development requiring cost‑effective manufacturing
- Biologics exports: NMPA‑approved facilities seeking global GMP compliance
- Cost pressure: NRDL reimbursement cuts forcing COGS optimization
Technology Adoption: Only 4‑5 global players (including Cytiva, Sartorius) offer integrated continuous platforms; Transcenta’s HiCB is one of two China‑originated platforms with clinical‑scale validation.
Strategic Rationale & Competitive Moat
Transcenta’s Positioning:
- Technology Monetization: Converts internal R&D capability into licensing revenue without diluting core pipeline focus
- CDMO Market Capture: EirGenix’s Taiwan‑based GMP facility (capacity: 2,000 L single‑use bioreactors) becomes first external adopter, creating proof‑of‑concept for broader licensing
- Global Validation: EirGenix’s track record of FDA/EMA inspections and 20+ biologics partnerships enhances HiCB’s regulatory credibility
EirGenix’s Motivation:
- Differentiation: Offers intensified manufacturing to clients seeking cost‑competitive CDMO services
- Capacity Utilization: HiCB enables higher throughput per facility, improving asset efficiency
- Client Demand: 70% of EirGenix’s biotech clients have expressed interest in continuous manufacturing to meet US/EU price pressures
Financial Projections & Upside
| Revenue Stream | 2026E | 2027E | 2028E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront/Milestone | ¥50‑80 million | ¥100‑150 million | ¥50‑100 million |
| Royalty (net sales) | – | ¥20‑40 million | ¥120‑180 million |
| Total Deal Value | ¥50‑80 M | ¥120‑190 M | ¥170‑280 M |
| (US$ equivalent) | $7‑11 M | $17‑27 M | $24‑40 M |
Upside Scenarios:
- Additional Licensees: Non‑exclusive structure allows 2‑3 more deals; potential total addressable market of ¥1‑1.5 billion in licensing revenue by 2030
- Platform Expansion: HiCB applicable to ADCs, bispecifics, mRNA; next‑generation upgrades could command premium pricing
- Equity Participation: Potential for minority investment from EirGenix or co‑development of joint‑owned biologics
Forward‑Looking Statements
This brief contains forward‑looking statements regarding Transcenta’s licensing revenue, milestone achievements, and EirGenix’s adoption timeline, as well as market projections for continuous bioprocessing. Actual results may differ materially due to technology transfer challenges, competitive responses, and regulatory acceptance of continuous manufacturing platforms..-Fineline Info & Tech
