Aosaikang Licenses Adlai Nortye’s Pan-RAS Inhibitor AN9025 for China in $100 Million Deal

Aosaikang Licenses Adlai Nortye's Pan-RAS Inhibitor AN9025 for China in $100 Million Deal

Beijing Aosaikang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (SHE: 002755) announced a licensing agreement with Adlai Nortye Ltd (NASDAQ: ANL) to obtain exclusive rights for AN9025, a first‑in‑class oral pan‑RAS inhibitor, in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The deal includes an upfront payment of USD 100 million and milestones up to USD 500 million, plus tiered royalties.

Deal Overview

ItemDetail
LicensorAdlai Nortye Ltd (NASDAQ: ANL)
LicenseeBeijing Aosaikang Pharmaceutical (002755.SZ)
ProductAN9025 (oral pan‑RAS inhibitor, Class 1 innovative drug)
TerritoryMainland China, Hong Kong, Macau (exclusive)
IndicationRAS‑mutated solid tumors (pan‑KRAS, NRAS, HRAS)
Upfront PaymentUSD 100 million
Milestone PaymentsUp to USD 500 million (regulatory & commercial)
RoyaltiesTiered mid‑single to low‑double digit on net sales
Regulatory StatusIND cleared in US & China; FDA clinical trial approval received

Technology Profile: Next‑Generation Molecular Glue

Mechanism of Action: AN9025 utilizes molecular glue technology to bind activated RAS‑GTP and cyclophilin A (a molecular chaperone), forming a ternary complex that inhibits all RAS isoforms.

Key Advantages vs. Traditional RAS Inhibitors:

FeatureAN9025 (Molecular Glue)Traditional RAS Inhibitors (e.g., sotorasib)
Target ScopePan‑RAS (KRAS, NRAS, HRAS)Single mutation (e.g., KRAS G12C only)
Binding SiteAllosteric site + chaperoneActive site only
Resistance ProfileHigher barrier (prevents isoform switching)Prone to bypass activation
DurabilityExtended patient benefit (systemic regulation)Limited duration (median PFS 6‑8 months)
Indication BreadthBroad RAS‑mutated tumorsNarrow mutation‑specific

Market Opportunity: RAS‑Mutated Cancers in China

RAS Mutation Prevalence:

  • KRAS: 25‑30% of all solid tumors (lung, colorectal, pancreatic)
  • NRAS: 15‑20% of melanoma, hematologic malignancies
  • HRAS: 5‑10% of head & neck, bladder cancers
  • Total Addressable Patients: ~800,000 new RAS‑mutated cases annually in China

Current Treatment Landscape:

  • KRAS G12C inhibitors: Sotorasib (Amgen), adagrasib (Mirati/BMS) approved only for NSCLC
  • Pan‑RAS gap: No approved therapy for NRAS/HRAS or non‑G12C KRAS mutations
  • Market Size: China RAS‑targeted therapy market projected at ¥25‑30 billion (US$3.5‑4.2 B) by 2030

AN9025 Positioning: Targets 70‑75% of RAS‑mutated patients currently lacking targeted options.

Competitive Landscape

DrugCompanyTargetStage (China)Limitation
SotorasibAmgen/BetaKRAS G12CApproved (NSCLC only)Single mutation; resistance common
AdagrasibMirati/BMSKRAS G12CNDA under reviewSingle mutation; narrow label
DivarasibRocheKRAS G12CPhase IIISingle mutation
RMC‑9805Revolution MedicinesKRAS G12DPhase IKRAS G12D only
AN9025Adlai Nortye → AosaikangPan‑RASPhase I readyBroad spectrum; first pan‑RAS

First‑Mover Advantage: AN9025 is 12‑18 months ahead of rivals in pan‑RAS space, with potential for Orphan Drug Designation in pancreatic cancer.

Clinical Development Plan & Timeline

PhaseDesignPrimary EndpointsTimeline
Phase I (China)Dose escalation in RAS‑mutated solid tumorsSafety, MTD, PKInitiate Q2 2026
Phase IIExpansion cohorts (pancreatic, colorectal, NSCLC)ORR, PFS2027
Phase IIIRegistration trials vs. chemotherapyOS, PFS2028‑2029
NDA FilingRolling submission to NMPATarget 2029‑2030

FDA Alignment: Adlai Nortye will conduct parallel US trials; data may support global registration strategy.

Financial Projections

Revenue Scenario2028E2030E2032E
China RAS market (¥B)12.020.028.0
AN9025 peak penetration3%8%15%
Annual patients24,00064,000120,000
Net revenue (¥ million)3601,2802,700
Royalty to Adlai Nortye12%10%8%
Aosaikang net profit2458961,980

Peak Sales Potential: ¥2.7 billion (US$380 M) by 2032, representing 15% of Aosaikang’s projected revenue.

Strategic Rationale for Both Parties

For Aosaikang:

  • Portfolio Upgrade: Transforms from generic manufacturer to innovation‑driven oncology player
  • First‑in‑Class: Pan‑RAS platform offers 5‑7 year exclusivity window in China
  • Commercial Leverage: 3,000‑person sales force can target top 500 oncology centers for rapid launch

For Adlai Nortye:

  • Non‑Dilutive Funding: USD 100 million upfront finances US development
  • China Validation: Partners with established local player for regulatory and commercial execution
  • Global Option: Retains ROW rights for potential multi‑billion‑dollar ex‑China deals

Forward‑Looking Statements
This brief contains forward‑looking statements regarding AN9025’s clinical development, regulatory pathway, market penetration, and financial contributions to Aosaikang and Adlai Nortye. Actual results may differ materially due to clinical trial outcomes, competitive responses, regulatory review timelines, and market access policies.-Fineline Info & Tech