Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd (HKG: 1877, SHA: 688180) announced a strategic collaboration with Antengene Corporation Limited (HKG: 6996) to jointly explore the synergistic potential of combining JS207 (anti‑PD‑1/VEGF bispecific antibody) with ATG‑037 (oral CD73 inhibitor) for cancer patients in Mainland China. The partnership targets enhanced and sustained therapeutic responses in solid tumors through complementary immuno‑oncology mechanisms.
Partnership Overview
Item
Detail
Partner 1
Junshi Biosciences (HKG: 1877, SHA: 688180)
Partner 2
Antengene Corporation Limited (6996.HK)
Collaboration Type
Strategic clinical combination study
Territory
Mainland China
Combination Assets
JS207 + ATG‑037
Therapeutic Goal
Enhance and sustain anti‑tumor responses in solid tumors
Asset Profiles
JS207 – Junshi Biosciences
Parameter
Detail
Class
Recombinant humanized bispecific antibody
Targets
PD‑1 + VEGF (dual targeting)
Differentiation
VEGFA enhances antigen‑binding, T‑cell activation, and PD‑1 endocytosis
CD73 (ecto‑5′‑nucleotidase) – adenosine‑generating enzyme in tumor microenvironment
Advantages vs. Antibodies
Superior tissue penetration; bypasses “hook effect”; complete cellular‑level CD73 inhibition
Preclinical Data
More effective inhibition of cell‑surface CD73 enzymatic activity vs. anti‑CD73 mAbs
Mechanism
Blocks adenosine production → reduces immunosuppression → enhances T‑cell function
Synergistic Rationale
Pathway
JS207 Contribution
ATG‑037 Contribution
Combined Effect
Immune Activation
PD‑1 blockade + VEGF‑mediated T‑cell enhancement
CD73 inhibition → reduced adenosine → restored T‑cell function
Synergistic immune activation
Tumor Microenvironment
Anti‑angiogenesis normalizes vasculature
Deep tissue penetration inhibits CD73 in hypoxic tumor cores
Enhanced drug delivery + immune cell infiltration
Sustained Response
Dual checkpoint/angiogenesis blockade
Overcomes adenosine‑mediated resistance
Durable anti‑tumor immunity
Strategic Implications
Combination Innovation: The partnership exemplifies China biotech collaboration to explore novel immuno‑oncology combinations without relying on Big Pharma partnerships, retaining full development control.
Differentiated Mechanisms: JS207’s PD‑1/VEGF bispecific design + ATG‑037’s small‑molecule CD73 inhibition (vs. antibody approaches) offers a unique mechanistic profile potentially superior to standard PD‑1 + chemotherapy regimens.
Solid Tumor Focus: The combination targets adenosine‑rich, VEGF‑driven tumor microenvironments common in lung, colorectal, and gastric cancers—high‑prevalence indications in China.
Clinical Validation Opportunity: Phase I/II studies will test whether triple pathway modulation (PD‑1 + VEGF + CD73) delivers superior efficacy vs. established standards.
Market Context
Factor
Impact
China IO Market
Highly competitive; differentiation through novel combinations critical for market access
CD73 Inhibitor Landscape
Multiple antibody candidates in development; ATG‑037’s small‑molecule approach may offer manufacturing and dosing advantages
Domestic biotech‑biotech collaborations reduce reliance on multinational licensing, preserving upside
Forward‑Looking Statements This brief contains forward‑looking statements regarding clinical trial initiation, combination efficacy outcomes, and regulatory pathways for the JS207 + ATG‑037 regimen. Actual results may differ due to risks including unexpected toxicities, competitive combination studies, and reimbursement challenges.-Fineline Info & Tech
By Fineline Cube