NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA and SHANGHAI, CHINA — ArriVent BioPharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVBP) has announced an exclusive license agreement with Lepu Biopharma Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 02157.HK) for global rights outside Greater China to develop and commercialize MRG007, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) poised for groundbreaking cancer treatments. The move strengthens ArriVent’s growing pipeline of targeted therapies for gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies.
MRG007, which has demonstrated strong antitumor properties and a favorable therapeutic index in preclinical studies, could emerge as a leading ADC for GI cancers. Clinical trials are expected soon, with an initial focus on colorectal (CRC), pancreatic, and other GI cancers. The first investigational new drug (IND) submission is scheduled for the first half of 2025.
“We believe MRG007 is a potential best-in-class ADC for the treatment of GI malignancies based on preclinical and IND-enabling studies,” said Bing Yao, Chairman and CEO of ArriVent. “Expanding our pipeline with MRG007 furthers our mission to develop novel medicines for cancers with high unmet needs worldwide and accelerates our ADC portfolio by adding a program which plans to enter the clinic in the near term. We look forward to collaborating with Lepu Biopharma in advancing this program globally.”
Under the terms of this strategic agreement, Lepu Biopharma will receive an upfront payment and near-term milestone payments totaling $47 million, alongside up to $1.16 billion in future development, regulatory, and sales milestones. Tiered royalties on net sales outside Greater China will also apply.
Lepu Biopharma’s CEO, Ziye Sui, Ph.D., expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are very pleased to be working with ArriVent. Lepu Biopharma has been dedicated to promoting the technological advancement of innovative ADCs. We believe MRG007 is one of our potential best-in-class ADC molecules in pre-clinical stage. The agreement is a recognition of our self-dependent R&D capabilities. We look forward to collaborating with ArriVent to advance the development of MRG007 globally and help bring this potential promising therapy to more patients around the world.”
This deal represents a significant milestone for ArriVent as it seeks to broaden its portfolio of differentiated therapies. For Lepu Biopharma, it validates its innovative ADC technology platform and its commitment to advancing oncology therapeutics on a global scale. Together, the two companies aim to expedite the availability of MRG007, addressing high unmet needs among patients with GI cancers.
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