South Korea's Genexine licensed China rights for a novel long-acting EPO drug to Shanghai Fosun Pharma unit Shanghai Chemo Wanbang Biopharma, which follows team efforts in other therapeutic areas with Indonesia's Kalbe Farma and China's Tasly late last year.
The pact with Chemo Wanbang which include potential milestones and royalties is for the development and commercialization of GX-E2 (EPO-hyFc) used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease and chemotherapy, according to a press release.
The candidate is currently in Phase II trials in South Korea and has been in co-development by Pangyo Techno Valley-based Genexine and Seoul-based Green Cross since 2006.
"Under the terms of the agreement, Chemo Wanbang will have the right to develop and commercialize GX-E2 in the territory of China, excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan," according to a press release.
"Genexine will receive clinical and commercial milestones up to $44.5 million plus sales-based royalties under the terms thereof." No other terms were disclosed.
In October, Genexine signed a deal to license out 5 protein therapies with Tianjin-based Tasly Pharmaceutical through Tasgen Bio-Tech that sees Genexine getting $20 million upfront and commercial and development milestones potentially kicking in another $80 million.
Tasgen won China rights for three Genexine clinical candidates, human growth hormone GX-H9, GLP-1 receptor agonist GX-G6 for diabetes and neutropenia preparation GX-G3.
The two other Genexine candidates, part of a $25 million deal, cover preclinical candidates, PD-L1 receptor target GX-P2 and GLP-2 preparation GX-G8.
Also in November, Genexine launched the sale of biologic products in Indonesia and into Southeast Asia through Indonesia's top drug company, Jakarta-based Kalbe Farma under a firm called KG Bio that will seek regulatory approvals of Genexine's therapies.
The licensing effort for now retains an Asian focus that is aided by acceptance of South Korea clinical trial data in several countries. The company is also focused on two Phase II studies of growth hormone candidate GX-H9.
In oncology, the company is in Phase II trials for candidate GX-188E for cervical therapy with studies in South Korea and Europe.
- here's the release