GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) and Hansoh Pharma, a leading Chinese biopharmaceutical company, have announced an exclusive license agreement for HS-20089, an innovative B7-H4 targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) currently in phase I clinical trials in China. This agreement grants GSK exclusive worldwide rights (excluding China’s mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) for the development and commercialization of HS-20089.
HS-20089 targets the B7-H4 surface antigen, which is often associated with poor prognosis in ovarian and endometrial cancers. In addition to its novel targeting approach, HS-20089 utilizes clinically validated ADC technologies, including a topoisomerase inhibitor (TOPOi) payload. TOPOi has a proven mechanism of action in approved anti-cancer medicines and is a standard of care in breast and ovarian cancer treatment.
Hesham Abdullah, SVP, Global Head Oncology, R&D, GSK, expressed optimism about HS-20089, highlighting its potential in ovarian and endometrial cancer, with prospects for treating other solid tumors. This strategic agreement aligns with GSK’s commitment to advancing innovative treatment options for gynecologic cancer patients.
Eliza Sun, Executive Director of the Board at Hansoh Pharma, emphasized their dedication to delivering groundbreaking medicines to address unmet medical needs. She cited GSK’s R&D expertise and commercial footprint in gynecologic cancer therapies as key factors in selecting them as the ideal licensee for HS-20089 outside of China.
This collaboration further supports GSK’s focus on tumor-cell targeting modalities and their expertise in gynecologic cancers. HS-20089 complements GSK’s oncology portfolio and aligns with its strategic disease area focus, including potential future combination therapies.
GSK plans to initiate phase I trials for HS-20089 outside of China in 2024, marking a significant milestone in its oncology research.
Under the terms of the agreement, GSK will provide an $85 million upfront payment to Hansoh Pharma. Additionally, Hansoh is eligible to receive up to $1.485 billion in success-based milestones for HS-20089. Upon commercialization, GSK will pay tiered royalties on global net sales, excluding China’s mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
This agreement is subject to regulatory clearances, including under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act in the United States.
this partnership between GSK and Hansoh Pharma for HS-20089 represents a significant step forward in the development of innovative cancer therapies, particularly for gynecologic cancers. The agreement underscores GSK’s commitment to advancing oncology treatments that have the potential to transform patient outcomes.
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