바이오스펙테이터

by Sungmin Kim

Under the agreement, Alteogen's hyaluronidase technology will be applied to three oncology products from AstraZeneca, with an upfront payment of $45 million.

▲Dr Soon Jae Park, Chief Executive Officer of Alteogen

AstraZeneca and Alteogen announced on 17th that have entered into an exclusive license agreement for ALT-B4, a novel hyaluronidase utilising Hybrozyme™ platform technology.

Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will acquire worldwide rights to use ALT-B4 to develop and commercialise subcutaneous formulations of several oncology assets. Alteogen will be responsible for clinical and commercial supply of ALT-B4 to AstraZeneca.

According to Alteogen's disclosure, under the agreement Alteogen's hyaluronidase technology will be applied to a total of three AstraZeneca products. The deal is valued at up to $1.35 billion, including an upfront payment of $45 million. Additionally, Alteogen will receive royalties on the sales of the commercialised products.

Subcutaneous formulations have the potential to offer many advantages including time savings for patients, clinical staff, and health systems due to shorter administration times.

Cristian Massacesi, Chief Medical Officer and Oncology Chief Development Officer, AstraZeneca, said: “We are dedicated to advancing new medicines for people with cancer and that includes new methods of delivery which are more convenient for patients, physicians and healthcare systems. We look forward to collaborating with Alteogen on several assets in our portfolio with the goal of bringing new subcutaneous options to patients that can transform the way cancer care is delivered.”

Dr Soon Jae Park, Chief Executive Officer of Alteogen, said: “We are excited to expand our Hybrozyme™ Technology by collaborating with AstraZeneca in their development of novel subcutaneous cancer medicines to meet the needs of patients.”

Previously, Alteogen signed a licensing deal with Daiichi Sankyo to apply its hyaluronidase technology for the development of a subcutaneous (SC) formulation of the HER2 blockbuster Enhertu. Additionally, it is collaborating with its major partner, Merck (MSD), to develop an SC formulation of the PD-1 immunotherapy Keytruda. The Keytruda SC has completed Phase 3 clinical trials and is currently under FDA review for approval.