Akeso Secures Payment for Tagitanlimab Development Collaboration Triumph
On January 22, 2025, Akeso Inc. announced a significant milestone in its ongoing collaboration with Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Research Institute by securing a payment for the development of tagitanlimab. This innovative humanized monoclonal antibody, which specifically targets PD-L1, has recently received marketing approval from China's National Medical Products Administration, making it a notable achievement for Akeso and its partners.
The partnership between Akeso and Sichuan Kelun began in 2014, with both companies entering a cooperation agreement to develop tagitanlimab. As part of their collaboration, Akeso is set to benefit from both a development payment and ongoing royalties from the commercial sales of tagitanlimab. This dual financial structure is designed to reward Akeso for its innovative efforts while supporting the commercialization of the product.
Tagitanlimab is a significant addition to Akeso's product lineup, being the second oncology product to generate commercial royalties following pucotenlimab. The latter is a PD-1 monoclonal antibody that Akeso developed in collaboration with Lepu Biopharma in 2016. This sequential success in oncology products not only illustrates Akeso's commitment to advancing cancer therapeutics but also underscores its increasing presence in the competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
Dr. Yu Xia, the founder and chairwoman of Akeso, expressed her excitement regarding this achievement in a recent announcement. "Congratulations to our partners! We are thrilled about the continuous successful approval of our innovative products and eagerly anticipate their outstanding commercialization performance," she stated. Dr. Xia also highlighted the importance of this achievement in showcasing Akeso's strong research and development capabilities. She noted that since its foundation, Akeso has been dedicated to forging external collaborations to enhance its innovation-driven approach.
Among these partnerships, Dr. Xia mentioned collaborations with companies like Summit Therapeutics for ivonescimab, Merck for quavonlimab, and Lepu Biopharma for pucotenlimab. These alliances not only benefit patients who require advanced therapeutics but also provide substantial returns for Akeso and its collaborators, effectively creating a win-win scenario for all involved.
Looking ahead, Akeso plans to maintain its momentum by pursuing a diversified strategy for new drug development. This approach will leverage global resources to facilitate the high-quality commercialization of their newly developed innovative therapeutics. The company's vision emphasizes a commitment to addressing pressing medical needs while ensuring sustained growth and innovation.
Overall, the recent payment received from Sichuan Kelun for tagitanlimab development marks a pivotal moment for Akeso Inc., reinforcing its position as a key player in the oncology market and reflecting its ongoing dedication to advancing patient care through innovative solutions. As Akeso continues to expand its product portfolio, it is poised for future successes that will potentially impact the lives of numerous patients battling cancer.