#China #Shanghai #Minghui Pharmaceutical #Qilu Pharmaceutical #B7-H3 ADC

Minghui Pharmaceutical forges alliance with Qilu Pharmaceutical

Minghui Pharmaceutical, a biopharmaceutical company nearing the end of its clinical development phase, has entered into a significant strategic partnership with Qilu Pharmaceutical. This collaboration is aimed at paving the way for the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovatory B7-H3 ADC (MHB088C) in the Greater China region, which encompasses Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.

Exclusive Licensing Agreement Details

Under the terms of this licensing deal, Qilu Pharmaceutical will acquire exclusive rights to MHB088C, allowing them to lead its development in the specified region. As part of this agreement, Minghui stands to receive a maximum of 1.345 billion RMB in total payments. This includes an upfront payment of 280 million RMB and additional milestone payments tied to development, regulatory approvals, and sales, along with potential double-digit royalties based on net product sales. Meanwhile, Minghui will retain global rights to MHB088C for territories outside of Greater China and will continue its development efforts in those areas.

About MHB088C

MHB088C is an innovative antibody-drug conjugate targeting B7-H3, developed using Minghui's proprietary SuperTopoi™ ADC platform. This therapy is characterized by its powerful anti-tumor effectiveness and distinguished safety profile, enabling a broader therapeutic window compared to existing treatment options. Currently, the drug is undergoing Phase I/II clinical trials where it has already been assessed on over 300 patients suffering from advanced or metastatic solid tumors, demonstrating a favorable safety profile as well as promising efficacy.

Subgroup analyses are scheduled to be presented at the ASCO 2025 Annual Meeting, particularly focusing on small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

In addition, a Phase III trial for relapsed SCLC is set to commence imminently, with the first patient expected to be enrolled soon.

Executive Insight

Dr. Guoqing Cao, CEO of Minghui, stated, “Our collaboration with Qilu marks a significant milestone in Minghui's dedication to progressing innovative cancer therapeutics. MHB088C has exhibited robust efficacy along with excellent safety characteristics, with no significant hematological toxicity or interstitial lung disease (ILD) reported. This positions our program as a potential best-in-class B7-H3 ADC. We are optimistic that with Qilu’s resources and expertise, MHB088C will greatly benefit patients and enhance precision oncology practices in China.”

About the Companies

Minghui Pharmaceutical

Minghui has established itself as a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical firm, committed to developing innovative treatments targeting unmet medical needs in oncology and autoimmune diseases. With deep expertise in medical science and proprietary platforms, the company has built a diverse pipeline encompassing novel ADC programs and bispecific antibodies like PD-1xVEGF. Their mission remains steadfast—to advance breakthrough therapies that improve patient outcomes globally. Interested parties can learn more at Minghui Pharmaceutical’s website.

Qilu Pharmaceutical

Founded in 1958, Qilu is recognized among China’s leading vertically integrated pharmaceutical firms. The company focuses on the development, manufacturing, and distribution of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and finished dosage forms (FDFs). Currently, Qilu operates 12 subsidiaries and 11 manufacturing sites across China, employing more than 36,000 workers worldwide. In the competitive pharmaceutical landscape, Qilu stands among the top three Chinese pharmaceutical companies as of 2024. Committed to delivering high-quality medicines globally, Qilu has successfully launched over 300 products, including 55 that were first-to-launch in China, alongside an extensive pipeline consisting of over 200 generic products and more than 80 innovative drugs.

Conclusion

This strategic partnership embodies the promise of innovative biopharmaceutical developments in the oncology realm within Greater China, with both Minghui and Qilu poised to make substantial contributions to cancer care. The collaboration not only emphasizes the commitment to improving patient outcomes but also signals a progressive shift in the regional pharmaceutical landscape, opening doors to a potential breakthrough in cancer therapies.