Innovent Secures Global License from Roche for DLL3 Antibody Drug Conjugate

Innovent Biologics, Inc., a prominent biopharmaceutical company based in San Francisco and Suzhou, China, announced a strategic partnership and exclusive licensing agreement with Roche, a leading name in the field of oncology. The collaboration centers around the development of IBI3009, a novel antibody drug conjugate (ADC) targeting DLL3, which is currently under investigation as a treatment for advanced small cell lung cancer.

IBI3009 stands out as a potentially leading option among DLL3-targeting ADCs due to its unique ability to focus on DLL3, an antigen that is minimally expressed in normal tissues but is significantly overexpressed in certain types of cancers, especially small-cell lung cancer and other neuroendocrine tumors. Innovent has developed IBI3009 using its proprietary topoisomerase 1 inhibitor (TOPO1i) platform, which is designed to enhance the ADC's anti-tumor activity. Preclinical models have shown that IBI3009 exhibits promising anti-tumor effects, particularly against chemo-resistant cancer types, and it maintains a favorable safety profile.

The partnership marks a significant step in the development of IBI3009, as it combines Innovent's innovative biopharmaceutical approach with Roche’s extensive scientific expertise and global capabilities. Both companies aim to address the unmet medical needs of patients suffering from solid tumors through this collaboration. Dr. Samuel Zhang, Chief Business Officer of Innovent, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to empower patients around the world with high-quality, cost-effective biopharmaceutical solutions.

Boris L. Zaïtra, Head of Corporate Business Development at Roche, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that this partnership leverages Roche's long-standing tradition of innovation in the ADC arena. The joint effort is expected to further the development of IBI3009 as a promising investigational treatment for small cell lung cancer patients.

According to the terms of the agreement, Innovent has granted Roche exclusive global rights to further develop, manufacture, and commercialize IBI3009. Initially, the two companies will focus on the early-stage development of the ADC candidate. Upon reaching a certain development phase, Roche will assume responsibility for the complete development process. As part of this agreement, Innovent will receive an initial payment of $80 million and is eligible for up to $1 billion in additional payments based on developmental and commercial milestones. Additionally, Innovent will receive tiered royalties on the net sales of IBI3009.

Innovent Biologics, established in 2011, is committed to delivering affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals to patients globally. The company has successfully launched 13 products and has multiple drug candidates in various stages of clinical trials and regulatory review. Innovent's partnerships with over 30 global healthcare entities, including Eli Lilly and Sanofi, underscore its dedication to advancing innovative therapies for challenging diseases.

With a guiding principle of "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent upholds industry-leading standards and collaborates extensively to enhance the accessibility of premier pharmaceuticals. This latest partnership with Roche is a testament to Innovent’s ongoing mission to provide innovative treatment options to patients worldwide.