SOTIO and Biocytogen Partner to Expand ADC Pipeline

PRAGUE, Czech Republic & BEIJING, China I July 16, 2024 I SOTIO Biotech, a biopharmaceutical company in the clinical stages of development and owned by PPF Group, has entered into a research collaboration and exclusive option and license agreement with Biocytogen. Biocytogen, traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the symbol HKEX: 02315, is a global biotechnology firm specializing in the discovery of innovative antibody therapeutics.

This collaboration permits SOTIO to license several fully human bispecific antibodies developed using Biocytogen's proprietary RenLite® platform. SOTIO aims to utilize these antibodies in the development of advanced antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) designed to target solid tumors. Additionally, SOTIO has the option to make use of Biocytogen's proprietary ADC platform. As part of this agreement, Biocytogen stands to receive payments that include upfront fees, development milestones, commercial milestones, and royalties based on net sales of each product.

Dr. Martin Steegmaier, SOTIO's Chief Scientific Officer, emphasized the strength of their ADC platform, which integrates multiple technologies to customize treatments for specific cancer types. He highlighted the importance of bispecific targeting in improving precision and overcoming tumor heterogeneity. Dr. Steegmaier noted that this partnership with Biocytogen complements SOTIO's existing collaborations with companies such as Synaffix, LigaChem, and NBE-Therapeutics. Through this agreement, SOTIO gains access to Biocytogen's advanced in vivo discovery platform, which will enable the expansion of their ADC pipeline and enhance therapeutic options for patients with solid tumors.

According to the agreement, Biocytogen will receive upfront and milestone payments that could total up to $325.5 million, along with low single-digit royalties on net sales. The two companies will work closely together during the research phase of the bispecific programs. While Biocytogen will focus on antibody discovery, SOTIO will manage non-clinical and clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization of the ADC products.

Dr. Yuelei Shen, President and CEO of Biocytogen, expressed enthusiasm for leveraging Biocytogen’s advanced tools in antibody discovery to support SOTIO’s ADC development. He highlighted the advantages of Biocytogen's RenMice® platforms, which enable the discovery of fully human antibodies with high affinity and low immunogenicity. Dr. Shen is optimistic about the potential of this collaboration to create novel therapeutics that could significantly improve cancer treatment outcomes.

SOTIO Biotech is dedicated to transforming scientific discoveries into targeted cancer therapies that benefit patients. Their pipeline includes three clinical-stage programs: SOT102, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting Claudin-18.2; BOXR1030, a CAR-T cell therapy targeting GPC3-expressing tumors; and SOT201, an immunocytokine targeting PD-1. SOTIO is a member of the PPF Group.

Biocytogen is a global biotechnology company that utilizes innovative technologies to drive the development of novel antibody-based drugs. The company’s proprietary RenMice® platforms support the discovery of fully human monoclonal, bispecific, and multispecific antibodies. Biocytogen's sub-brand, RenBiologics™, fosters global partnerships through an extensive library of human antibody sequences. As of December 31, 2023, Biocytogen has established many partnerships and licensing projects with multinational pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Beijing, Biocytogen also has branches in China, the USA, and Germany.

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