30 May 2025: Astellas enters exclusive license agreement with Evopoint Biosciences for XNW27011, a novel clinical-stage ADCTargeting CLDN18.2
Astellas Pharma has secured exclusive worldwide rights (excluding Greater China) to develop and commercialize XNW27011, an investigational antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting CLDN18.2, through a licensing deal with Evopoint Biosciences
XNW27011 is in Phase 1/2 clinical trials in China, showing promising results in treating CLDN18.2-positive solid tumors including gastric, gastroesophageal, and pancreatic cancers
Astellas aims to expand its oncology pipeline with XNW27011, adding to its existing CLDN18.2-targeted therapies like VYLOYTM, the world’s first approved treatment in this category
Evopoint will receive a $130 million upfront payment, up to $70 million in near-term payments, and potential milestone payments totaling up to $1.34 billion, plus royalties on future sales if the drug is approved