Allist Secures Leading Role in China’s KRAS Inhibitor Market with $21M Jacobio Deal

Shanghai Allist Pharmaceuticals has significantly bolstered its position in China’s burgeoning KRAS inhibitor market through a strategic agreement with Jacobio Pharma. This deal, valued at approximately 150 million Chinese yuan (around $21 million), grants Allist exclusive rights within China to two promising oncological candidates: the KRAS G12C inhibitor glecirasib and the SHP2 inhibitor JAB-3312. This move not only positions Allist at the forefront of the KRAS drug race in China but also underscores the company’s commitment to advancing innovative cancer therapies.

In addition to the upfront payment, Allist has committed an additional 50 million yuan ($7 million) to cover near-term research and development costs. Furthermore, the agreement includes potential milestone payments that could total up to 700 million yuan ($99 million), contingent on the successful advancement and commercialization of these assets. This substantial financial commitment reflects Allist’s confidence in the long-term potential of these therapies to transform the landscape of cancer treatment in China.
The centerpiece of the deal is glecirasib, a KRAS G12C inhibitor that has shown considerable promise in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Jacobio Pharma, which filed for the drug’s approval in China in May, has demonstrated that glecirasib’s efficacy is comparable to leading international competitors. Jacobio has particularly emphasized the drug’s safety and tolerability, suggesting it may offer an advantage over rival treatments. This is a critical factor given the competitive landscape in the KRAS inhibitor space, where Amgen’s Lumakras and Bristol Myers Squibb’s Krazati dominate the U.S. market, and Innovent Biologics is a strong contender within China.
Including JAB-3312 in the deal adds another layer of strategic depth to Allist’s portfolio. Initially acquired by AbbVie in 2020 for global rights, JAB-3312 was later dropped during a portfolio review, a move that dampened some of the initial excitement around SHP2 inhibitors. However, Allist sees significant potential in combining JAB-3312 with glecirasib. Research indicates that SHP2 inhibition may enhance the effectiveness of KRAS inhibitors by increasing the presence of the KRAS target and preventing the reactivation of other RAS isoforms. This synergistic approach could pave the way for more effective combination therapies, a prospect that has regained traction despite the cooling interest from major pharmaceutical players like Bristol Myers Squibb, Genentech, and Sanofi.

The timing of this acquisition is particularly strategic, as it coincides with increased regulatory attention on KRAS inhibitors within China. Innovent Biologics recently made headlines when Chinese regulatory authorities accepted its KRAS G12C inhibitor for priority review, marking a milestone in bringing these therapies to market. With the acquisition of glecirasib and JAB-3312, Allist has positioned itself as a leading player, with the potential to significantly impact the treatment of KRAS-mutant cancers in China.
Allist Pharmaceuticals’ acquisition of the Chinese rights to glecirasib and JAB-3312 from Jacobio Pharma positions the company as a key contender in the Chinese KRAS inhibitor market. By securing these assets, Allist is also moving towards expanding its oncology portfolio.

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