GSK returns to Hansoh and pays $185 million upfront for an additional ADC

The ongoing surge of interest in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) remains unabated, with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) taking further action through a new agreement with Hansoh Pharmaceutical, entailing an upfront payment of $185 million. 

This collaborative effort extends beyond, potentially encompassing milestone payments of up to $1.5 billion, accompanied by tiered royalties. In return, GSK secures exclusive rights outside of China for the development and commercialization of HS-20093, an ADC targeting B7-H3.

Hansoh Pharmaceutical has announced that HS-20093 is currently undergoing phase 1 and 2 trials in China, with a primary focus on treating various cancers such as lung cancer, sarcoma, head and neck cancers, and other solid tumors. GSK justifies its licensing agreement by emphasizing the encouraging initial clinical outcomes of HS-20093, particularly in lung cancer, indicating its potential to address unmet medical needs across a wider spectrum of solid tumor indications.

The rationale behind this choice is reinforced by findings from the ARTEMIS-001 phase 1 trial, as reported by Hansoh during the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual conference. Notably, the trial showcased encouraging early clinical responses in small-cell lung cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, and sarcoma. GSK’s acquisition of the rights to another ADC, HS-20089, which targets B7-H4 and occurred two months earlier, underscores the company’s dedication to expanding its ADC portfolio.

Hesham Abdullah, GSK’s global head of oncology R&D, emphasized the significance of B7-H3 expression in a wide array of solid tumors, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative treatment options. The company envisions progressing HS-20093 across multiple indications and exploring potential combination approaches with its existing portfolio.

GSK’s involvement aligns with a broader trend among major pharmaceutical companies vying for ADCs. Merck & Co., for example, recently invested a substantial $4 billion upfront to co-develop three ADC candidates with Daiichi Sankyo. AstraZeneca and BioNTech have similarly secured their ADCs from Chinese partners. In the latest development, Bristol Myers Squibb entered the arena by committing $800 million upfront to SystImmune for a phase 2 solid tumor candidate.

As the enthusiasm for ADCs intensifies, these strategic collaborations underscore the pharmaceutical industry’s keen interest in advancing novel therapies and addressing unmet medical needs across various cancer types.

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