Kelun-Biotech and Crescent Biopharma Announce Strategic Partnership to Develop and Commercialize Novel Oncology Therapeutics

Core Viewpoint - Sichuan Kelun-Biotech and Crescent Biopharma have formed a strategic partnership to develop and commercialize oncology therapeutics, specifically focusing on CR-001 and SKB105, with plans to enter Phase 1/2 clinical trials in Q1 2026 [1][2][4] Group 1: Partnership Details - The collaboration grants Kelun-Biotech exclusive rights to develop and commercialize CR-001 in Greater China, while Crescent holds exclusive rights for SKB105 in the US, Europe, and other markets outside Greater China [3] - The partnership aims to explore both monotherapy and combination strategies for CR-001 and SKB105, with both companies retaining rights to independently develop CR-001 in additional combinations [3] Group 2: Financial Aspects - Kelun-Biotech will receive an upfront payment of US$80 million from Crescent, with potential additional milestones of up to US$1.25 billion and tiered royalties on net sales of SKB105 [4] - Crescent will receive an upfront payment of US$20 million from Kelun-Biotech, along with potential milestones of up to US$30 million and tiered royalties on net sales of CR-001 [4] Group 3: Product Information - CR-001 is a PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody designed for solid tumors, showing promising preclinical results in anti-tumor activity and potential for combination therapies [6] - SKB105 is an integrin beta-6-directed ADC with a topoisomerase payload, targeting solid tumors while minimizing systemic toxicity, and is also set to enter Phase 1/2 trials in Q1 2026 [7] Group 4: Company Backgrounds - Kelun-Biotech focuses on R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative drugs, with over 30 ongoing projects and a commitment to addressing unmet medical needs globally [8] - Crescent Biopharma aims to build a leading oncology company with a diverse pipeline, including CR-001 and novel ADCs, to advance transformative therapies for cancer patients [9]