Astellas Secures Global Rights to Investigational CLDN18.2-Targeting ADC XNW27011 from Evopoint
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Astellas Pharma has entered into an exclusive global licence agreement with Evopoint Biosciences for XNW27011, a clinical-stage antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) designed to target CLDN18.2.
The deal excludes mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.
XNW27011 is currently undergoing a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in China, focusing on patients with CLDN18.2-expressing solid tumours, including gastric, gastroesophageal, and pancreatic cancers. The ADC utilises a proprietary topoisomerase I inhibitor payload and linker technology, a method previously associated with success in other approved oncology treatments.
This agreement enhances Astellas’ oncology portfolio, which includes various CLDN-targeted therapies and ADCs aimed at other molecular targets. The company has prior experience in this field, including the development of the first globally approved CLDN18.2-targeted therapy.
Under the terms of the agreement, Evopoint will receive an upfront payment of $130 million, with up to $70 million in near-term payments. Additional development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments could total up to $1.34 billion. Evopoint will also be eligible for royalties based on future net sales of XNW27011, should it receive regulatory approval.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen Astellas’ position in precision oncology and advance potential new treatment options for difficult-to-treat cancers.
Source: astellas.com
