GSK licenses B7-H3 targeted cancer drug candidate from Hansoh

GSK plc, the global biopharmaceutical company, has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Chinese biopharmaceutical firm Hansoh Pharma for HS-20093, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting B7-H3. Under the agreement, GSK secures worldwide rights, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, to further develop and commercialize the drug candidate.

HS-20093 has demonstrated promising early clinical activity, particularly in lung cancer, and holds potential for treating a range of solid tumors where significant unmet medical needs persist. The drug is currently undergoing Phase I and II clinical trials in China.

The financial terms include an upfront payment of $185 million from GSK to Hansoh. Hansoh is also eligible for success-based milestone payments potentially reaching up to $1.525 billion. Tiered royalties on global net sales outside the specified Chinese territories will be paid upon commercialization.

This agreement follows an earlier collaboration between GSK and Hansoh, announced in October 2023, for HS-20089, another ADC targeting B7-H4, which is in Phase II trials for gynecological cancers. GSK aims to initiate Phase I trials for HS-20093 outside of China in 2024.

GSK's oncology strategy focuses on developing transformative medicines, including immuno-oncology and tumor-targeting therapies, for various cancers. The addition of HS-20093 complements GSK's existing portfolio of clinical-stage ADCs.