Alteogen has recently signed two exclusive license agreements with AstraZeneca for its original human hyaluronidase technology, known as ALT-B4, with a total contract value of $135.5 million (approximately 196.4 billion won). This significant deal was announced on March 17, 2025, by the South Korean biopharmaceutical company, which aims to revolutionize cancer treatment through innovative delivery methods.
The exclusive licenses were granted to AstraZeneca's bio research and development subsidiary, MedImmune, with the agreements finalized on March 15, 2025. The contracts involve separate negotiations with MedImmune LLC based in the United States and MedImmune Limited based in the United Kingdom. This partnership will enable the development and commercialization of subcutaneous (SC) formulations of AstraZeneca's anticancer drugs using Alteogen's ALT-B4 technology.
Under the terms of the agreements, the contract with the US branch includes an upfront payment of $20 million (approximately 29.1 billion won) and potential milestone payments totaling up to $58 million (around 84.4 billion won) depending on the progress of clinical trials, product approval, and eventual commercialization. This gives the total deal with the US subsidiary the potential to reach $60 million (approximately 87.3 billion won).
Likewise, the contract with the UK branch encompasses another $25 million (about 36.4 billion won) initial payment, alongside milestone payments of $72.5 million (about 105.5 billion won) linked to the success of two additional anticancer products being developed. This brings the potential maximum value of the UK contract to $75.5 million (approximately 109 billion won).
One of the key elements of this agreement is the opportunity for Alteogen to receive separate royalties based on net sales once products reach the market. The total value of these contracts, together with the anticipated milestone payments, positions Alteogen to potentially make substantial gains from the collaboration.
Park Soon-jae, the CEO of Alteogen, expressed his enthusiasm about this partnership, stating, "This contract was secured after confirming stability through due diligence across various domains, and we expect it will contribute to improving patients’ quality of life through rapid development." The ability to commercialize these products could have significant positive impacts on patient care by providing new options for subcutaneous administration of cancer therapies.
The biopharmaceutical company emphasizes the uniqueness of the ALT-B4 technology, which is known to break down hyaluronic acid, enabling easier penetration of drugs through subcutaneous tissues. This technology is expected to transform intravenous cancer treatments to more patient-friendly subcutaneous formulations.
Cristian Massacesi, AstraZeneca's Chief Medical Officer, also commented on the collaboration, stating, "We are dedicated to developing new treatments for cancer patients and providing new means of delivery for healthcare systems and practitioners." This dedication highlights the commitment of both organizations to improve therapeutic options for patients, as well as to streamline treatment methods within the healthcare infrastructure.
Following this partnership, Alteogen will now not only retain exclusive rights over the development of these cancer treatments but also extend its portfolio within the global market. Having previously focused on exclusive target licensing agreements, the shift to product licensing showcases the company’s strategic evolution aimed at accelerating its reach and innovation capacity.
The collaboration between Alteogen and AstraZeneca marks significant progress for both entities, reflecting broader trends within the biopharmaceutical industry to pursue joint ventures for cutting-edge treatment solutions. By leveraging the capabilities of the Hybrozyme platform technology, Alteogen aims to transform existing IV treatments and offer new administration routes to patients.
Overall, this partnership is poised to accelerate the development of novel cancer therapies and reshape how they are delivered, potentially enhancing treatment accessibility and effectiveness for patients globally. The successful realization of these objectives could substantially improve outcomes for cancer patients, highlighting the importance of innovative biopharmaceutical collaborations.