SKB BIO-B (06990) announced that it has established a strategic partnership with Crescent Biopharma, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Crescent Biopharma Operating Company, LLC (collectively referred to as "Crescent") to jointly develop and commercialize oncology treatments, including novel combination therapies.
The collaboration involves SKB BIO-B's antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) SKB105, which targets integrin β6 (ITGB6) and carries a topoisomerase inhibitor payload, as well as Crescent's PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody CR-001. Both candidates are being developed for solid tumor treatment, with Phase 1/2 monotherapy clinical trials expected to commence in Q1 2026.
Under the agreement, SKB BIO-B grants Crescent exclusive rights to research, develop, manufacture, and commercialize SKB105 in the U.S., Europe, and all regions outside Greater China (including mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan). In return, Crescent grants SKB BIO-B exclusive rights to develop and commercialize CR-001 in Greater China.
The partnership includes the development of monotherapies for both candidates and the evaluation of combination therapy involving CR-001 and SKB105. Both companies retain the right to independently explore additional combination strategies for CR-001, including pairing it with their proprietary ADC assets.
As part of the deal, SKB BIO-B will receive an upfront payment of $80 million from Crescent and is eligible for up to $1.25 billion in milestone payments, along with tiered royalties ranging from mid-single-digit to low-double-digit percentages based on SKB105's net sales. Additional payments may be triggered if Crescent undergoes a change of control or enters into a sublicensing agreement with a third party.
Conversely, Crescent will receive $20 million upfront from SKB BIO-B and is eligible for up to $30 million in milestones, plus tiered royalties in the low-to-mid single-digit range based on CR-001's net sales.
The Board believes this collaboration aligns with the company’s and shareholders' best interests. It strengthens SKB BIO-B’s differentiated oncology pipeline by incorporating CR-001 while accelerating SKB105’s global development, enhancing its commercial potential, and expanding the company’s international collaboration network.
This innovative global partnership leverages both parties' strengths to explore novel monotherapy and combination strategies for SKB105 and CR-001 in oncology. By leveraging China’s robust clinical resources and execution efficiency, SKB BIO-B aims to accelerate clinical development while adhering to the highest international standards. The collaboration’s strong synergies are expected to maximize the therapeutic potential of both candidates in China and global markets.
Comments