Kelun-Biotech partners with Crescent Biopharma for oncology drug development

Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced that its holding subsidiary, Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Kelun-Biotech), has partnered with Crescent Biopharma, Inc. to co-develop and commercialize oncology treatments, including new combination therapies. The collaboration focuses on Kelun-Biotech's antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) SKB105 and Crescent's PD-1 × VEGF bispecific antibody CR-001, both targeting solid tumors. Phase 1/2 single-agent clinical trials for both candidates are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026.

Under the agreement, Kelun-Biotech grants Crescent exclusive rights to research, develop, manufacture, and commercialize SKB105 in the US, Europe, and all other markets outside Greater China. Conversely, Crescent grants Kelun-Biotech exclusive rights for CR-001 in Greater China. Kelun-Biotech will receive an upfront payment of $80m from Crescent, with potential milestone payments of up to $1.25bn and tiered royalties ranging from mid-single-digit to low double-digit percentages on net sales of SKB105.

In a separate arrangement related to CR-001, Kelun-Biotech will also receive an upfront payment of $20m from Crescent, with potential milestone payments of up to $3bn and tiered royalties from low to mid-single-digit percentages on net sales of CR-001. This partnership leverages the strengths of both companies to accelerate clinical development and maximize the therapeutic potential of SKB105 and CR-001 in global and Chinese markets.