Astellas Secures $1.34B Licensing Deal for CLDN18.2-Targeted ADC with Evopoint Biosciences
Astellas Pharma has entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement with Evopoint Biosciences for XNW27011, a clinical-stage antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting CLDN18.2.14
The total potential value of the deal is up to $1.34 billion, including a $130 million upfront payment, up to $70 million in near-term payments, and additional milestone-based payments.2
The agreement grants Astellas the rights to develop and commercialize XNW27011 globally, with certain regional exclusions for China, Macao, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.5
XNW27011 is designed to target Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), a protein highly expressed in specific cancer cells, signifying its potential use in targeted cancer therapies.1
This collaboration highlights Astellas' continued investment in innovative cancer therapeutics and follows a broader trend of global pharmaceutical companies partnering with Chinese biotechs.3
Sources:
1. https://www.geneonline.com/astellas-pharma-secures-global-rights-to-evopoint-biosciences-adc-targeting-cldn18-2/
2. https://firstwordpharma.com/story/5967453
3. https://endpts.com/astellas-licenses-claudin18-2-adc-from-chinas-evopoint-biosciences/
4. https://newsroom.astellas.us/2025-05-29-Astellas-Enters-Exclusive-License-Agreement-with-Evopoint-Biosciences-for-XNW27011,-a-Novel-Clinical-stage-Antibody-Drug-Conjugate-Targeting-CLDN18-2
5. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/astellas-evopoint-adc/