BioNTech Strengthens ADC Partnership with China’s MediLink, Investing $25M Upfront

1. Deal Terms: BioNTech pays $25 million upfront to apply MediLink's TMALIN ADC platform to several undisclosed targets, with potential milestones of up to $1.8 billion.
2. Collaboration Expansion: This deal expands the partnership between BioNTech and MediLink, which began in October 2023 with a $70 million upfront payment for a HER3-directed ADC.
3. MediLink's Technology: MediLink's TMALIN ADC platform focuses on solid tumors, and the company has also partnered with Roche for an ADC candidate targeting c-Mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-Met).
4. BioNTech's ADC Strategy: BioNTech has been actively investing in ADC technology, including a $170 million upfront payment to Duality Biologics in April 2023 for two ADCs in development.
5. Global Biotech Partnerships: The deal highlights the growing trend of international collaborations in the biotech industry, with European companies like BioNTech and Roche partnering with Chinese companies like MediLink.