MediLink’s Global Pact with Roche Unveils Revolutionary Oncology Breakthrough

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MediLink Therapeutics Announces Worldwide Collaboration and License Agreement with Roche to develop next generation antibody drug conjugate in Oncology — MediLink Therapeutics

MediLink Therapeutics has recently unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration and license agreement with Roche, a leading pharmaceutical company, for the development of a cutting-edge antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) named YL211. This collaboration aims to focus on targeting c-Mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met), a critical element associated with tumor formation, aggressive growth, and metastasis in solid tumors.

Under the terms of the agreement, Roche has been granted exclusive global rights for the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of YL211. MediLink will actively participate in the initial stages, collaborating with Roche’s Research and Development unit, the China Innovation Center of Roche (CICoR), to initiate the Phase I clinical trial of YL211. Following this phase, Roche will assume responsibility for the further development and global commercialization of the ADC.

As part of the agreement, MediLink is set to receive substantial financial benefits, including upfront and near-term milestone payments totaling $50 million. Additionally, potential future payments tied to development, regulatory milestones, and commercial achievements could elevate the total deal value to nearly $1 billion. Furthermore, MediLink will be entitled to tiered royalties based on the global annual net sales of YL211.

YL211 represents a next-generation ADC that specifically targets c-Met, a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family. The c-Met receptor’s close association with tumor-related processes, such as aggressive growth and metastasis, positions it as a crucial target for treating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. While existing c-Met targeting therapies, including ADCs, have shown efficacy in treating solid tumors, there is still a significant unmet medical need globally. YL211, currently at the investigational new drug (IND) stage, utilizes MediLink’s advanced TMALIN® ADC platform technology, coupled with a highly specific c-Met antibody. Promising results in preclinical tumor models and safety evaluation experiments underscore the potential efficacy and safety of YL211, offering a beacon of hope for patients seeking improved treatment options for solid tumors.

This collaboration signifies a strategic alliance between MediLink Therapeutics and Roche, leveraging their combined expertise to address unmet medical needs in oncology and potentially revolutionize cancer treatment on a global scale.