Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. has signed a strategic collaboration and licensing agreement with Roche to advance a portfolio of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), expanding the companies’ work in targeted cancer therapies. The agreement covers two preclinical ADC candidates developed by Hansoh, along with additional programs directed at targets proposed by Roche and built on Hansoh’s proprietary ADC technology platform. The companies intend to accelerate development of the candidates for potential use across multiple cancer types.

The deal represents the second ADC collaboration between the pharmaceutical companies, building on a partnership established last year. Under the terms, Hansoh will lead early development of the programs through completion of global Phase Ia trials. Roche will then assume responsibility for further development worldwide, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Hansoh will retain development and commercialization rights in those markets.

Hansoh is eligible to receive $400 million upfront, followed by a $110 million payment on the first anniversary of the agreement. The company could also receive more than $15 billion in additional milestone payments tied to development progress, regulatory approvals, and commercialization, as well as tiered royalties on potential future product sales. The agreement also gives Hansoh the option to select up to two programs and contribute to their development outside its retained territories. In return, Hansoh would be eligible for additional financial benefits linked to commercialization of those programs in the United States.

Eliza Sun, executive director of the board at Hansoh Pharma, said the expanded agreement builds on the companies’ existing relationship and reflects their shared interest in advancing ADC research for cancer treatment. Roche emphasized the potential of next-generation ADCs to address unmet needs in oncology.

Through the expanded partnership, Roche will gain access to Hansoh’s ADC platform and a broader set of early-stage development programs. The structure also allows Hansoh to retain rights in Greater China while participating in the potential commercial returns from selected programs developed in the United States.

The scale of the potential milestone payments reflects the breadth of the collaboration, although the additional payments and royalties depend on future development, regulatory, and commercial outcomes. Neither company disclosed the specific targets or identities of the ADC candidates covered by the agreement.

For more information, visit www.hspharm.com.