Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co - receives RMB602.5 mln from Medilink Therapeutics for out-licensing of YL201

Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co. has received RMB602.5 million from MediLink Therapeutics as part of an out-licensing agreement for YL201, an investigational antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting B7H3 in solid tumors. The transaction is part of a broader licensing and collaboration agreement between MediLink and Roche, under which MediLink received upfront and near-term milestone payments totaling US$570 million. The agreement grants Roche exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize YL201 globally, excluding mainland China and its special administrative regions.

YL201 is currently in multinational clinical trials and has advanced to Phase III trials in China for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The drug has also received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for SCLC and three Orphan Drug Designations for SCLC, NPC, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The collaboration between MediLink and Roche aims to accelerate global regulatory approvals and expand access to the therapy for patients with unmet medical needs.

This transaction highlights the growing importance of ADCs in oncology and the strategic value of partnerships in advancing novel therapies to market.