Astellas Pharma Inc., a global life sciences company, and Evopoint Biosciences, an innovative biopharmaceutical firm, have entered into an exclusive license agreement for XNW27011, a clinical-stage antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting CLDN18.2.
Under this agreement, Astellas receives exclusive worldwide rights—excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan—to develop and commercialize XNW27011.
About XNW27011
XNW27011 is a novel investigational ADC currently in a Phase 1/2 clinical study in China. It is being evaluated in patients with CLDN18.2-expressing solid tumors, including:
- Gastric cancer
- Gastroesophageal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
The ADC leverages a proprietary topoisomerase I inhibitor payload and linker technology—an approach that has already demonstrated success in other approved cancer therapies.
Strengthening Astellas’ Oncology Pipeline
This agreement builds on Astellas’ existing expertise in targeting CLDN18.2. The company previously introduced Vyloy, the first approved CLDN18.2-targeted therapy worldwide.
XNW27011 offers a complementary approach and enhances Astellas’ pipeline of CLDN-targeting treatments and other ADCs. It addresses areas of significant unmet medical need, particularly in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.
Deal Structure and Financial Terms
Under the terms of the agreement:
- Evopoint will receive:
- $130 million upfront
- Up to $70 million in near-term payments
- Additional milestone-based payments totaling up to $1.34 billion
- Royalties on future net sales, if approved
Executive Statements
“Astellas is dedicated to advancing innovative therapies for some of the most challenging-to-treat cancers, such as gastric and pancreatic cancer. XNW27011 is a promising new asset that complements Astellas’ pipeline and enhances our leading position in precision oncology. We look forward to harnessing our expertise in targeting CLDN18.2 and specialized knowledge in GI cancers to advance XNW27011 and deliver meaningful outcomes to patients.”
- Adam Pearson, Chief Strategy Officer, Astellas
“XNW27011 is a novel investigational antibody-drug conjugate that has shown great promise in the clinic. Astellas has a proven history of developing and commercializing a strong franchise of innovative cancer therapies. We are pleased to enter into this new license agreement to further our collective goals of bringing new treatment options for patients in need worldwide.”
- Arthur Qiang, Chairman, Evopoint
About Astellas Pharma Inc.
Astellas is a global life sciences company dedicated to transforming innovative science into VALUE for patients. The company’s therapeutic focus spans:
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Urology
- Immunology
- Women’s health
Astellas is recognized for delivering transformative therapies that address high unmet medical needs.
About Evopoint Biosciences
Evopoint is a cutting-edge biopharmaceutical company with strong capabilities in R&D and commercialization. Its mission is to improve human health by developing breakthrough pharmaceutical solutions for significant unmet medical needs around the world.
