InventisBio licenses lung cancer drug D-0316 to Betta Pharma in RMB230m deal

In a significant development within the pharmaceutical industry, Shanghai-based InventisBio has entered into a strategic partnership with Betta Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. to co-develop the promising lung cancer drug D-0316. Under this agreement, InventisBio has out-licensed the rights to D-0316 in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to Betta Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. in a deal valued at over RMB 230 million (approximately $33.44 million). This collaboration aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of D-0316, a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

A strategic alliance to combat lung cancer

The partnership between InventisBio and Betta Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. represents a concerted effort to address the pressing need for effective treatments for EGFR-mutant NSCLC. D-0316, discovered and developed by InventisBio, is currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials in China. The drug is designed to target the EGFR T790M mutation, a common cause of resistance to first- and second-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. By inhibiting this mutation, D-0316 holds the potential to provide a new therapeutic option for patients who have developed resistance to existing treatments.

Financial terms and development milestones

According to the terms of the agreement, Betta Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. will provide upfront payments and research and development milestones totaling RMB 230 million to InventisBio. Additionally, upon successful commercialization of D-0316, Betta Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. will pay InventisBio sales-based milestones and tiered royalties based on annual sales. This financial structure underscores the shared commitment of both companies to bring this innovative treatment to market and improve outcomes for lung cancer patients.

Expert insights on the collaboration

Dr. Yaolin Wang, Chairman and CEO of InventisBio, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting Betta Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.’s leadership in oncology drug development in China. He emphasized that the collaboration is expected to expedite the development and market approval of D-0316, thereby meeting the growing needs of lung cancer patients.

Dr. Lieming Ding, Chairman and CEO of Betta Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., echoed this sentiment, noting that the collaboration with InventisBio will broaden Betta Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.’s capabilities in lung cancer treatment. He pointed out that the addition of D-0316 to their portfolio aligns with the company’s mission to provide innovative therapies for cancer patients.

The significance of D-0316 in lung cancer treatment

Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases, and mutations in the EGFR gene are present in a significant subset of these patients. The T790M mutation, in particular, is associated with resistance to earlier-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, posing a significant challenge in treatment. Third-generation inhibitors like D-0316 are designed to overcome this resistance, offering hope for improved patient outcomes.

The collaboration between InventisBio and Betta Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. is poised to make a substantial impact on the treatment landscape for EGFR-mutant NSCLC. By combining their expertise and resources, the two companies aim to bring D-0316 to patients more swiftly, addressing a critical unmet need in oncology.