LegoChem Biosciences Strikes Licensing Deal with Janssen for ADC Development

In a new development in the field of cancer treatment, LegoChem Biosciences, Inc., a South Korean biopharmaceutical firm, has announced a major licensing agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc., a subsidiary of the renowned Johnson & Johnson company. This collaboration is centered around the development and commercialization of LCB84, an innovative Trop2 directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC).

Under the terms of this agreement, LegoChem Biosciences grants Janssen an exclusive, worldwide license to develop and commercialize LCB84. This deal could potentially yield up to USD 1.7 billion for LegoChem, inclusive of an upfront payment of USD 100 million, an option exercise payment of USD 200 million, and additional developmental, regulatory, and commercial milestones. The agreement also includes tiered royalties on net sales.

Collaboration Dynamics and the Promise of LCB84

The partnership entails collaborative efforts in the ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial of LCB84, with Janssen assuming sole responsibility for further clinical development and commercialization after the exercise of the option.

LCB84 represents a significant advance in ADC technology. Leveraging LegoChem’s next-generation ADC platform and a Trop2 antibody licensed from Mediterranea Theranostic, S.r.l, this ADC targets a unique cleaved form of the Trop2 antigen, commonly found in high concentrations in cancer cells. Preclinical studies have showcased LCB84’s differentiated safety and efficacy profile across various cancer types, underscoring its potential as a Trop2-targeting ADC.

This deal marks a milestone for LegoChem Biosciences, as LCB84 is their first wholly in-house developed clinical-stage ADC. Yong-Zu Kim, President, and CEO of the company, expressed great satisfaction with the Janssen collaboration, emphasizing LegoChem’s ongoing efforts to enhance its global clinical development capabilities and advance other ADC programs into clinical trials.