3SBio Signs Exclusive Patent License Agreement with DiNonA for Leukotuximab

SHENYANG, China, Aug. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- 3SBio Inc., a leading China-based biotechnology company focused on researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing biopharmaceutical products, today announced it has entered into an exclusive license with DiNonA Inc. for the development, manufacturing and marketing of Leukotuximab, an anti JL-1 antibody for acute leukemia (AL), including acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in the territory of Greater China (including Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau) and the Middle East (excluding Cyprus, Egypt, Israel and Turkey).

In addition to an upfront payment, milestone payments will be made after completion of technology transfer, approval of Investigational New Drug (IND) application by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), completions of Phase I to Phase III clinical trials and marketing approval in China. 3SBio will also pay DiNonA a sales-based royalty. Additional terms of the license are not being disclosed.

The incidence rate for AML is 1.6 per 100,000 annually; the incidence rate for ALL is 0.4 per 100,000 annually. In China, there are about two to three million existing AL patients. Among them, between 30,000 and 40,000 patients are newly diagnosed each year. Patients are currently treated with traditional chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant, both of which have major side effects.

Researchers from DiNonA have developed Leukotuximab, an anti-leukemic agent for JL-1+ acute leukemia. This antibody is targeting JL-1 Ag, an epitope of human CD43 extracellular domain. JL-1 is expressed on tumor cells of T, B, and myeloid lineages in more than 80% of acute leukemia patients, but not on mature peripheral blood cells or other normal tissues. Since the expression of JL-1 is highly associated with hematopoietic malignancies and is selectively expressed on the surface of human leukemic cells, anti-JL-1 mAb can be an excellent targeted reagent for treatment of the leukemia.

Leukotuximab showed significant improvement in survival in leukemia animal models. Also, no evidence of toxicity was observed in study animals. An open label and dose-escalating Phase I clinical trial in Korea started at June 2014 and is expected to finish in late 2015.

"We are pleased to collaborate with DiNonA and look forward to moving Leukotuximab into clinical trials in China," Dr. Jing Lou, CEO of 3SBio commented, "3SBio continues to seek opportunities to support novel biologics, especially mAb candidates for blood cancer and other unmet medical needs, particularly in 3SBio's core therapeutic areas of oncology, nephrology and hematology."

"Leukotuximab is a drug candidate with great potential to treat acute leukemia," Dr. Hyung-Geun Song, CEO of DiNonA commented, "3SBio is an established industry leader in the innovative biological field in China, which makes them an ideal partner for long-term collaboration. We are looking forward to working with 3SBio to maximize this opportunity and benefit tens of thousands of Chinese patients suffering for acute leukemia and other severe diseases."

About DiNonA Inc.

DiNonA Inc. is a leading biotechnology company in Korea. DiNonA is focused on medication development for therapeutic antibodies, laser medical devices, and diagnosis/research agents. Leukotuximab, the leading candidate in its pipeline, has entered into Phase I trial in Korea. There are several other mAb candidates also under pre-clinical development.

About Leukotuximab

Leukotuximab is an anti-leukemic monoclonal antibody for JL-1+ Acute Leukemia. The anti JL-1 antibody is targeting JL-1 Ag, an epitope of human CD43 extracellular domain. JL-1 is expressed on tumor cells of T, B, and myeloid lineages in >80% of acute leukemia patients, but not on mature peripheral blood cells or other normal tissues. Since the expression of JL-1 is highly associated with hematopoietic malignancies and is selectively expressed on the surface of human leukemic cells, anti-JL-1 mAb can be an excellent targeted reagent for treatment of the leukemia.

About 3SBio Inc.

3SBio is a fully integrated, profitable biotechnology company focused on researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing biopharmaceutical products primarily in China. Since its founding in 1993, 3SBio's R&D efforts have resulted in four NDAs for biological medicines, including TPIAO, the first rhTPO approved worldwide. Pipeline candidates include Uricase PEG-20, a modified pegylated recombinant uricase from Candida utilis for the treatment of refractory gout and tumor lysis syndrome which has completed US Phase 1 trials; NuPIAO, a long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) for anemia associated with renal failure or chemotherapy and peri-operative blood cell mobilization which has received CFDA approval to initiate clinical trials; and SSS07, an anti-TNF monoclonal antibody for treating rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and potentially other inflammatory diseases. A new state-of-the-art mammalian biological manufacturing facility in Shenyang is the first and only rhEPO facility in China that conforms to both Chinese and European pharmacopeia standards. Planning is underway to develop monoclonal antibody manufacturing capabilities. 3SBio is China's leading specialist in nephrology and oncology supportive care with more than 600 sales professionals covering over 3,000 hospitals in key cities supported by a nationwide network of 120 distributors and logistics providers. EPIAO has been the top selling rhEPO product in China since 2002 with a market share over 40%. Please see www.3sbio.com for additional information.

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