Kaigene, Inc., a US-based biotechnology company developing antibody medicines for autoimmune diseases, has announced an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with South Korea-based Celltrion Inc. for KG013, its next-generation monoclonal antibody targeting A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL).
Under the agreement, Kaigene grants Celltrion exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize KG013. Kaigene is eligible to receive up to $580.5 million (approximately KRW 769 billion) in total consideration comprising an upfront payment and development, regulatory and commercialization milestone payments, with milestone payments contingent on achieving the relevant objectives.
Royalties on net sales are payable separately. Kaigene retains the option to participate in co-marketing in South Korea, subject to the terms of the agreement.
KG013 is a half-life-extended, fully human anti-APRIL monoclonal antibody with femtomolar binding affinity, being developed for long-acting subcutaneous administration. APRIL is a signaling protein that supports plasma cell survival and immunoglobulin production. By inhibiting this pathway, KG013 is intended to suppress the production of pathogenic IgA and IgM antibodies. Its development aims to deliver sustained target inhibition while reducing treatment burden for patients who may require long-term therapy.
KG013 is being developed with the goal of enabling lower doses and longer dosing intervals through enhanced potency and prolonged activity, potentially improving dosing convenience and helping patients maintain long-term treatment.
The initial indication is IgAN, a progressive kidney disease in which pathogenic IgA-containing immune complexes accumulate in the kidneys and cause inflammation and damage. Following its work in IgG-mediated diseases, Kaigene is extending its portfolio into IgA- and IgM-mediated autoimmune diseases through KG013. This agreement enables Kaigene to advance the development and commercialisation of KG013 in collaboration with Celltrion, a partner with comprehensive infrastructure for the global manufacturing, development and commercialisation of antibody therapeutics.
