Kaigene Enters Exclusive Licensing Agreement with Celltrion for KG006 and KG002

Kaigene Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering next-generation antibody therapeutics for autoimmune disorders, has entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement with Celltrion Inc., a global biopharmaceutical company, for two of Kaigene’s nonclinical-stage assets, KG006 and KG002.

KG006 is a next-generation FcRn inhibitor with a novel antibody structure, offering extended durability and best-in-class potential compared with existing therapies. KG002 is a first-in-class, dual-acting antibody that selectively degrades disease-specific autoantibodies and simultaneously suppresses disease-specific B cells in certain autoimmune disorders.

“Kaigene is a discovery-driven biotech focused on creating innovative antibody therapeutics,” said Minjae Shin, CEO of Kaigene Inc. “Our business model is to provide non-clinical antibody candidates to partners through early partnerships that can accelerate development and commercialization. We believe that Celltrion, with its world-class infrastructure and fully integrated capabilities across manufacturing, clinical development, regulatory approval, and global commercialization of antibody therapeutics, is the ideal partner to bring Kaigene’s innovations to patients worldwide.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Kaigene will receive $8 million upfront payment and up to $736 million in total milestone payments, including $11 million in near-term milestones through the initiation of Phase 1 clinical trials. Kaigene is also eligible to receive tiered royalties on net sales if the product from the collaboration is commercialized. Celltrion will obtain exclusive rights to develop and commercialize KG006 worldwide except Greater China and Japan and will hold worldwide rights for KG002.