Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co. and Rxilient Biotech have announced a collaboration on the development and commercialisation of the anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody drug, toripalimab through joint venture Excellmab in 9 Southeast Asian nations, including Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Using the Excellmab platform, the two parties also plan to collaborate extensively to introduce more high-quality innovative drugs into Southeast Asian markets to achieve joint and long-term development.

Rxilient Biotech and Junshi Biosciences will own 60% and 40% of Excellmab, respectively. According to the progress of toripalimab’s R&D and other projects, Junshi Biosciences may receive a milestone payment of up to approximately $4.52 million, plus a certain percentage of royalties on net sales.

Independently developed by Junshi Biosciences, toripalimab was the first Chinese anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody that obtained marketing approval in China. Junshi Biosciences has conducted over 30 clinical trials globally (in China, the US, Southeast Asia, and Europe) covering more than 15 indications, including cancers of the lung, nasopharynx, esophagus, stomach, bladder, breast, liver, kidney, and skin. Six of these indications have been approved in China, and multiple marketing applications are currently under review by regulatory agencies in the US, EU, and UK.