MediLink Therapeutics has recently announced a collaboration and exclusive global licensing agreement with Roche for the development and commercialisation of YL201, an investigational Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) targeting B7H3 across multiple solid tumor indications.

Under the terms of the agreement, MediLink will grant Roche exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise YL201 globally, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR. In return, MediLink will receive payments totaling USD 570 million, along with additional development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments and tiered royalties on net sales of YL201 outside China, subject to regulatory approvals.

Dr. Tongtong Xue, Founder, Chairman and CEO of MediLink Therapeutics, said, “We are thrilled to again collaborate with our valued partner Roche. The company’s unparalleled expertise in global oncology clinical development will be instrumental in expediting worldwide patient access to YL201 once it receives approval.”

Dr. Jiaqiang Cai, Co-founder, Co-CEO and Chief Scientific Officer, MediLink, highlighted the asset’s potential, noting that YL201 has demonstrated encouraging clinical data. 

He added, “This agreement marks a transformative step for the global development of YL201, a key asset from our innovative Tmalin platform. With Roche’s global reach and resources, YL201 has the potential to become a new treatment option addressing significant unmet needs across a range of solid tumors.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Boris L. Zaïtra, Head of Corporate Business Development at Roche, said the partnership reflects the entity’s commitment to sourcing cutting-edge innovation worldwide. 

“By combining MediLink’s expertise in ADC development with Roche’s established global development and commercial infrastructure, we aim to advance this promising therapy and address critical unmet needs in oncology, including lung cancer, which remains a strategic priority for us,” Zaïtra added. 

The agreement further strengthens the partnership forged in January 2024 between MediLink and Roche through the YL211 c-Met ADC programme. By deepening their collaboration, both companies plan to combine their complementary expertise to fast-track YL201’s global clinical development and regulatory progress, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing innovative oncology therapies for patients worldwide.