1. Adlai Nortye signed a licensing deal for drug AN9025 with ASK Pharm. 2. The agreement includes potential payments of up to $230 million for Adlai. 3. AN9025 targets various RAS-mutated cancers with promising preclinical results. 4. Phase I clinical studies for AN9025 are set to begin in Q1 2026. 5. Partnership aims to enhance cancer treatment options in Greater China.
FAQ
Why Bullish?
The licensing agreement significantly enhances Adlai's revenue potential, reminiscent of similar biotech deals historically boosting stock prices.
How important is it?
This deal confirms Adlai's strategic direction and growth potential, likely attracting investor interest.
Why Long Term?
The partnership sets the stage for future revenue streams as AN9025 advances through clinical trials and commercialization.
Adlai Nortye Secures Exclusive License with ASK Pharm for Pan-RAS (ON) Inhibitor AN9025 in Greater China
SINGAPORE, NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J., and HANGZHOU, China, Dec. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Adlai Nortye Ltd. (NASDAQ: ANL), a biotechnology firm dedicated to pioneering cancer therapies, has announced a significant exclusive licensing agreement with ASK Pharm for its innovative pan-RAS (ON) inhibitor, AN9025. This agreement grants ASK Pharm the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize AN9025 within mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao.
Details of the Licensing Agreement
Under the terms of this agreement, Adlai Nortye retains global rights to AN9025 outside the licensed territory. The financial implications for Adlai Nortye are substantial, potentially receiving total compensation of up to RMB 1.6 billion (approximately USD 230 million). This includes an upfront payment and immediate milestone payments exceeding USD 20 million, along with tiered royalties ranging from high single-digit to mid-teens percentages of net product sales in the Licensed Territory.
Strategic Impact on Oncology Research
Mr. Jingfei Ma, Director and General Manager of ASK Pharm, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “This partnership marks a pivotal milestone in our strategic innovation upgrade, signaling our decisive move into frontier innovation with high entry barriers.” The collaboration aims to leverage strengths in R&D, clinical development, and commercialization to expedite the development of AN9025 while enhancing ASK Pharm's existing oncology pipeline.
Yang Lu, Chairman and CEO of Adlai Nortye, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting, “We are delighted to partner with ASK Pharm on the development of AN9025, a differentiated pan-RAS (ON) inhibitor with the potential to be best-in-class.” This venture underscores Adlai Nortye's commitment to advancing treatment options for patients grappling with RAS-mutated cancers, which frequently present significant unmet medical needs.
About AN9025
AN9025 is an oral small molecule pan-RAS (ON) inhibitor designed to address a wide array of RAS mutations across various cancer types. Preclinical studies suggest that AN9025 effectively targets RAS-mutant cancers, exhibiting notable and sustained efficacy against pancreatic, lung, and colorectal adenocarcinomas. The company plans to initiate a Phase I clinical study by the first quarter of 2026.
About Adlai Nortye
Adlai Nortye (NASDAQ: ANL) is a global clinical-stage biotech innovator focused on the development of cutting-edge cancer therapies. The company is creating a diverse drug pipeline through its dual R&D presence in the U.S. and China, concentrating on:
- Next-generation cancer immunotherapies, with candidates like AN8025 and AN4005.
- RAS-targeting therapies, including AN9025 and AN4035.
About ASK Pharm
Founded in January 2003, Jiangsu Aosaikang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (ASK Pharm) is recognized for its commitment to research and development in pharmaceuticals. The company is engaged in areas such as oncology, chronic diseases, and innovative drug development, boasting a robust pipeline that includes 48 major research projects.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements as defined by the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements reflect management's beliefs and expectations about future events, which are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. These include completion of clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and the market acceptance of therapeutic candidates. Further details regarding these risks can be found in Adlai Nortye's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.