Alteogen announced on February 17 that it has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with AstraZeneca’s subsidiary, MedImmune, for the development and commercialization of a subcutaneous (SC) version of its oncology drugs using Alteogen’s human hyaluronidase technology, ALT-B4.

Under the agreement, Alteogen will receive an upfront payment of $25 million (approximately 36.37 billion KRW) and milestone payments of up to $725 million (approximately 1.054 trillion KRW) upon successful completion of clinical trials and regulatory approvals. 

Additionally, Alteogen will receive royalties based on net sales once the product is commercialized.

Through this deal, Alteogen has granted AstraZeneca exclusive global rights to develop SC formulations for multiple oncology treatments using ALT-B4.

ALT-B4 is a human hyaluronidase enzyme designed to convert intravenous (IV) antibody treatments into SC formulations, allowing for more convenient administration. Alteogen has pursued a product-specific licensing strategy instead of exclusive target-based agreements to maximize the technology’s application.

AstraZeneca plans to apply ALT-B4 to its oncology portfolio, aiming to develop SC-administered cancer therapies, which enhance patient convenience and reduce the burden on healthcare facilities—a factor expected to drive significant market demand.

According to Alteogen, the $25 million upfront payment will be received by April 16, within 30 days of the contract’s effective date. The total contract value may be adjusted based on clinical and regulatory progress.

Alteogen’s CEO, Dr. Soon Jae Park, stated, “Our collaboration with AstraZeneca, a leading innovator in global therapeutics, is a testament to the competitiveness of our technology. With rigorous technical and patent due diligence already completed, we are committed to accelerating development to provide patients with more convenient treatment options.”

This agreement marks Alteogen’s sixth global licensing deal. In 2020, the company also signed a similar licensing agreement with Merck & Co. (MSD). Alteogen continues to expand its patent portfolio to strengthen its rights over ALT-B4 technology and broaden its market reach.