AstraZeneca and Alteogen Inc. have entered into an exclusive license agreement for ALT-B4, a novel hyaluronidase utilising Hybrozyme™ platform technology. Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will acquire worldwide rights to use ALT-B4 to develop and commercialise subcutaneous formulations of several oncology assets. Alteogen will be responsible for clinical and commercial supply of ALT-B4 to AstraZeneca.

Subcutaneous formulations have the potential to offer many advantages including time savings for patients, clinical staff, and health systems due to shorter administration times.

Cristian Massacesi, Chief Medical Officer and Oncology Chief Development Officer, AstraZeneca, said: “We are dedicated to advancing new medicines for people with cancer and that includes new methods of delivery which are more convenient for patients, physicians and healthcare systems. We look forward to collaborating with Alteogen on several assets in our portfolio with the goal of bringing new subcutaneous options to patients that can transform the way cancer care is delivered.”

Dr Soon Jae Park, Chief Executive Officer of Alteogen, said: “We are excited to expand our Hybrozyme™ Technology by collaborating with AstraZeneca in their development of novel subcutaneous cancer medicines to meet the needs of patients.”

Financial considerations

AstraZeneca will make an upfront payment to Alteogen and additional payments upon achievement of specific development, regulatory and sales-related milestones. Additionally, Alteogen will receive royalties on the sales of the commercialised products.

The transaction does not impact AstraZeneca’s financial guidance for 2025.