Celltrion licenses Kaigene's preclinical antibody KG013 in deal worth up to $580.5 million

Celltrion, a South Korean biotech, has entered into a licensing agreement with Maryland-based Kaigene for a preclinical monoclonal antibody known as KG013.

KG013 is designed to block the proliferation-inducing ligand, a protein that supports plasma-cell survival and antibody production, and is being developed for IgA nephropathy, also called Berger's disease.

The agreement can generate up to $580.5 million for Kaigene, comprising an undisclosed upfront payment, milestone payments and royalties on net sales. Kaigene also retains the right to co-market the product in South Korea.

IgA nephropathy affects roughly 160,000 diagnosed patients in the United States and about 30,000 in South Korea, making the target population sizable in both markets. This deal marks another step for Celltrion as it expands beyond its traditional biosimilar portfolio.