Pfizer Inc. has announced the completion of a global (excluding China) licensing agreement with Chinese biopharmaceutical company 3SBio Inc., securing exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize 3SBio’s experimental cancer therapy, SSGJ-707. The agreement marks a major step in expanding Pfizer’s oncology pipeline and reinforces its commitment to cutting-edge cancer research.
SSGJ-707 is a bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and VEGF, developed using 3SBio’s proprietary CLF2 platform. The drug is currently in clinical trials in China for several cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), metastatic colorectal cancer, and gynecological tumors. Positive interim Phase 2 data on its use as a monotherapy in advanced NSCLC patients was recently shared at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.
“We are excited to contribute our significant expertise and resources to rapidly advance the SSGJ-707 program, including exploring novel combination strategies across key tumor types,” said Dr. Chris Boshoff, Chief Scientific Officer and President of R&D at Pfizer. He noted that SSGJ-707 targets two important pathways in cancer and complements Pfizer’s antibody-drug conjugate portfolio.
Under the terms of the deal, Pfizer will pay 3SBio $1.25 billion upfront and make a $100 million equity investment in the company. The agreement also includes an option for Pfizer to expand the license to include China for an additional $150 million in potential payments.
Pfizer plans to manufacture the drug substance for SSGJ-707 at its Sanford, North Carolina facility, and the finished product in McPherson, Kansas. Future clinical development will include global trial sites, with priority given to launching Phase 3 studies for NSCLC and other solid tumors in the U.S. and other regions.
The deal underscores Pfizer’s ongoing investment in next-generation cancer treatments and its ambition to deliver transformative therapies to patients worldwide.