NextCure has entered a strategic partnership with Simcere Zaiming, a subsidiary of Simcere Pharmaceutical Group, to develop SIM0505, a new antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting cadherin-6 or K-cadherin (CDH6) for treating solid tumours.
NextCure has also obtained licensing rights to utilise Simcere Zaiming’s linker and topoisomerase 1 inhibitor (TOPOi) ADC payload.
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By GlobalDataNextCure developed the preclinical-stage new target ADC.
In return, Simcere Zaiming retains its commercialisation rights within Greater China.
The company will receive payments across potential development phases such as an upfront payment and additional milestones that could reach up to $745m, and is entitled to tiered royalties on net sales outside Greater China.
Currently in Phase I clinical testing in China, SIM0505 is expected to enter clinical trials in the US in the third quarter of this year.
The ADC-SIM0505 employs a unique binding epitope that enhances tumour binding compared to other candidates.
It incorporates Simcere Zaiming’s TOPOi payload designed for broad anti-tumour activity while maintaining high systemic clearance.
NextCure president and CEO Michael Richman stated: “We believe SIM0505 has the potential to be an important new therapy for cancer patients. Partnering with Simcere Zaiming, a leader in antibody-drug conjugates, provides us with an opportunity to advance a class-leading ADC directed to CDH6.
“Their proprietary payload is a potent cytotoxin with a potentially improved safety and efficacy profile compared to other topoisomerase inhibitors.”
Following its current dose escalation studies in China, a global dose expansion study will be initiated to include multiple tumour types.
Simcere Zaiming CEO Renhong Tang stated: “We are very pleased to collaborate with NextCure on the global development of SIM0505.
“SIM0505 is a significantly differentiated CDH6 targeting ADC candidate independently developed by Simcere Zaiming. Our alliance reflects NextCure’s recognition of our proprietary ADC platform, and together, we aim to accelerate drug development to benefit more cancer patients worldwide.”
In January 2025, AbbVie and Simcere Zaiming entered an option-to-license agreement for the development of SIM0500.
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