China-based Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals has entered a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Qilu Pharmaceutical for a fully human VHH antibody molecule.
The contract allows Qilu Pharmaceutical to use the antibody, which was developed through Biocytogen’s RenNano platform, in its research and development (R&D) activities focused on neuroscience therapeutics.
It includes an upfront payment to Biocytogen, as well as eligibility for milestone payments linked to certain development, regulatory, and commercial objectives. No further financial details were disclosed.
The licensed VHH antibody molecule originates from RenNano, Biocytogen’s technology designed to identify fully human VHH antibodies with specific binding characteristics and the capacity for subsequent drug development.
The platform can be used to develop VHH antibodies, bispecific or multispecific antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates, and other research modalities.
Qilu Pharmaceutical may progress research using the antibody in line with its development strategy, selecting the appropriate modality based on project requirements and therapeutic objectives.
Biocytogen president and CEO Dr Yuelei Shen said: “We are pleased to enter this collaboration with Qilu Pharmaceutical.
“Drug development in the neuroscience field involves high scientific and translational barriers and requires systematic consideration of target biology, molecular quality, and downstream development strategy.
“With their distinctive molecular features, VHH antibodies provide new possibilities for drug design in complex disease areas. Qilu Pharmaceutical has built strong capabilities in innovative drug R&D and industrialisation.
“We look forward to seeing this fully human VHH antibody molecule align with Qilu Pharmaceutical’s R&D system and support its exploration of innovative programmes with development potential, further expanding therapeutic opportunities in the neuroscience field.”
Qilu Pharmaceutical continues to invest in chemical drugs, biologics, and therapeutic innovation, with operations spanning early discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialisation.
The collaboration with Biocytogen underscores RenNano’s potential in neuroscience drug research and could expand the use of Biocytogen’s VHH antibody assets in other therapeutic areas.
Biocytogen’s platforms focus on antibody discovery, preclinical research, and related services. The company currently has more than 455 agreements worldwide.
In April 2026, Biocytogen entered a strategic partnership with Sihuan Pharmaceutical to advance new therapeutics across several disease areas, including weight loss.
