AdAlta (ASX:1AD) and its cellular immunotherapy subsidiary, AdCella, have announced a major global collaboration with Shanghai Cell Therapy Group to co-develop the first-in-class CAR-T therapy, BZDS1901, for markets outside Greater China.
This marks the official launch of AdCella's "East to West" strategy, leveraging Chinese innovation and Australian expertise to accelerate access to next-generation cellular immunotherapies.
BZDS1901 is an armored CAR-T therapy targeting mesothelin, a protein highly expressed in aggressive cancers such as mesothelioma, ovarian, lung, and pancreatic cancers.
Unlike conventional CAR-T therapies, BZDS1901 is engineered to secrete a PD1 blocker, overcoming tumor immune suppression.
Early clinical studies in China have shown promising results, including complete responses in advanced mesothelioma patients, at lower doses and with a rapid, cost-effective manufacturing process.
Under the development and collaboration agreement, AdCella will finance global development, establish manufacturing capabilities in Australia, and conduct a Phase 1 clinical trial in mesothelioma and other solid cancers.
The company will also acquire a share of proceeds from any commercialization event after Phase 1 completion. SHcell will continue development in China and provide production materials.
AdAlta CEO Tim Oldham said, "This collaboration brings BZDS1901 to patients outside China, particularly those with advanced mesothelioma, for whom treatment options are limited."
SHcell CEO Qijun Qian added that the partnership enables faster, cost-effective global development while allowing SHcell to focus resources on other pipeline products.