NextCure partners with Simcere Zaiming on cancer drug development

BELTSVILLE, Md. and SHANGHAI - NextCure, Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTC) has entered into a strategic partnership with Simcere Zaiming, a subsidiary of Simcere Pharmaceutical Group (HKEX:2096), to develop SIM0505, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting CDH6 for solid tumor treatment. Simcere’s stock has shown strong momentum, gaining nearly 18% over the past year and currently trading near its 52-week high of $7.25, according to InvestingPro data.

Under the agreement, NextCure gains global rights to SIM0505 excluding Greater China, where Simcere Zaiming will retain rights. SIM0505 is currently in Phase 1 clinical testing in China, with U.S. clinical trials expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025. Initial Phase 1 clinical data is anticipated in the first half of 2026.

The partnership also grants NextCure access to Simcere Zaiming’s proprietary linker and topoisomerase 1 inhibitor payload for use in an ADC directed to a NextCure novel target. Simcere Zaiming will maintain rights to this additional ADC in Greater China.

SIM0505 targets CDH6 (cadherin-6) using what the companies describe as a unique binding epitope with increased tumor binding compared to competing candidates. Preclinical studies have shown anti-tumor activity across multiple solid tumor models.

"We believe SIM0505 has the potential to be an important new therapy for cancer patients," said Michael Richman, NextCure’s president and CEO.

Simcere Zaiming is eligible to receive payments including an upfront payment, development, regulatory and sales milestones totaling up to $745 million, as well as tiered royalties up to double digits on net sales outside Greater China.

NextCure is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing cancer treatments. Simcere Zaiming is an oncology-focused subsidiary of Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Ltd (HKEX:2096), which maintains a Fair financial health rating and offers a notable 4.11% dividend yield, according to InvestingPro. For deeper insights into Simcere’s financial health and additional analysis, investors can access more than 10 exclusive InvestingPro Tips and comprehensive financial metrics.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.