AstraZeneca and Alteogen Inc. have entered into an exclusive license agreement for ALT-B4, a novel hyaluronidase utilizing Hybrozyme platform technology. AstraZeneca will acquire worldwide rights to use ALT-B4 to develop and commercialize subcutaneous formulations of several oncology assets. Alteogen will be responsible for clinical and commercial supply of ALT-B4 to AstraZeneca.

AstraZeneca will make an upfront payment to Alteogen and additional payments upon achievement of specific development, regulatory and sales-related milestones. Additionally, Alteogen will receive royalties on the sales of the commercialized products.

ALT-B4 is Alteogen’s human recombinant hyaluronidase enzyme developed utilizing Hybrozyme technology. ALT-B4 can enable the large volume subcutaneous administration of drugs that are typically administered as an IV infusion. ALT-B4 does this by temporarily hydrolyzing hyaluronan in the extracellular matrix.

Cristian Massacesi, Chief Medical Officer and Oncology Chief Development Officer, AstraZeneca, said, “We are dedicated to advancing new medicines for people with cancer and that includes new methods of delivery which are more convenient for patients, physicians and healthcare systems. We look forward to collaborating with Alteogen on several assets in our portfolio with the goal of bringing new subcutaneous options to patients that can transform the way cancer care is delivered.”

Dr. Soon Jae Park, Chief Executive Officer of Alteogen, said, “We are excited to expand our Hybrozyme™ Technology by collaborating with AstraZeneca in their development of novel subcutaneous cancer medicines to meet the needs of patients.”