Kaigene Licenses Autoimmune Drug KG006 to Taisho for Japanese Market

Under the agreement, Taisho assumes full responsibility for the clinical development and regulatory approval of KG006 in Japan. The pharmaceutical firm, known for its successful launch of the anti-TNF VHH antibody Nanozora, will integrate the drug into its existing autoimmune portfolio. This partnership aims to leverage Taisho’s local infrastructure to ensure a rapid, efficient market entry for the therapy.

The collaboration creates a three-way framework involving Celltrion, which holds global rights to KG006 outside of Japan and Greater China. By aligning with Celltrion’s planned Phase 3 Multi-Regional Clinical Trial, Kaigene intends to accelerate the global development timeline for the candidate. Minjae Shin, CEO of Kaigene, described the alliance as the final component of a "One Team" strategy designed to establish KG006 as a best-in-class treatment in the competitive FcRn market.

KG006, also designated as CT-P77, utilizes Kaigene’s proprietary PDEG platform to selectively degrade pathogenic antibodies. The drug is designed for subcutaneous injection, targeting a broad range of autoantibody-mediated diseases. This transaction follows Kaigene's previous global licensing deal with Celltrion in late 2025, further validating the biotech's focus on innovative antibody therapeutics.