Kaigene Partners with Taisho to Advance Autoimmune Therapy

July 31, 2026 | Friday | Business Deal

  • Kaigene, Inc., a U.S.-based biotechnology company pioneering next-generation antibody therapeutics for autoimmune disorders, announced that it has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Taisho"), a leading Japanese pharmaceutical company, for the exclusive development and commercialization of Kaigene's next-generation human neonatal Fc receptor (hFcRn) inhibitor, KG006, in Japan.
  • Importantly, this agreement complements Kaigene's existing global alliance with Celltrion Inc., which holds global development and commercialization rights to KG006 outside of Greater China and Japan. Subject to further clinical and regulatory planning, the new partnership is expected to provide a collaborative framework for Taisho's participation in the planned Multi-Regional Clinical Trial (MRCT) Phase 3 study led by Celltrion. This three-way clinical development cooperation among Celltrion, Kaigene, and Taisho aims to streamline global clinical development and potentially accelerate the development timeline for KG006.

    "We are thrilled to partner with Taisho, a company with an exceptional legacy and validated capabilities in successfully bringing advanced antibody therapeutics to patients," said Minjae Shin, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Kaigene, Inc. "In today's landscape, the ultimate key to success lies in uniting the unique strengths and complementary expertise of each partner to accelerate global clinical development and commercialization. Through this powerful collaboration, we can fast-track clinical trials, driving rapid market launches within our designated territories while jointly exploring additional high-value indications to maximize the full potential of KG006. Following our deep alliance with Celltrion as our global development leader, the integration of Taisho as our definitive Japanese partner completes a formidable 'One Team.' This collective synergy will maximize the potential of KG006 as a true best-in-class therapeutic in the global FcRn market."

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