Trimmune will hold exclusive worldwide license for rights to high potential preclinical molecule created with HCW Biologics' TRBC drug development platform
Initiation of Phase 1 clinical study expected in the first half of 2027
HCW Biologics retains royalty-free option to reclaim the rights to the Americas territory
MIRAMAR, Fla., Feb. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HCW Biologics Inc. ("HCW Biologics") (NASDAQ:HCWB), a U.S.-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative immunotherapies to extend health span by targeting the link between chronic inflammation and disease, and WY Biotech Co., Ltd. ("WY Biotech"), a China-based company specializing in the early-stage development of recombinant protein drugs and gene/cell therapies, today jointly announced the commencement of an exclusive worldwide license agreement covering the development and commercialization rights for certain in vivo applications for one of HCW Biologics' proprietary molecules, HCW11-006. For additional consideration, the deal also includes an option to license the exclusive Greater China rights to clinical development and commercialization for in vivo applications of HCW9302, HCW Biologics' clinical-stage molecule currently being evaluated for the treatment of an autoimmune disorder.
For this venture, WY Biotech and HCW Biologics formed a new operating entity, Beijing Trimmune Biotech Co., Ltd. ("Trimmune"), which is the licensee responsible for the development and commercialization of the licensed molecules. Trimmune is backed by the CITIC Medical Fund ("CITIC"), a multi-billion-dollar investment fund focused on innovative companies primarily targeting pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, and diagnostics, and TigerYeah Capital Fund of TigerMed ("TigerMed"), a global leading Contract Research Organization. Trimmune is led by a team with an impressive track record for success in the development and commercialization of innovative drugs that treat diseases with large, unmet medical needs for the Chinese market.
Upon completing the financing agreements with CITIC and TigerMed, Roger Lu, Chairman of Trimmune, stated, "With a strong financial foundation now in place, including receipt of initial funding from TigerMed, Trimmune is now able to begin funding the upfront licensing fee and formally commence our partnership with HCW Biologics. The scientists at HCW Biologics are partners who will make critical contributions to the development of HCW11-006 as well as share in the success of this program through our profit-sharing arrangement for major transactions and its significant equity stake in this joint enterprise. With the expertise of HCW Biologics and TigerMed, and with the strong support of Chinese venture partners, we have the expertise and resource commitments to build a strong clinical development program to treat cancer-related diseases in both the Chinese-NMPA and the US-FDA systems."
Mr. Lu continued, "Based on strong data seen in results of preclinical in-vitro and in-vivo studies, Trimmune expects to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial in China to evaluate HCW11-006 in the treatment of solid tumors in the first half of 2027. Our strategy is to demonstrate clinical data that we believe will provide significant medical benefits to a large patient population."
Mr. Lu added, "The value of HCW11-006 development, together with Trimmune's development capability, is well recognized by the venture capital circle, the pharmaceutical industry, and the top oncologists in China." He further said, "Closely collaborating with HCW Biologics, Trimmune ...
