Sac-TMT Nearly Doubles Survival Rate to 20 Months
Kelun-Biotech's core drug, Lutetium-Tucotuzumab (sac-TMT), delivered compelling clinical results at the 2026 European Lung Cancer Conference, prompting a renewed "Buy" rating from Goldman Sachs. Data from the OptiTROP-Lung03 study for second-line non-small cell lung cancer showed that sac-TMT extended median overall survival (OS) to 20 months, a substantial increase from the 11.2 months observed in the chemotherapy arm. This represents a 55% reduction in the risk of death (HR=0.45). The drug also maintained a strong advantage in progression-free survival (PFS), holding off cancer progression for 7.9 months versus 2.8 months for chemotherapy.
Goldman Sachs analysts highlighted that the strong PFS benefit effectively translated into a significant survival advantage, positioning sac-TMT as a potential global "best-in-class" therapy. The firm views the drug as the central driver of Kelun-Biotech's growth, validating its differentiated approach within the competitive antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) landscape.
Insurance Listing Positions Drug for 80% Revenue Share
The strong clinical data underpins a powerful commercial trajectory for sac-TMT. With its recent inclusion in China's national medical insurance directory, the drug is poised for a significant sales expansion in 2026. Kelun-Biotech anticipates that sac-TMT will become a preferred treatment in its approved indications, forecasting it will contribute over 80% of the company's total revenue.
Further momentum is expected from the company's deep collaboration with Merck. Two Phase III clinical trials evaluating sac-TMT combined with Merck’s Keytruda for first-line lung cancer treatment are set to report key data this year. Confidence in this combination is high after a related Phase III study for PD-L1 positive lung cancer patients already met its primary endpoint, validating the strategic value of pairing ADCs with immunotherapies.
Advanced Pipeline Extends Beyond Traditional ADCs
Beyond its lead asset, Kelun-Biotech is cultivating a deep and innovative pipeline that secures its long-term growth prospects. The company is advancing five additional ADC programs into Phase II clinical trials, including SKB410 and SKB571, which are part of its collaboration with Merck. This next wave of candidates targets a mix of validated pathways and novel, first-in-class targets, demonstrating a balanced strategy of competition and innovation.
Kelun is also pushing the boundaries of cancer therapy with next-generation technologies. The company has moved beyond traditional ADCs into platforms such as Radiopharmaceutical Drug Conjugates (RDC), with its SKB107 program for bone metastases entering Phase I trials. Other advanced programs include dual-payload ADCs (SKB565) and dual-target ADCs (SKB103), which are designed to overcome tumor resistance and broaden the therapeutic potential of targeted oncology drugs.
Edgen Stock·Mar 24 2026, 11:07
