Alteogen announced on the 31st that it will receive USD 25 million (approximately KRW 34.4 billion) based on sales performance of “Keytruda Qurex,” a subcutaneous injection version of MSD’s immuno-oncology drug “Keytruda.” This is the first royalty payment Alteogen has received linked to sales of Keytruda Qurex.

Keytruda is MSD’s flagship immuno-oncology drug, used to treat various cancers. MSD has been working to convert the conventional intravenous formulation of Keytruda into a subcutaneous injection to enable more convenient administration for patients. In 2020, Alteogen licensed its technology for converting intravenous drugs into subcutaneous formulations to MSD.

Keytruda Qurex, which applies this technology, has reduced the administration time from about 30 minutes for the existing intravenous infusion to one to two minutes. After its initial launch in the United States last year, Keytruda Qurex recorded sales of USD 590 million (approximately KRW 812.1 billion) in the first half of this year (January–June).

The USD 25 million that Alteogen has now received was triggered because sales of Keytruda Qurex exceeded the contracted threshold. Under the agreement, Alteogen is eligible to receive up to a total of USD 1 billion (approximately KRW 1.4 trillion) if Keytruda sales increase.

Popular News