What is the deal between Eisai and Shanghai Henlius Biotech?

Eisai has licensed the lung cancer drug Hansizhuang from Shanghai Henlius Biotech, paying $75 million upfront and potentially up to $313.34 million more in milestones and royalties.

What is Hansizhuang and where is it approved?

Hansizhuang is an injectable lung cancer drug developed by Shanghai Henlius Biotech that has been approved in markets including China and the European Union.

What are the potential total earnings for Henlius from the Eisai deal?

Henlius could receive up to $80.01 million in regulatory milestone payments and $233.33 million in sales-related milestones, plus additional royalties, for a potential total payout exceeding $313 million.

Home / Business and Economy / Eisai Licenses Henlius Lung Cancer Drug for $75M

Eisai Licenses Henlius Lung Cancer Drug for $75M

5 Feb

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Summary

Eisai pays $75 million upfront for Hansizhuang lung cancer drug.
Deal could reach up to $388.34 million in milestones and royalties.
Hansizhuang drug has received approval in China and the EU.

Eisai Licenses Henlius Lung Cancer Drug for $75M

Shanghai Henlius Biotech has entered into a significant licensing agreement with Japan's Eisai, granting them rights to the lung cancer drug Hansizhuang. The initial payment is set at $75 million upfront. This deal could see Henlius receive up to an additional $313.34 million, contingent upon the achievement of regulatory and sales milestones, along with ongoing royalties.

Hansizhuang, an injectable cancer treatment, has already secured approvals in key markets including China and the European Union. The drug generated approximately 1.6 billion yuan in sales for Henlius during the first half of 2025. This agreement extends Henlius's commercialization strategy, which already involves partnerships in over 100 countries and regions.

Under the terms, Eisai has obtained a license for Japan, specifically for oncology indications. This partnership underscores the global ambition and growing capabilities of Chinese biotechnology firms in developing and commercializing innovative cancer therapies.