HCW Biologics Secures $7M Upfront License Payment From Beijing Trimmune Biotech, Advanced China Licensing Deal For HCW11-006

HCW Biologics Inc. announced it has received the full $7.0 million upfront license payment from Beijing Trimmune Biotech Co., Ltd., its regional licensing partner. HCW Biologics is a U.S.-based commercial and clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel fusion immunotherapies for autoimmune diseases, cancer, and age-related disorders.

Trimmune was established as a dedicated operating company to advance and commercialise HCW11-006. The entity was jointly formed by WY Biotech Co., Ltd., a China-based developer of recombinant proteins and gene/cell therapies, and HCW Biologics. Its investor base includes CITIC Medical Fund, a major healthcare-focused investment fund, and TigerYeah Capital Fund of Tigermed, affiliated with global contract research organisation Tigermed. Trimmune is led by an experienced leadership team with a strong track record in bringing innovative therapies to the Chinese market.

The $7.0 million upfront consideration consists of $3.5 million in cash and a transferable minority co-founder equity stake in Trimmune valued at $3.5 million based on its most recent third-party financing round. Beyond the upfront payment, HCW Biologics is eligible for additional development milestone payments, double-digit royalties on future product sales, and a share of proceeds from any potential future transactions involving the licensed molecule.

Under the agreement, HCW Biologics retains a strategic option to reacquire full rights to develop and commercialise HCW11-006 for in vivo applications across the United States, Canada, Central America, and South America after completion of the Phase 1 clinical trial in China. This option comes without additional payments, milestones, or royalty obligations. Trimmune will fully fund and manage the Phase 1 trial activities in China.

The partnership also grants Trimmune an option to secure exclusive regional rights in China for HCW9302, HCW Biologics’ clinical-stage asset currently under evaluation for autoimmune indications. Should Trimmune exercise this option, HCW Biologics will receive additional payments tied to the licensing arrangement.