[E-Daily Reporter KIM SAE-MI ] The counterparty to the technology transfer agreement for Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s ( HanmiPharm(128940)) non-small cell lung cancer treatment “Poziotinib” and neutropenia treatment “Rolontis” (U.S. product name “Rolbedon”) has been changed from Assertio Holdings to the Indian pharmaceutical company Zydus Life Sciences. This change is a result of Zydus’ acquisition of Assertio, which entails the succession of the rights and obligations under the existing technology transfer agreement.

HanmiPharm announced on the 21st that it would amend its disclosures regarding key management matters affecting investment decisions related to Poziotinib and Rolontis, respectively, to reflect the change in the technology transfer partner from Assertio to Zydus.

Both contracts pertain to assets that HanmiPharm had previously licensed to U.S.-based Spectrum Pharmaceuticals. The contracting party had previously changed once when Spectrum was acquired by Assertio in 2023, and now the contracting party has changed again as Zydus has acquired 100% of Assertio’s shares.

A HanmiPharm official explained, “Following Assaltio’s acquisition by Zydus, Zydus—as the current holder of rights and obligations—is set to succeed to the development and sales rights within the contract territories specified in the technology transfer agreements previously concluded between HanmiPharm, Spectrum, and Assaltio.”

Poziotinib is a pan-HER anticancer drug that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (ERBB). In February 2015, HanmiPharm transferred to Spectrum the exclusive global rights to develop, license, manufacture, and commercialize the drug, excluding Korea and China.

Poziotinib received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after submitting a New Drug Application (NDA) and is currently preparing for a global Phase 3 clinical trial. The contract term extends for up to 10 years from the first sale, and the size of the upfront payment was not disclosed in accordance with a confidentiality agreement between the two companies.

Rolontis is a long-acting treatment for neutropenia and is marketed in the U.S. under the brand name Rolbedon. In January 2012, HanmiPharm transferred exclusive worldwide rights—excluding Asia and Africa—to Spectrum.

Rolbedon received FDA approval in September 2022 and was launched in the U.S. in October of the same year. The contract term runs until September 26, 2036, when the relevant patents expire. The upfront payment for this agreement is also undisclosed.