Akeso Inc.

HONG KONG, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) ("Akeso" or the "Company") announced its 2025 annual results, highlighting a year of comprehensive, strategic leaps across all facets of its business.

Commercial Operations Enter a New Phase of Growth

In 2025, Akeso achieved record commercial sales revenue of RMB3,033.1 million, a 51.48% year-on-year increase. All approved products and indications are now included in China's National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL). The strong commercial growth in 2025 was fueled by strong clinical validation and widespread adoption by both healthcare professionals and patients.

By the end of 2025, several high-impact indications were added to the latest NRDL, including:

• Ivonescimab: 1L PD-L1(+) NSCLC
• Cadonilimab: 1L gastric cancer and 1L cervical cancer
• Other products: Multiple indications for penpulimab, ebdarokimab and ebronucimab

With stable pricing for core first-line (1L) indications and improved hospital access, Akeso's commercial platform is positioned for a transformative 2026.

Advanced Clinical Development of IO 2.0 Bispecifics

Ivonescimab (PD-1/VEGF):

As the world's first and only approved PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, ivonescimab solidified its global leadership in 2025 by iterating upon existing Standards of Care (SOC) to reshape the oncology landscape. Ivonescimab has benefited approximately 70,000 patients to date.

Ivonescimab's IO 2.0 value is anchored by a series of landmark Phase III victories: in the HARMONi-2 study, ivonescimab achieved a head-to-head win against pembrolizumab in 1L PD-L1(+) NSCLC, establishing a new "chemo-free" standard. Additionally, the HARMONi-A study marked it as the first immunotherapy to reach dual PFS and OS positivity in EGFR-TKI resistant NSCLC, while HARMONi-6 demonstrated its superiority over tislelizumab (anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody) in combination with chemotherapy in 1L squamous NSCLC, successfully overcoming traditional anti-VEGF contraindications for squamous histology.

Currently, the U.S. FDA has accepted the BLA from our partner Summit Therapeutics for ivonescimab plus chemotherapy in nsq-NSCLC following third-generation EGFR-TKI failure. As the only commercialized PD-1/VEGF bispecific globally, ivonescimab has secured two approved lung cancer indications in China (both NRDL-listed) with another sNDA under review for the first-line treatment of advanced squamous NSCLC. The Company's expansive global development program now encompasses 15 Phase III trials, including 5 global studies and 7 head-to-head studies against PD-1/L1 therapies, targeting critical 1L indications, IO-resistant, and "cold" tumors.

Cadonilimab (PD-1/CTLA-4):

Cadonilimab (PD-1/CTLA-4) is the world's first and only approved bispecific antibody of its class. With approximately 120,000 patients treated to date, it has demonstrated "all-comer" clinical benefits across multiple tumor types. Its exceptional efficacy in treating challenging cases, such as IO-resistant and "cold" tumors, has solidified its status as a cornerstone therapy in the IO 2.0 era.

Akeso is advancing 12 registrational or Phase III clinical trials for cadonilimab globally, covering more than 10 major cancer types and spanning the full treatment lifecycle and clinical scenarios. Furthermore, the Company is spearheading two international registrational studies: a head-to-head Phase III trial against nivolumab in first line gastric cancer, and a registrational trial for IO-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These high-efficiency global studies aim to address significant unmet medical needs, further unlocking cadonilimab's global therapeutic value.

Oncology Therapy Matrix Continues to Expand

Akeso is pioneering the IO 2.0 + ADC 2.0 strategy, expanding its portfolio from bispecifics into trispecifics and TCE platforms. the Company is fast-tracking the global development of its next-gen ADCs, such as the bispecific Trop2/Nectin4 AK146D1, and the HER3 AK138D1. By combining these with its core IO assets (cadonilimab and ivonescimab), Akeso aims to address the narrow therapeutic windows associated with traditional ADCs. With AK150 (trispecific) now in the clinic and more trispecific/multispecific antibodies and TCE bispecific/multispecific antibodies approaching clinical entry, Akeso is rapidly building a formidable, next-generation oncology matrix.

Paradigm Shift in Bispecific Excellence: Continuous Expansion of the Oncology Portfolio

Akeso is methodically extending its IO 2.0 leadership into the emerging ADC 2.0 landscape, thereby operationalizing its integrated "IO 2.0 + ADC 2.0" platform thesis while systematically advancing bispecific antibody expertise into higher order trispecific/multispecific antibodies and TCE platforms. In the area of IO, Akeso remains the sole global player with two approved immuno-oncology bispecifics, a distinction that confers both first-mover clinical validation and a proprietary data moat in dual-check point/dual-pathway blockade. On the ADC front, the Company's next-generation candidates, notably bispecific ADC AK146D1 and novel ADC AK138D1, are purpose-engineered to overcome the narrow therapeutic window that chronically plagues current ADCs, advancing the field into ADC 2.0.

Phase II trials combining these proprietary ADCs with cadonilimab and ivonescimab are now underway, with global expansion planned. Both IO bispecifics are also being explored broadly with external high-potential ADCs. Meanwhile, the Company's first trispecific antibody, AK150, is in clinical development, with more trispecific/multispecific and TCE assets approaching the clinic.

Immune and CNS Diseases Enter the Dual-Target Era

Beyond building global competitiveness in oncology, Akeso has created a powerful new growth engine in immune-related diseases. Leveraging its bispecific and multispecific antibody platforms, the Company is advancing a pipeline of novel candidates in autoimmune, respiratory, allergy, and CNS indications, including AK139, AK152 (siRNA), KF111 (siRNA), and KF115 (siRNA), alongside commercial-stage products like ebdarokimab, gumokimab and manfidokimab. This layered portfolio is rapidly strengthening Akeso's global presence beyond oncology.

AI-Powered R&D and Cutting-Edge Platforms

Building atop its globally competitive command in monoclonal and bispecific antibody development, Akeso has executed a deliberate expansion into frontier therapeutic modalities by embedding AI end-to-end across the entire R&D and manufacturing continuum - from discovery and cell-line/process development through to smart manufacturing. The outcome is a tightly orchestrated portfolio of differentiated platforms: the Tetrabody antibody technology platform, the AI-powered drug R&D platform, the Dual-Shield ADC technology platform, the Dual-Lock T-cell engager (TCE) technology platform, the Tissue-Smart siRNA/mRNA technology platform, and the cell therapy technology platform. These assets collectively solidifies Akeso's global innovation edge, unlocking 0-to-N breakthroughs across multiple high-barrier domains where conventional therapeutic modalities have historically stalled.

Akeso continues to iterate and scale its AI-powered, integrated drug discovery platform, which now provides comprehensive coverage across the entire R&D lifecycle for both antibody and nucleic acid therapeutics, while extending into additional frontier modalities. At its core lies a proprietary AI technology matrix that fuses high-precision structure prediction, immunogenicity prediction, fully automated humanization, and one-step sequence optimization. This closed-loop, data-rich architecture enables end-to-end precise engineering from sequence design to clinical development, significantly accelerating the efficient and high throughput development of innovative therapies.

Dr. Michelle Xia, Founder, Chairwoman, President, and CEO of Akeso, commented:

"2025 marked a definitive strategic leap for Akeso across commercialization, global clinical expansion, and our broadening multi-platform innovation ecosystem. We achieved over 50% sales revenue growth. This success provides a powerful springboard for continued commercial and clinical execution in 2026.

We are now pioneering a shift in therapeutic paradigms. Leveraging our leadership in IO bispecifics, we are expanding into 'IO 2.0 + ADC 2.0,' including bispecific ADCs, trispecifics, and TCE platforms. Beyond oncology, we are bringing the immense therapeutic benefit of bispecific antibodies to immunology, respiratory, and CNS diseases, all powered by our integrated AI discovery engine.

Our vision to bring transformative and life saving medicine to every patient on Earth is coming to fruition. With over ten products in international trials, including studies that includes ivonescimab and cadonilimab, we are advancing our mission to deliver world-class medicines to patients worldwide. By integrating global talent, capital, and R&D resources, and integrating AI into our research and development efforts, we are building a robust institutional framework to sustain Akeso's long-term leadership in innovation in the global biopharmaceutical industry."

About Akeso

Akeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world's first or best-in-class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, the company has established a robust R&D innovation ecosystem centered on its Tetrabody antibody technology platform, AI-powered drug R&D platform, Dual-Shield ADC technology platform, Dual-Lock T-cell engager (TCE) technology platform, Tissue-Smart siRNA/mRNA technology platform, and cell therapy technology platforms. Supported by a global-standard GMP manufacturing infrastructure and a highly efficient, integrated commercialization model, the company has evolved into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical focused on innovative solutions. With fully integrated multi-functional platform, Akeso is internally working on a robust pipeline of over 50 innovative assets in the fields of cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammation, metabolic disease and other major diseases. Among them, 27 candidates have entered clinical trials (including 15 bispecific/multispecific antibodies and bispecific ADCs. Additionally, 7 new drugs are commercially available. Through efficient and breakthrough R&D innovation, Akeso always integrates superior global resources, develops the first-in-class and best-in-class new drugs, provides affordable therapeutic antibodies for patients worldwide, and continuously creates more commercial and social values to become a global leading biopharmaceutical enterprise.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement by Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK, "Akeso") contains "forward-looking statements". These statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of Akeso's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any decision to purchase securities of Akeso. There can be no assurance that the drug candidate(s) indicated in this announcement or Akeso's other pipeline candidates will obtain the required regulatory approvals or achieve commercial success. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in P.R.China, the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; Akeso's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the Akeso's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

Akeso does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law.

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SOURCE Akeso, Inc.

HONG KONG, March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK)  ("Akeso" or the "Company") announced today that it has received clearance from the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to initiate Phase II clinical trials for AK146D1, a first-in-class Trop2 /Nectin4 bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), and AK138D1, an innovative HER3-targeting ADC.

The studies will evaluate these two novel ADC candidates in combination with the Company's pioneering immuno-oncology (IO) 2.0 bispecific antibodies, cadonilimab (PD-1/CTLA-4) and ivonescimab (PD-1/VEGF), as well as other proprietary high-potential anti-tumor assets, including AK117 (anti-CD47 monoclonal antibody) and AK109 (anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody), across a spectrum of advanced solid tumors. This milestone marks a strategic acceleration of Akeso's proprietary "IO 2.0 + ADC 2.0" combination platform into mid-stage clinical development.

These Phase II studies will leverage the cadonilimab and ivonescimab as foundational backbone therapies, capitalizing on their validated clinical profiles in checkpoint blockades and dual VEGF/PD-1 inhibition. The regimens center on Akeso's internally discovered next-generation ADCs while exploring synergies with the company's broader internal portfolio.

The convergence of immuno-oncology and ADC modalities has emerged as a high-conviction frontier in oncology therapy, offering the potential to overcome the limitations of monotherapy approaches – such as antigen escape, heterogeneous expression, and narrow therapeutic indices. Akeso holds a distinct global competitive advantage as the only company with two approved cancer immunotherapy checkpoint bispecific antibodies. By pairing these IO backbones with next-generation ADC candidates like AK146D1 and AK138D1, the Company is driving the next generation of combination therapy. AK146D1 and AK138D1 have been specifically designed to expand the therapeutic window and mitigate safety-related limitations of traditional ADCs. The progression of these "IO 2.0 + ADC 2.0" combinations into Phase II development is a significant step in establishing Akeso's next-generation leadership in the global oncology landscape.

AK146D1 is a first-in-class bispecific ADC engineered to simultaneously target Trop2 and Nectin4, antigens that are frequently co-expressed in epithelial-derived malignancies such as lung, breast, and bladder cancers. This dual-targeting approach is designed to enhance selectivity, address tumor heterogeneity, and overcome the resistance mechanisms common in single-target ADC therapies. AK138D1 is a next-generation ADC targeting HER3, a receptor associated with tumor progression and resistance to established EGFR and HER2 treatments in various malignancies, including ovarian, colorectal, melanoma, and prostate cancers. Early-stage data for both AK146D1 and AK138D1 have demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity and a highly manageable safety profile.

Akeso continues to extend its global IO 2.0 leadership into broader, high-impact combination strategies. Beyond the "IO 2.0 + ADC 2.0" portfolio, the Company is advancing a comprehensive portfolio of novel combination approaches aimed at addressing major unmet clinical needs. These include IO 2.0 combinations with other immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccines (such as AK154), DNA-based therapeutics, and additional novel therapeutic platforms. 

This milestone underscores Akeso's disciplined execution in translating proprietary platform synergies into clinical progress, positioning the Company at the forefront of next-generation global oncology innovation.

About Akeso

Akeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world's first or best-in-class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, the company has established a robust R&D innovation ecosystem centered on its proprietary Tetrabody multi-specific antibody platform, Dual-Shield Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), Dual-Lock T-cell engager (TCE), Tissue-Smart siRNA, Cell Therapies, and Flex-Nano mRNA platforms. Supported by a global-standard GMP manufacturing infrastructure and a highly efficient, integrated commercialization model, the company has evolved into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical focused on innovative solutions. With fully integrated multi-functional platform, Akeso is internally working on a robust pipeline of over 50 innovative assets in the fields of cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammation, metabolic disease and other major diseases. Among them, 27 candidates have entered clinical trials (including 15 bispecific/multispecific antibodies and bispecific ADCs. Additionally, 7 new drugs are commercially available. Through efficient and breakthrough R&D innovation, Akeso always integrates superior global resources, develops the first-in-class and best-in-class new drugs, provides affordable therapeutic antibodies for patients worldwide, and continuously creates more commercial and social values to become a global leading biopharmaceutical enterprise.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement by Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK, "Akeso") contains "forward-looking statements". These statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of Akeso's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any decision to purchase securities of Akeso. There can be no assurance that the drug candidate(s) indicated in this announcement or Akeso's other pipeline candidates will obtain the required regulatory approvals or achieve commercial success. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in P.R.China, the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; Akeso's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the Akeso's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

Akeso does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/akeso-advances-io-2-0--adc-2-0-strategy-with-phase-ii-initiation-of-novel-adcs-combined-with-ivonescimab-and-cadonilimab-302724222.html

SOURCE Akeso, Inc.