BRIEF—Antengene sets up US unit; deal with Baruch S Blumberg Institute

China’s clinical-stage biopharma firm Antengene, today announced the establishment of its US subsidiary and plans for collaborations with the non-profit Baruch S Blumberg Institute.

The latter is based in the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center where the Antengene US subsidiary is located.

Antengene also announced that Dr Timothy Block, co-founder and president of The Hepatitis B Foundation; and its research arm, the Baruch S Blumberg Institute and Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, will join the company's scientific advisory board as an unpaid advisor.

Dr Jay Mei, founder and chief executive of Antengene, commented: "Creation of a US subsidiary is an important strategic initiative of Antengene. It will further connect us with prestigious research institutions such as the Blumberg Institute.”

He continued: “Aiming at introducing novel treatments to Chinese and Asian patients, Antengene has been conducting a multi-regional clinical trial (TORCH) in Asia specifically for the treatment of hepatitis B virus positive (HBV+) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)."