LigaChem Secures Exclusive Rights to B7H4 ADC, Ends Partnership With NextCure

LigaChem Bio has secured exclusive rights to LNCB74, a B7H4-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidate it had been co-developing with U.S.-based NextCure.

LigaChem Bio disclosed on the 7th that it had signed an agreement with U.S.-based NextCure to secure sole development and licensing rights for LNCB74. The contract change resulted from a reverse merger involving NextCure, its former co-development partner, and changes to its governance structure.

Under the revised agreement, LigaChem Bio will hold all rights to LNCB74. This opens the way for the company to independently pursue the candidate’s clinical development, commercialization and licensing to third parties.

Specific financial terms, including the upfront payment, milestones and royalties, were not disclosed because of confidentiality provisions in the agreement. LigaChem Bio said, however, that the total contract value represents at least 10% of its equity, which stood at 541.1 billion won based on its consolidated financial statements at the end of 2025.

Under the agreement, LigaChem Bio will pay NextCure milestones tied to future development, regulatory approval and sales stages, as well as separate royalties upon successful commercialization. License fees paid at each stage are nonrefundable.

The company added that revenue recognition may vary depending on the success of future clinical trials and regulatory approvals, and that the agreement may be terminated if a regulatory agency orders the research to be discontinued or if regulatory approval is not obtained.