HanchorBio Secures Japanese Patent for Engineered SIRPα-IgG4 Fusion Protein HCB101
Patent Approval Strengthens Global Intellectual Property Position and Supports International Licensing Strategy
HanchorBio today announced that the Japan Patent Office (JPO) had granted Japanese Patent No. 7795041 covering engineered SIRPα variants and their therapeutic use, providing intellectual property protection for HCB101, the company’s differentiated SIRPα-IgG4 Fc fusion protein targeting the CD47-SIRPα innate immune checkpoint. The granted patent, titled “ENGINEERED SIRPα VARIANTS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF” (Engineered SIRPα Variants and Methods of Use Thereof), reinforces HanchorBio’s intellectual property position in one of the world’s most rigorous and strategically important pharmaceutical jurisdictions.
The issuance of this patent reflects recognition of the novelty and inventiveness of HCB101 under Japan’s patent examination standards and supports the company’s broader strategy to build a globally defensible intellectual property portfolio for its innate immune checkpoint programs.
HCB101: A Differentiated Approach to Innate Immune Checkpoint Modulation
HCB101 is a rationally engineered SIRPα–IgG4 Fc fusion protein developed using HanchorBio’s proprietary FBDB™ platform. The molecule is designed to selectively block the CD47–SIRPα innate immune checkpoint while addressing key limitations observed with earlier CD47-directed approaches, including dose-limiting hematologic toxicity and restricted combination potential.
By incorporating engineered SIRPα variants that reduce binding to red blood cells and platelets while maintaining functional blockade of tumor-associated CD47, HCB101 is intended to support sustained dosing and compatibility with established oncology regimens. The granted Japanese patent covers core engineered features of these SIRPα variants and their therapeutic use, reinforcing long-term differentiation and combination flexibility across solid tumor indications.
Strategy Importance of Japan
Japan represents a strategically important jurisdiction for HanchorBio, given its rigorous patent standards, a globally aligned regulatory framework, and an active biopharmaceutical partnering environment. Patent protection in Japan provides a strong foundation for future clinical development, regional collaborators, and potential commercialization, while supporting ongoing and future licensing discussions with global and Japanese pharmaceutical companies.
Japan has established a mature precision oncology ecosystem in advanced gastric cancer, supported by regulatory approvals across multiple therapeutic classes, including HER2-targeted therapies, anti-angiogenic agents, Claudin 18.2–targeted therapies, tumor-agnostic targeted agents, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. The breadth of approved treatment modalities reflects both high clinical demand and a regulatory environment receptive to innovation, and underscores the importance of agents designed for broad combination compatibility.
Against this backdrop, HCB101 is being advanced in a multinational, multicenter Phase 2a clinical trial, with gastric cancer representing one of the most actively enrolling disease areas. HCB101 was engineered to integrate with established gastric cancer treatment regimens, enabling evaluation across multiple therapeutic approaches within contemporary clinical practice. This positioning supports continued clinical development in Japan and reinforces the relevance of the granted patent as the program progresses.
Clinical Development Progress
HCB101 is currently being evaluated in a multinational, multicenter Phase 2a clinical trial across multiple solid tumor indications. Gastric cancer cohorts, including first-line and second-line settings, represent some of the most actively enrolling populations in the study. Preliminary antitumor activity observed in second-line gastric cancer combination cohorts compares favorably with historical benchmarks; these findings remain investigational and are being evaluated as enrollment and follow-up progress.
Advancing a Global Intellectual Patent Strategy
Following the Japanese patent grant, HanchorBio will continue to advance its intellectual property strategy across Europe, Mainland China, Taiwan, and other key markets, with the goal of establishing a comprehensive global intellectual property protection for HCB101 and related platform technologies.
This approach is intended to protect core innovations while enhancing strategic flexibility and value creation in future international licensing, co-development, and commercialization opportunities.