Aligos jumps after $445 mln China licensing deal for hepatitis B drug

Aligos Therapeutics

16/04/2026 11:14

** Shares of biotech firm Aligos Therapeutics ALGS.O jump 21% to $8.97 premarket

** Company says it signed an exclusive licensing deal with Xiamen Amoytop Biotech 688278.SS to develop and sell its experimental hepatitis B drug in Greater China

** Company says it will receive $25 mln upfront and up to $420 mln in development, regulatory and sales-based milestone payments, plus royalties

** Amoytop will fund all development costs in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan

** Mid-stage experimental drug, pevifoscorvir sodium, is designed to block the virus and reduce disease markers, with data expected in 2027

** Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can lead to long-term liver damage

** As of last close, shares down ~20% this year

 (Reporting by Sahil Pandey in Bengaluru)

 ((Sahil.Pandey@thomsonreuters.com))