Alentis and CSL strike partnership worth up to US$1.55 billion to advance treatments for rare diseases

The Basel-headquartered biotech Alentis Therapeutics has announced an exclusive global partnership with the pharmaceutical company CSL to develop and commercialise lixudebart, an investigational antibody targeting claudin-1 for rare kidney and liver diseases.

Announced in the media release (5 Oct 26), the agreement combines Alentis’ scientific expertise with CSL’s global development and commercial capabilities in nephrology.

Alentis will receive an initial US$355 million payment and could earn up to US$1.2 billion in commercial milestones.

CSL will fund the agreed development programme, including the ongoing Phase 2 RENAL trial and planned studies in additional kidney and liver indications. The collaboration aims to accelerate development across several diseases, with global profits shared between the companies if lixudebart reaches the market.

This strong partnership illustrates the value of the Basel Area as a base for biotech growth. Alentis Therapeutics, located at Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area Main Campus, operates within an ecosystem connecting research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and life sciences talent.

For growing biotechs, this concentration offers access to expertise and potential partners as programmes move towards commercialisation. For global companies such as CSL, the region offers a network of innovative businesses developing complementary science.

This agreement highlights how innovation in the Basel Area help connect growing biotech companies with international capabilities to advance potential new treatments for patients.