• Astellas Pharma entered an exclusive option agreement with Audax Biosciences for worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize cancer drug DAX-044.
• The deal totals up to US$1.34 billion excluding royalties, including US$285 million in upfront and potential option exercise payments.
• Audax could receive up to US$1.05 billion in development and commercial milestones, alongside tiered double-digit royalties on worldwide net sales if approved.
• Audax will fund development into Phase 1, expected to begin in 2027; exercising the option transfers global responsibility to its partner.
• The agreement gives Audax the option to co-fund and co-promote DAX-044 in Australia and New Zealand.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Astellas Pharma Inc. published the original content used to generate this news brief via PR Newswire (Ref. ID: 202610271930PR_NEWS_USPR_____CG80688) on October 27, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.