Beijing, China and Hanover, NH —December 24th — Jenga Biosciences, Inc., a clinical-stage veterinary oncology therapeutics company, today announced that it has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Beijing VJTBio Co., Ltd., a biotechnology company specializing in animal health pharmaceuticals, for the development and commercialization of a canine-specific anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody and immune checkpoint inhibitor.
Under the terms of the agreement, Jenga Biosciences receives exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the therapy in all countries outside of China. The agreement provides for potential future payments to VJTBio of up to $100 million, contingent upon the achievement of development, regulatory, and commercial milestones.
Promising Pilot Study Results in Dogs
The licensed anti-PD-1 candidate has completed a pilot clinical study in twenty-four dogs, demonstrating good safety and promising efficacy across multiple tumor types, including early signals in head and neck cancers. As a fully caninized monoclonal antibody, the therapy is designed specifically for the canine immune system, providing a best-in-class immunotherapy approach for veterinary oncology.
Building a Leading Portfolio of Canine Immunotherapies
This agreement marks the second product candidate in Jenga’s pipeline and a notable expansion of its oncology program. JEN-102, the anti-PD-1 candidate, is expected to unlock combination strategies and complement JEN-101, the company’s anchored IL-12 immunotherapy program targeting oral melanoma and other solid tumors.
While current treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can be effective, they are not without limitations. Immunotherapy offers a differentiated mechanism of action with the potential for more durable responses, addressing a critical unmet need in veterinary cancer care.
Impact on Treating Canine Cancer
Cancer remains the leading cause of death in dogs, and 1 in 4 dogs will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
“Anti-PD-1 therapies have transformed what is possible in human oncology, fundamentally reshaping survival and quality of life across a wide range of cancers,” said Dr. Heather Wilson-Robles, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), leader of the Scientific Advisory Board for Jenga Biosciences. “Bringing this powerful class of immunotherapies to canine patients represents a meaningful advance for veterinary oncology.”
“Our goal is to bring world-class science to veterinarians and expand the treatment options for dogs with cancer,” said Julia Stephanus, Executive Chair and CEO of Jenga Biosciences. “This collaboration moves us closer to that goal by advancing a clinically validated anti-PD-1 therapy for canine patients.”
“At VJTBio, we are committed to advancing high-quality, innovative biologic immunotherapies powered by cutting-edge technologies,” said Dr. Haoshu Luo, Founder and Chair of VJTBio. “Our collaboration with Jenga Biosciences brings together complementary strengths—Jenga’s leadership in veterinary oncology and our integrated expertise in biologics innovation. We are excited to see this anti-PD-1 therapy progress toward worldwide availability, giving dogs with cancer new hope for longer, healthier lives.”
About Jenga Biosciences
Jenga Biosciences is a clinical-stage veterinary biotherapeutics company developing next-generation immunotherapies for canine cancer. With a focus on translating proven human oncology mechanisms into safe, effective, and accessible treatments for pets, Jenga is building a leading portfolio of immunotherapies to address the most serious unmet needs in veterinary medicine. Learn more at www.jengabio.com.
About VJTBio
VJTBio is an animal healthcare company based in Beijing, China, dedicated to the discovery, development, production, and commercialization of innovative veterinary medicines. The company specializes in recombinant proteins and antibodies for veterinary use in livestock reproduction, infectious diseases, and chronic diseases in companion animals. Learn more at https://global.vjtbio.com.