SanegeneBio and Genentech entered a global licensing agreement aimed at advancing an RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic program, underscoring continued pharmaceutical interest in genetic medicines that can be scaled beyond rare diseases.

The agreement pairs the clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on RNA interference technologies with the large pharmaceutical organization with global development and commercialization capabilities. Together, these companies hope to advance progression for RNAi therapy.¹

The collaboration centers around SanegeneBio’s RNAi platform, which incorporates proprietary nucleic acid chemistry and targeted delivery technologies.² These capabilities are designed to enable durable gene silencing with infrequent dosing, a technical hurdle that has historically limited broader adoption of genetic medicines. By focusing on improved stability, specificity, and delivery to relevant tissues, the platform is intended to support development across multiple disease areas.¹

“Entering into this agreement with Genentech marks another important milestone for our innovative and differentiated RNAi chemistry and delivery platforms,” said Weimin Wang, Ph.D., chief executive officer and founder of SanegeneBio.

The agreement now marks the second licensing and collaboration agreement SanegeneBio has entered in the last three months. Back in November 2025, the company announced its $1.2 billon research and licensing agreement with Eli Lilly.³ Both companies agreed to collaborate to advance RNAi candidates for metabolic diseases, based on SanegeneBio's proprietary tissue selective delivery technology, LEAD (Ligand and Enhancer Assisted Delivery).

RNAi has rapidly progressed from a Nobel Prize–winning scientific discovery to a clinically validated therapeutic modality.² Marketed products have continued to demonstrate the ability to reversibly silence disease-causing genes, validating the approach in humans.

The technology is at a transition point, moving beyond small, genetically defined patient populations toward more prevalent chronic conditions, including metabolic diseases. This shift has significant implications for manufacturing scale, cost efficiency, and long-term safety expectations.²

SanegeneBio has positioned its platform around these emerging demands, emphasizing delivery strategies that allow for subcutaneous administration as infrequently as twice per year. Such dosing regimens could reduce treatment burden for patients while placing new requirements on drug durability and consistency, areas where large pharmaceutical partners can provide development and operational expertise.

What are the details of the agreement?

Per the terms of the global licensing agreement, Genentech is expected to receive exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize one RNAi program originating from SanegeneBio’s proprietary platform.¹ As part of the agreement, SanegeneBio will conduct early development work, after which Genentech will assume responsibility for later-stage clinical development and commercialization.¹

SanegeneBio will receive an upfront payment of $200 million and is eligible for development and commercialization milestone payments totaling up to $1.5 billion, along with tiered royalties on potential future product sales. The scale of the financial terms highlights the value large pharmaceutical companies continue to place on RNA interference approaches, particularly as delivery technologies and durability improve.

“We are delighted to work with a global scientific leader to continue delivering effective and life-changing therapies for patients worldwide,” said Wang.

Sources

1. SanegeneBio Announces RNAi Global Licensing Collaboration with Genentech SanegeneBio February 2, 2026 https://www.sanegenebio.com/sanegenebio-announces-rnai-global-licensing-collaboration-with-genentech/
2. SanegeneBio Technology SanegeneBio Accessed February 2, 2026 https://www.sanegenebio.com/technology/
3. SanegeneBio Announces RNAi Licensing and Research Collaboration with Lilly SanegeneBio November 8, 2025 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sanegenebio-announces-rnai-licensing-and-research-collaboration-with-lilly-302609299.html