HanchorBio–WuXi Biologics Partnership Targets Fusion Protein Development Challenges

HanchorBio, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, and WuXi Biologics, a contract research, development, and manufacturing organization (CRDMO), have entered into a strategic collaboration to advance multiple bi- and multi-functional fusion protein programs. The partnership reflects a broader industry effort to address the technical and manufacturing challenges associated with next-generation biologics (1).

Announced Jan. 26, 2026, the agreement links a clinical-stage immunotherapy developer with a CRDMO to support development activities from early clinical translation through later-stage production. Under the agreement, WuXi Biologics will provide integrated biologics services, including cell line development, process and bioassay development, drug product formulation, and regulated manufacturing.

WuXi Biologics’ capabilities will support fusion proteins derived from HanchorBio’s Fc-based designer biologics platform, which is designed to generate multi-functional molecules that modulate both innate and adaptive immune pathways.

“We are excited to embark on this collaboration with HanchorBio, which underscores the strong trust they placed in WuXi Biologics’ comprehensive, end-to-end capabilities for developing next-generation biologics, especially complex molecules,” said Chris Chen,PhD, CEO, WuXi Biologics, in a company press release (1). “By leveraging our … technology platforms … expertise, and … commitment to quality, we strive to accelerate the development of HanchorBio’s innovative bi-/multi fusion proteins and help bring transformative therapies to patients worldwide.”

Why are bi- and multi-functional fusion proteins gaining momentum across pipelines?

As fusion proteins and other multi-specific formats move deeper into clinical pipelines, manufacturers face increasing demands related to molecular complexity, process robustness, and scalability. Early alignment between discovery, development, and manufacturing has become a priority across the industry as sponsors seek to reduce technical risk and avoid delays during clinical progression (2).

Fusion proteins are increasingly viewed as a way to achieve differentiated mechanisms of action in oncology and immune-mediated diseases, particularly as limitations of first-generation immunotherapies become more apparent. Alongside bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates, these modalities now represent a significant share of biologics development programs (3,4).

WuXi Biologics reports that a majority of the projects supported across its integrated platform involve complex biologics, underscoring the growing manufacturing burden associated with these formats (1). For developers, this has heightened the importance of partners with established experience in managing comparability, quality systems, and global regulatory expectations.

For HanchorBio, the collaboration supports expansion of its fusion protein portfolio while preserving development speed and manufacturing flexibility. Rather than building internal infrastructure, the company is aligning its platform-driven discovery efforts with an external partner capable of supporting programs across multiple clinical stages and geographies. This approach reflects a common strategy among emerging biotechnology companies seeking capital-efficient development models (1).

What does this collaboration indicate about future biologics development models?

“This partnership with WuXi Biologics strengthens our ability to translate platform-driven innovation into high-quality clinical and commercial assets,” said Scott Liu, founder, chairman, and CEO of HanchorBio, in the release (1). “As we advance multiple next-generation fusion protein programs, execution speed, manufacturing reliability, and scalability are critical. WuXi Biologics’ … expertise in complex biologics and global development makes them a strong strategic partner as we build a differentiated, multi-asset immunotherapy pipeline.”

At an industry level, the partnership highlights how drug developers and contract organizations are adapting to the rising technical demands of advanced biologics. As fusion proteins and other multi-functional formats progress toward global clinical development, integrated development and manufacturing models are likely to play an increasingly important role in determining program efficiency, scalability, and long-term viability.

References

1. HanchorBio. HanchorBio and WuXi Biologics Enter Strategic Partnership to Advance Next-Generation Bi-and Multi-Functional Fusion Protein Pipeline. Press Release. Jan. 26, 2026.
2. Wang, S.; Zhang, W.; Yang, B.; et al. A Case Study of a Bispecific Antibody Manufacturability Assessment and Optimization During Discovery Stage and Its Implications. Antibody Ther. 2024, 7 (3), 189–198. DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbae013
3. Silver, A. B.; Leonard, E. K.; Gould, J. R.; Spangler, J.B. Engineered Antibody Fusion Proteins for Targeted Disease Therapy. Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 2021, 42 (12), 1064–1081. DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.09.009
4. Okpasuo, O. J.; Olaoba, O.T.; Bokolo, P.; et al. The Evolving Landscape of Antibody-Based Cancer Therapies: From Monospecific to Multi-Specific and Beyond. Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology 2026, 217, 105037. DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2025.105037