NextCure has secured ex-China rights to Simcere Zaiming’s early-stage ADC candidate SIM0505 targeting CDH6 for up to $745 million. The antibody-drug conjugate combines a CDH6-targeted antibody with a topoisomerase 1 inhibitor payload designed for broad anti-tumor activity and an improved safety profile. NextCure plans to initiate a U.S. clinical trial in Q3 2025 and access Simcere’s payload technologies for additional ADC development. This strategic partnership reflects NextCure’s intensified focus on ADC platforms in oncology.