Rakuten Medical Partners with OEP Group to Expand in Asia, Promoting Photoimmunotherapy for Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer

On June 25, 2025, Rakuten Medical announced a partnership with Cyntec, a subsidiary of OEP Group, to drive the development and commercialization of photoimmunotherapy using the Alluminox™ platform in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The agreement includes upfront payments and milestone-based royalties, aiming to integrate cancer treatment expertise from the U.S., Japan, and Taiwan.

Head and neck cancer has long had a high incidence rate in Asia—particularly in Taiwan, where approximately 9,000 new cases are diagnosed annually among men, with nearly 40% already in stage IV at diagnosis. While traditional treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy remain standard, their invasiveness and side effects often hinder long-term adherence.

Rakuten Medical President Minami Maeda stated, “The Alluminox™ platform delivers a form of photoimmunotherapy that combines precision targeting with low invasiveness, giving patients a chance to extend their lives while maintaining quality of life.”

Photoimmunotherapy Unveiled: The Cancer Cell “Detonator”

Photoimmunotherapy works by combining a targeted antibody with a photosensitive dye to create a selective compound, activated by near-infrared light. The technology uses the IR700 dye from the Alluminox™ platform, which can kill cancer cells precisely without causing thermal damage. After injection, the compound selectively binds to tumor cells and awaits light activation for up to 24 hours. Upon exposure to specific red light wavelengths, the dye rapidly disrupts the cell membrane, triggering “immediate explosive cell death.”

This destruction not only controls the local tumor but may also activate a systemic immune response. The ruptured cancer cells release antigens, which are captured by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), leading to T-cell activation and broader tumor eradication. Dr. Kuan-Chou Lin, former president of the Taiwan Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, emphasized that this therapy could treat surgically inaccessible tumors and may even suppress distant metastases—achieving both local and systemic effects.

High Mortality from Head and Neck Cancer in Taiwanese Men: Complexity and Recurrence Pose Challenges

“Early symptoms are subtle, and diagnosis often comes too late,” said Dr. Yi-Shing Leu, President of the Taiwan Head and Neck Oncology Society. In Taiwan, oral cancer makes up about 50% of head and neck cancers, with oropharyngeal cancer comprising another 20–30%. The rise in HPV infections has further increased incidence. Risky habits—such as smoking, drinking, and betel nut chewing—are prevalent among men, while low screening rates in certain occupational groups mean that nearly 40% are diagnosed at a late stage, missing the opportunity for early cure.

Advanced cases require long, complex treatments with poor prognosis. Even after initial therapy, up to 40% face recurrence or metastasis. Traditional approaches like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are limited in repeat use and patient tolerance. Recurrence treatment is often a major hurdle.

Dr. Lu likened treatment planning to “military strategy,” where physicians must anticipate and prepare for each stage. Introducing innovative therapies like photoimmunotherapy could increase treatment flexibility and options, offering more hope for patients and a new direction for clinical care.

Japan’s Nearly 1,000 Patient Real-World Evidence Serves as a Reference for Asia

Since gaining market approval in Japan in 2020, Alluminox™-based photoimmunotherapy has been used in about 180 medical institutions, with nearly 1,000 patients treated. Real-world data shows a disease control rate (DCR) exceeding 95% and an objective response rate (ORR) over 60% with primarily localized side effects like redness and pain. It has demonstrated good tolerance and minimal systemic toxicity, indicating high feasibility and potential for repeat use.

Dr. Lin added that up to 50% of Taiwanese head and neck cancer patients who chew betel nut face higher risks of recurrence or secondary tumors. These patients often cannot tolerate a second round of traditional treatments, making photoimmunotherapy—being repeatable, minimally invasive, and non-disruptive to organ structures—an attractive alternative, especially for hard-to-reach areas like deep head and neck regions, skull base, or larynx. However, he also noted that it is less suitable for distant metastases or tumors hidden behind bone structures.

Rakuten Eyes Indication Expansion, OEP Group Targets Funding and Insurance Coverage

With Taiwan’s mature clinical infrastructure and ample patient base, it is expected to be one of the main recruitment sites, with an estimated 400 patients, subject to adjustments. This partnership between Rakuten Medical and OEP Group extends beyond medicine, incorporating commercial strategies and policy advocacy.

OEP Group CEO Calvin Tsai said they aim to secure inclusion of photoimmunotherapy in Taiwan’s cancer drug fund and national health insurance to reduce financial burdens. They also plan to collaborate with major medical centers to establish standardized treatment protocols and education systems to accelerate clinical adoption.

President Maeda emphasized that the Alluminox™ platform is not just a single product but a scalable technology applicable to various solid tumors. This Asian expansion marks the beginning of broader applications in skin, bladder, and even esophageal cancers, paving the way for next-generation immunotherapy.

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Author

Oscar Wu

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