Rakuten and LOTTE Sign Global Oncology Therapy Manufacturing Agreement

Rakuten Medical and LOTTE Biologics have signed a contract manufacturing agreement regarding oncology, the two companies announced at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco.

The pact strengthens Rakuten’s production capabilities for photoimmunotherapy based on its investigational Alluminox platform. This involves two main steps: drug administration, and targeted illumination using medical devices.

According to Rakuten, the Alluminox platform combines pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and medical and other peripheral technologies.

How Rakuten Tech Works, How LOTTE Helps

As per the agreement, LOTTE provides advanced manufacturing services for monoclonal antibody intermediates and their conjugates.

Rakuten’s photoimmunotherapy technology selectively targets cells in solid tumors by combining cell-targeting moieties, like antibodies, with agents activatable by light. This enables focal, selective destruction of those tumor cells upon light exposure.

This therapy is currently approved in Japan for recurrent head and neck cancer. Phase III clinical trials continue in Japan, as well as in the U.S. and Taiwan. Additionally, Rakuten plans a Phase I trial in Japan in 2026 for solid tumors beside head and neck cancer.

Company News in Oncology and ADCs

In October 2025, LOTTE signed a letter of intent with SK pharmteco. The document formalized a strategic collaboration to strengthen both companies’ competitiveness in the global antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) market.

Earlier in 2025, LOTTE inked a contract manufacturing agreement for antibody therapeutics with Ottimo Pharma.

“We will continue striving not only to supply high-quality medicines that meet global standards, but also to become a company that delivers greater value to both our partners and patients,” LOTTE Biologics CEO James Park said at the time.

As mentioned in these prior agreements, for the partnership with Rakuten, LOTTE will utilize its specialized ADC manufacturing facility in Syracuse, New York.