Why is this ASX biotech rocketing more than 20%?

Shares in Dimerix Ltd (ASX: DXB) were on a tear Tuesday morning after the ASX biotech announced a licensing agreement that could be worth almost half a billion dollars.

Deal with an Asia focus

The company said in a statement to the ASX that it had licensed its DMX-200 drug to Everest Medicines for use across China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.

The drug is used to treat Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), which Dimerix said was estimated to affect 500,000 to 1 million people in the licensing regions.

Under the deal, Dimerix will receive an upfront payment of US$10 million and up to US$330 million in potential milestone payments.

This is the fifth licensing deal Dimerix has struck for DMX-200, and cumulatively, the company could be paid a total of $1.9 billion in combined upfront and licensing payments.

Dimerix said the drug was currently in a pivotal Action3 Phase 3 trial for its use in treating FSGS, which is a rare and serious kidney disease with no approved therapies across these regions.

Patients from 21 countries have been enrolled in the trial, Dimerix said.

The company added:

In early 2024, Dimerix reported positive interim results from the Action3 trial in FSGS, showing DMX 200 was performing better than placebo in reducing proteinuria at that time.8 There have been no safety concerns to date following 8 reviews by the independent data monitoring committee, the most recent in June 2026. In April 2026, an external statistical blinded review of Action3 data achieved its objective by confirming that the study remains appropriately statistically powered (>90%) to demonstrate a treatment effect for the primary study endpoint of proteinuria; meaning that if DMX-200 continues to reduce proteinuria in trial patients as anticipated, then there is a >90% chance that the study will successfully show a statistically significant proteinuria treatment effect at the trial’s conclusion.

Everest a strong partner

Dimerix Managing Director Dr Nina Webster said the company was delighted to be partnering with Everest, which had “strong rare renal disease expertise and a proven track record in commercialising in Greater China, South Korea and certain Southeast Asian countries”.

She added:

Importantly, this collaboration significantly expands the potential reach of DMX-200 into a large and underserved patient population. Everest is well positioned to maximise the opportunity in the licensed regions, while allowing Dimerix to retain focus on progressing our global registrational program, delivering value for shareholders and providing real hope for patients with FSGS across the globe in need of treatment options.

Dimerix shares were 21.2% higher at 20 cents. The company was valued at $99.1 million at the close of trade on Monday.

The post Why is this ASX biotech rocketing more than 20%? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.