Onconetix (ONCO) Surges 24.58% on Licensing Pact with Immunovia for Pancreatic Cancer IP

Onconetix (ONCO) shares surged 24.58% intraday on Sept. 22, 2025, reaching a peak not seen since September 2025, before closing with a 3.03% gain. The rally followed a licensing agreement between Proteomedix AG, a wholly owned subsidiary, and Immunovia AB, a Swedish firm specializing in pancreatic cancer diagnostics. The deal grants Immunovia access to Proteomedix’s intellectual property for manufacturing reagents used in Immunovia’s PancreaSure test, a blood-based diagnostic tool for early-stage pancreatic cancer detection.

Under the terms, Proteomedix will receive $700,000 in payments over 2025 and 2026, along with a 3% royalty on net sales of PancreaSure and other products incorporating the licensed IP through 2032. The upfront cash infusion provides immediate liquidity for Onconetix, which has previously highlighted capital needs for commercializing its prostate cancer diagnostic test, Proclarix. The recurring royalty structure introduces a potential long-term revenue stream tied to the adoption of PancreaSure, a product addressing a high-growth niche given pancreatic cancer’s poor prognosis and limited early detection options.

The partnership enhances Onconetix’s strategic profile in oncology diagnostics. By collaborating with Immunovia, a specialized diagnostics firm, Proteomedix signals its credibility in biomarker development and IP management. This could bolster investor confidence, particularly as PancreaSure’s success hinges on regulatory approvals and clinical validation. If the test gains traction, the 3% royalty could become a meaningful contributor to Onconetix’s earnings. The deal also aligns with the company’s broader focus on expanding Proclarix’s market penetration, which is included in European and American medical guidelines.

Leadership statements underscore the strategic rationale. Proteomedix CEO Beat Rheiner emphasized pride in PancreaSure’s development and its potential to improve patient outcomes. Onconetix Interim CEO Karina Fedasz reiterated the company’s commitment to scaling Proclarix while entering new markets. The dual-track approach—expanding an established product and entering a high-growth diagnostic segment—positions Onconetix to diversify its revenue base. However, the partnership’s long-term value depends on PancreaSure’s commercial success and regulatory hurdles, which remain key risks.

Investor sentiment appears buoyed by the deal’s validation of Proteomedix’s IP and its alignment with unmet medical needs in oncology. The biotech sector’s sensitivity to partnership announcements and product milestones further amplifies the stock’s volatility. While the near-term cash infusion alleviates liquidity pressures, the stock’s sustainability will rely on Proclarix’s adoption rates and PancreaSure’s market performance. The agreement represents a pivotal step in Onconetix’s evolution, blending strategic expansion with financial prudence.