Exhibit 10.17

May 29, 2025
Exclusive License Agreement 12-month Suspension
HCW Biologics Inc. (“HCW”) and Wugen, Inc. (“Wugen”) hereby mutually agree to a 12-month suspension (herein “12-month Suspension”) of Wugen’s obligations under the Exclusive License Agreement (“License”) dated December 24, 2020, between HCW and Wugen. Wugen and HCW agree to maintain the License for the 12-month Suspension period, which will begin on May 30, 2025. HCW agrees to suspend Wugen’s clinical trial due diligence obligations during the 12- month suspension. Wugen agrees to waive the License exclusivity and grants HCW the exclusive right to seek alternative licensees for HCW9201 and/or HCW9206 for all ex vivo rights, including commercialization, during the 12-month Suspension period.
HCW and Wugen agree to the following terms in connection with a 12-month Suspension of the License:
For avoidance of doubt, Wugen will have no cash obligations for the License during 12- month Suspension, except for obligations accrued prior to May 01, 2025, including but not limited to intellectual property maintenance, FTE costs, pass- through expenses of any kind.
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By signing below, you acknowledge and agree that the above terms shall amend and be incorporated into the Exclusive License Agreement.
Agreed and Accepted:

HCW Biologics Inc. Wugen, Inc.
Hing C. Wong, CEO Kumar Srinivasan, CEO
Date Signed: May 30, 2025 | 1:12 PM PDT Date Signed: May 30, 2025 | 1:12 PM PDT
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