China’s Simcere Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (HKG: 2096) has entered into an agreement to acquire the rights to develop the anti-inflammatory monoclonal antibody rademikibart from US-based Connect Biopharma Holdings Ltd (NASDAQ: CNTB). The deal, negotiated with Connect Bio’s China-based subsidiaries, Connect Biopharma Hong Kong Ltd and Suzhou Connect Biopharma Co., Ltd, includes an upfront fee of RMB 150 million (USD 21 million), potential development and commercial milestones of up to RMB 875 million (USD 120 million), and double-digit percentage royalties on future net sales.
Greater China Development and Commercialization Rights
Simcere will assume development, manufacturing, and commercial rights for rademikibart across the Greater China region, encompassing mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Connect Bio has already initiated clinical trials for the drug candidate in China and will oversee them to completion. Simcere is expected to handle the New Drug Application (NDA) filing, with an anticipated completion in Q1 2024.
Rademikibart’s Potential in Th2 Driven Inflammatory Diseases
Rademikibart is a human monoclonal antibody targeting IL-4Rα, a common subunit for IL-4R and IL-13 receptors, and is in development for the treatment of Th2 driven inflammatory diseases, including atopic dermatitis. With a dosing frequency of once every 4 weeks, the molecule is considered to have the potential for best-in-class status.- Flcube.com
