Everest Medicines (HKG: 1952), a China-based pharmaceutical company, has announced a strategic collaboration and license agreement with US firm Kezar Life Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: KZR) to develop and commercialize zetomipzomib, Kezar’s novel first-in-class selective immunoproteasome inhibitor, in Greater China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. This partnership aims to leverage the potential of zetomipzomib in treating autoimmune diseases and expand its reach in the Asian market.
Financial Terms and Milestones
Under the agreement, Kezar will receive an initial upfront payment and is eligible for future payments upon achieving development, regulatory, and commercialization milestones, with a potential total of up to USD 132.5 million. Everest will also pay tiered royalties on net sales, ensuring a mutually beneficial partnership.
Exclusive Rights and Regional Expansion
Everest will gain exclusive rights to develop and commercialize zetomipzomib in key Asian markets, including Greater China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. This expansion is expected to bolster the availability of innovative treatments for autoimmune diseases in these regions.
PALIZADE Clinical Trial Collaboration
Everest will join Kezar in the PALIZADE global, placebo-controlled Phase IIb clinical trial, which evaluates zetomipzomib in patients with active lupus nephritis (LN) in Greater China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. Leveraging Everest Medicines’ successful track record in conducting clinical trials in renal disease, the partnership aims to accelerate enrollment in these geographies. Everest Medicines will contribute local regulatory and clinical trial expertise and bear the study costs in the licensed territories.
Future Collaboration Opportunities
Beyond the PALIZADE trial, Kezar and Everest Medicines have the opportunity to collaborate on future clinical trials and indications, furthering the development of zetomipzomib and potentially expanding its therapeutic applications.-Fineline Info & Tech
