China’s Sihuan Pharmaceutical Holdings Group Ltd (HKG: 0460) has announced an exclusive licensing agreement between its subsidiary Huisheng Pharm and MEIYOUNG. The deal pertains to Huisheng’s biosimilar version of Denmark-based Novo Nordisk’s (NYSE: NVO) weight loss drug semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) for the treatment of overweight or obesity in China.
Terms of the Agreement and Responsibilities
According to the agreement, Huisheng, as the future Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) for the semaglutide biosimilar in weight loss, will grant MEIYOUNG exclusive rights to the product within mainland China. Huisheng will be responsible for the manufacturing and supply of the drug. The rights granted to MEIYOUNG include exclusive distribution rights, exclusive and sublicensable use rights of intellectual property rights such as trademarks, patents, and technical secrets, as well as exclusive clinical development rights. In return, MEIYOUNG will pay Huisheng an undisclosed sum and will share the clinical development work and expenses for the hypoglycemic indication of the drug.
Potential Benefits and Applications of Huisheng’s Semaglutide Biosimilar
Huisheng’s semaglutide biosimilar, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), is known for its effectiveness in lowering blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss. It also shows potential in the treatment of cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases. The product has received clearance for study in weight loss in mainland China, with Phase III studies for type 2 diabetes having completed enrollment.-Fineline Info & Tech
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