By Fineline Cube 
China-based 3SBio Inc. (HKG: 1530) has announced a licensing deal with fellow Chinese firm Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., Ltd., a member of HEC Group (SHA: 600673), concerning the commercialization of clifutinib in mainland China. Under the terms of the agreement, 3SBio will handle the commercialization efforts for the drug, paying Sunshine Lake Pharma an undisclosed sum in upfront and milestone payments related to research and development (R&D) and sales.
Financials and Responsibilities Under the Agreement
Sunshine Lake Pharma will retain responsibility for the R&D, regulatory filing, and manufacturing of clifutinib, a Category 1 drug. This strategic partnership allows 3SBio to expand its portfolio and leverage Sunshine Lake Pharma’s expertise in drug development and manufacturing.
Clifutinib’s Market Potential and Competition
Clifutinib is an FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) inhibitor, a class of drugs used in the treatment of certain cancers. The drug has a similar mechanism of action to Astellas’ Xospata (gilteritinib), which is already registered in China. This licensing deal positions 3SBio to compete in a market with an established player, offering a potential new treatment option for patients.-Fineline Info & Tech