UK-based pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca (AZ, NASDAQ: AZN) has signed a three-year collaboration agreement with China-based Cholesgen (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. The partnership focuses on the research and development of new therapies for hypercholesterolemia and other metabolic diseases. The collaboration aims to validate genetic drug targets and advance therapeutic molecules into clinical development, leveraging Choledgen’s early-stage portfolio of product candidates.
Collaboration Terms and Financials
Under the terms of the deal, Cholesgen will receive an upfront fee, with pre-defined license packages for any molecule nominated by AstraZeneca to enter clinical development. This structure is designed to incentivize both parties and facilitate the progression of promising drug candidates through the development pipeline.
Leveraging Chinese Biotech Innovation
The collaboration is described as a new model for partnering with a Chinese biotech firm, capitalizing on first-in-class targets and mechanisms uncovered by Chinese researchers. This approach underscores the growing importance of Chinese biotech in the global pharmaceutical industry and the potential for cross-border collaborations to drive innovation.
Cholesgen’s Background and Recent Funding
Cholesgen, established in 2021, recently completed a Series A funding round, raising RMB 100 million (USD 14 million). Notably, AstraZeneca was indirectly among the backers through its investment partnership with CICC Venture Capital. The firm specializes in innovative target identification and first-in-class drug discovery in the field of cholesterol-related diseases, including hyperlipidemia, obesity, atherosclerosis, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).-Fineline Info & Tech
