China-based Innovent Biologics, Inc. (HKG: 1801) has entered into a significant distribution and promotion agreement with US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY). The agreement pertains to Lilly’s non-covalent Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib). Financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed. Under the terms, Innovent will handle the importation, marketing, distribution, and promotion of Jaypirca in mainland China, while Lilly will maintain responsibility for the drug’s R&D and post-market medical affairs.
Jaypirca’s Novel Mechanism and Role in MCL Treatment
Jaypirca is a highly selective kinase inhibitor with a unique non-covalent binding mechanism that re-establishes BTK inhibition in patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have previously been treated with a covalent BTK inhibitor. This includes approved drugs such as ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, zanubrutinib, or orelabrutinib. Jaypirca became the world’s first non-covalent BTK inhibitor to receive FDA approval in January 2023 and was approved in China in October of this year for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory MCL who have undergone at least two types of systemic therapy, including a BTK inhibitor.
The Significance of the Agreement for Both Companies and Patients
This partnership between Innovent Biologics and Eli Lilly is a strategic move that will make Jaypirca more accessible to patients in mainland China. It also highlights the growing collaboration between Chinese and international pharmaceutical companies to bring innovative treatments to market. The agreement is expected to benefit patients in China by providing a new treatment option for those with MCL who have limited therapeutic options after failing on other BTK inhibitors.-Fineline Info & Tech
