Global healthcare leader Sanofi (NASDAQ: SNY) and China-based Corxel Pharmaceuticals (CORXEL), formerly known as Ji Xing Pharmaceuticals, have jointly announced an official agreement. Under this partnership, Sanofi is set to acquire exclusive development and commercialization rights to CORXEL’s aficamten in Greater China. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, but it is expected to close within this year.
Aficamten: A Next-Generation Cardiac Myosin Inhibitor for HCM Treatment
Aficamten, a next-generation cardiac myosin inhibitor, is being developed to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In July 2020, CORXEL was involved in a licensing deal with Cytokinetics Inc. (CYTK), which granted CORXEL exclusive development and commercialization rights to the drug in Greater China. Afinicamten has previously obtained breakthrough therapy designations (BTDs) from both the US FDA and China’s National Medical Products Administration for the treatment of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM), an indication that is under marketing review in China with priority review status.
Aficamten’s Regulatory Milestones and Market Potential
Aficamten is awaiting FDA’s regulatory decisions before September 26, 2025, highlighting the drug’s potential market entry and the significance of this partnership. The collaboration between Sanofi and Corxel Pharmaceuticals is expected to leverage Sanofi’s global reach and Corxel’s regional expertise to advance the drug’s development and commercialization in Greater China, offering a new treatment option for patients suffering from HCM.-Fineline Info & Tech
