China Medical System Holdings (CMS; HKG: 0867) has announced a license agreement with Alpha Cognition Inc., obtaining development, regulatory filing, manufacturing, import, export, and commercialization rights to the Canadian firm’s Zunveyl (benzgalantamine delayed-release tablets). The drug targets mild to moderate dementia of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and is approved for the said indication in the US. The agreement covers Asia (excluding Japan), Australia, and New Zealand, with Alpha retaining the manufacturing supply rights in these territories. No financial details were disclosed.
Zunveyl: Next-Generation AChEI
Zunveyl is a next-generation acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) approved in the US in July of last year. It improves cognitive and memory function in Alzheimer’s disease patients by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity and increasing central acetylcholine levels. As a prodrug of galantamine, Zunveyl passes through the stomach and intestines in an inert form, metabolizes into active ingredients in the liver, and is released into the bloodstream. This mechanism of action allows for the same therapeutic effect as galantamine, with reduced gastrointestinal adverse reactions and improved tolerance.
Significance of the License Agreement
The license agreement between CMS Holdings and Alpha Cognition highlights the growing interest in innovative treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. By securing the rights to Zunveyl, CMS aims to expand its portfolio of neurological therapies and provide patients in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand with access to this next-generation AChEI. This development underscores the commitment of both companies to improving patient outcomes and addressing the significant unmet need in dementia treatment.-Fineline Info & Tech
