China-based biotech Zai Lab Ltd (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKG: 9688) has announced an exclusive collaboration and license agreement with US-headquartered Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: VRTX). Through this agreement, Zai Lab has obtained the development and commercialization rights to Vertex’s povetacicept (pove) in mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Taiwan region, and Singapore. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate the clinical development and commercialization of povetacicept in these key markets.
Agreement Terms and Financials
Under the terms of the agreement, Vertex will receive an undisclosed amount of upfront payment, as well as certain regulatory milestone payments and net sales-based tiered royalties. Zai Lab will leverage its extensive research and development expertise to advance clinical trials and make regulatory submissions in the licensed territory, ensuring the drug’s timely introduction to the market.
Povetacicept: A Promising Therapeutic
Povetacicept is a recombinant fusion protein therapeutic and dual antagonist of BAFF (B cell activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand). It is currently being investigated for the treatment of Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) and other B cell-mediated diseases. The drug features an engineered TACI (transmembrane activator and CAML interactor) domain, which has demonstrated higher binding affinity and greater potency in preclinical studies compared to other inhibitors of BAFF and/or APRIL alone. Povetacicept has also shown potential best-in-class efficacy in a clinical trial for patients with IgA nephropathy and primary membranous nephropathy. Additionally, it is in development for multiple serious B cell-mediated diseases, including other autoimmune kidney diseases and autoimmune cytopenias.
Future Prospects
The collaboration between Zai Lab and Vertex represents a significant step forward in the development of novel treatments for B cell-mediated diseases. By combining Zai Lab’s regional expertise with Vertex’s innovative drug development capabilities, the partnership aims to bring povetacicept to patients in need, addressing significant unmet medical needs in the field of autoimmune diseases.-Fineline Info & Tech
