China-based Junshi Biosciences (HKG: 1877, SHA: 688180) has announced a production and supply agreement between its subsidiary, Shanghai JunTop Biosciences Co., Ltd, and Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (SHA: 600521). Under the deal, Huahai will provide manufacturing and supply services for Junshi’s oral nucleoside analog drug JT001 (VV116), which is used to treat COVID-19. The 10-year partnership will see Huahai authorized to manufacture and supply the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) of VV116 and produce its preparations.
Development and Regulatory Milestones
JT001 (VV116) was co-developed by the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and other research institutes. In October 2021, Junshi established a joint venture with Vigonvita Life Sciences Co., Ltd, a specialist in neuropsychiatric and infectious diseases, to develop the drug. The JV, Shanghai JunTop Biosciences Co., Ltd, secured emergency use authorization for VV116 in Uzbekistan in December 2021 after conducting a clinical trial there. Additionally, Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (600267.SH) signed a five-year partnership with the JV in May 2022 to provide product processing, manufacturing, and support for international regulatory filings and market development. In January 2023, VV116 received conditional approval in China for treating mild to moderate COVID-19 cases.
Huahai’s Manufacturing Capabilities
Huahai’s role in the partnership underscores its manufacturing capabilities and strategic importance in the global fight against COVID-19. In August 2022, Huahai also signed a deal with Pfizer to manufacture Paxlovid, the US major’s COVID-19 therapy, locally in China. This further positions Huahai as a key player in the production of critical antiviral drugs.-Fineline Info & Tech