China-based Jumpcan Pharmaceutical (SHA: 600566) has announced a partnership with compatriot firm Newsoara BioPharma Co., Ltd to develop and commercialize two target products in mainland China. The collaboration involves a PDE4 inhibitor (target product one) and a protease inhibitor (target product two). Jumpcan will pay RMB 180 million (USD 24.8 million) upfront, USD 12.125 million in developmental milestone payments, and USD 20 million in sales milestone payments. Research and development (R&D) expenses and sales profits will be shared with Newsoara Bio.
Target Product One: PDE4 Inhibitor
Target product one is an oral selective phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor currently being developed to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. The drug works by inhibiting the degradation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in cells, thereby increasing cAMP levels and regulating the levels of proinflammatory cytokines to inhibit inflammation. This PDE4 inhibitor is designed with specific selectivity to the PDE4 target and low central nervous system permeability, resulting in better tolerance and safety. The oral administration of the drug ensures good patient compliance and convenience.
Target Product Two: Protease Inhibitor
Target product two is a protease inhibitor with inhibitory activity against key digestive enzymes, including trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase, enterokinase, and others. During surgery, minor interference with the intestinal mucosal barrier can cause the release of digestive enzymes from the intestinal cavity, leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction. This product blocks the downstream effects of intestinal mucosal barrier destruction by inhibiting digestive enzymes in the intestinal cavity, thereby improving gastrointestinal function recovery after abdominal surgery and reducing postoperative intestinal obstruction (POI).-Fineline Info & Tech
