China’s Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (HKG: 2096) has entered into a licensing agreement with Spain-based Almirall S.A. (BME: ALM), granting Almirall exclusive development and commercialization rights to the autoimmune disease drug candidate SIM0278 outside of Greater China. Under the terms of the deal, Almirall will pay Simcere an upfront fee of $15 million and is committed to $492 million in development and commercialization milestone payments, along with low-teen commissions based on future sales.
SIM0278: Drug Overview
SIM0278 is a regulatory T cell (Treg)-preferred IL2 fusion protein (IL-2 mu-Fc) based on Simcere’s proprietary protein engineering technology platform. The drug is designed for subcutaneous administration to treat multiple autoimmune diseases. Preclinical studies have shown that SIM0278 has significantly optimized pharmacokinetic (PK) properties and can selectively activate Treg cells without activating effector T cells or NK cells, thereby restoring the immune balance of the body. The drug is currently ready for Investigational New Drug (IND) filing.
Partnership and Future Outlook
This strategic partnership underscores Simcere’s commitment to advancing innovative therapies for autoimmune diseases on a global scale. By leveraging Almirall’s expertise in development and commercialization, the collaboration aims to accelerate the clinical development and market entry of SIM0278, ultimately benefiting patients with autoimmune conditions worldwide.-Fineline Info & Tech
