China’s Hainan Shuangcheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (SHA: 002693) has announced a licensing and supply agreement with US-based Meitheal Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and compatriot firm Hong Kong King-Friend Industrial Co., Ltd. The agreement grants the two companies exclusive rights to Shuangcheng’s paclitaxel for injection (albumin-bound, 100mg/vial) in the US market. Meitheal will be responsible for market planning and sales of the paclitaxel (albumin-bound) injection in the US, while Hong Kong King-Friend Industrial Co., Ltd (HKF) will pay a one-time milestone payment of $6 million.
Paclitaxel (Albumin-Bound) Overview
Paclitaxel (albumin-bound) is a nanoparticle formulation produced by encapsulating paclitaxel with albumin. Originally developed by Celgene, Shuangcheng’s generic version is currently awaiting regulatory decisions in China. Compared to other paclitaxel drugs, the cytotoxic side effects of paclitaxel (albumin-bound) are significantly reduced, allowing for higher dosing and enhanced anti-tumor effects. Additionally, the drug can accumulate in tumors and be released to tumor cells in a targeted manner, further improving its efficacy.
Future Outlook
The licensing agreement with Meitheal Pharmaceuticals and Hong Kong King-Friend Industrial Co., Ltd marks a significant step for Shuangcheng Pharmaceutical in expanding its global footprint. By leveraging Meitheal’s market planning and sales capabilities, Shuangcheng aims to bring its innovative paclitaxel formulation to the US market, addressing significant unmet needs in cancer treatment.-Fineline Info & Tech
