China-based RemeGen Co., Ltd. (SHA: 688331, HKG: 9995) announced an agreement with Santen China, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan’s Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Under the deal, RemeGen will license its proprietary drug, RC28-E injection, to Santen China. This strategic move expands Santen’s presence in the ophthalmic market across key Asian regions.
Licensing Agreement Details
Santen China will receive exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize RC28-E in Greater China, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. RemeGen retains exclusive global rights to the drug in all other regions. Financial terms include a non-refundable upfront payment of ¥250 million, with potential additional payments of up to ¥520 million for near-term development and regulatory milestones, and up to ¥525 million for sales milestones. RemeGen will also receive tiered royalties on net sales within the licensed territories.
Drug Profile
RC28-E injection is a VEGF/FGF dual-target fusion protein drug developed by RemeGen for neovascular eye diseases. Phase II clinical trials for diabetic macular edema (DME) demonstrated significant improvements in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), reductions in central macular thickness (CST), and effective alleviation of macular edema. RemeGen initiated Phase III clinical trials for RC28-E in 2023 for both wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) and DME. The marketing application for the DME indication in China is expected in the second half of 2025, with the wAMD application planned for mid-2026.-Fineline Info & Tech
