Zhejiang Hisoar Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (SHE: 002099) announced a strategic collaboration with Wanbangde New Building Materials Co., Ltd. (SHE: 002082) to co‑develop WP205, a small‑molecule cyclic peptide agonist for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that has received FDA Orphan Drug Designation. Hisoar will provide RMB 150 million (USD 21.5 million) in funding in exchange for 15 % of global commercialization revenue.
Deal Structure
Item
Detail
Companies
Hisoar Pharma (investor) and Wanbangde (originator)
Drug
WP205 (MCR-targeting cyclic peptide)
Indication
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Total Investment
RMB 150 million (USD 21.5 million)
Upfront Payment
RMB 120 million (USD 17.2 million)
Milestone Payment
RMB 30 million (USD 4.3 million) upon Phase III initiation or conditional approval
Revenue Share
Hisoar receives 15 % of global net sales post‑launch
Development Responsibilities
Wanbangde leads R&D, regulatory, and commercialization
Drug Profile & ALS Market Landscape
Mechanism: WP205 is a small‑molecule cyclic peptide agonist targeting melanocortin receptors (MCR), designed to modulate neuroinflammation and motor neuron survival pathways
Regulatory Status:FDA Orphan Drug Designation granted; qualifies for 7‑year market exclusivity, tax credits, and PDUFA fee waivers
Clinical Need: ALS affects ~30,000 patients in the US and ~50,000 in China; median survival is 3‑5 years from diagnosis
Current Standards: Generic riluzole and edaravone offer modest benefit; newer agents (Relyvrio, Qalsody) target genetic subtypes only
WP205 Potential: MCR agonism represents a novel disease‑modifying approach with potential for broad ALS population application
Market Opportunity & Revenue Forecast
Parameter
2026E
2027E
2028E
Global ALS Market Size
$820 million
$950 million
$1.15 billion
WP205 Addressable Population
75,000
78,000
81,000
Peak Market Penetration
0 %
5 %
12 %
Annual Treatment Cost (USD)
–
$125,000
$118,000
Peak Global Revenue
–
$488 million
$1.15 billion
Hisoar’s 15 % Revenue Share
–
$73 million
$173 million
China Focus: Wanbangde plans NDA submission to NMPA in Q4 2027 leveraging domestic orphan drug fast‑track
US Pathway: Phase II trial initiation expected Q2 2026; potential breakthrough therapy designation based on preclinical neuroprotective data
Manufacturing: Hisoar’s investment will fund GMP‑compliant peptide synthesis facility in Zhejiang province
Competitive Landscape & Strategic Positioning
Company
Drug
Mechanism
Stage
Differentiation
AstraZeneca
Tofersen
Antisense (SOD1)
Approved
Genetic‑specific only
Amylyx
Relyvrio
Phenylbutyrate/TAURSO
Approved
Modest efficacy
Wanbangde
WP205
MCR agonist
Phase II ready
Broad ALS population
Biogen
BIIB105
ASO (Ataxin‑2)
Phase III
Genetic‑specific
MCR Platform Value: Agreement includes future collaboration on additional MCR‑targeting cyclic peptides for metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases, expanding Hisoar’s biotech footprint
Risk Mitigation: Orphan drug designation and unmet need provide high probability of regulatory success and premium pricing
Forward‑Looking Statements This brief contains forward‑looking statements regarding WP205 development timelines, revenue forecasts, and global commercialization. Actual results may differ due to clinical trial outcomes, competitive dynamics, and regulatory approval processes.-Fineline Info & Tech
By Fineline Cube