Newsoara BioPharma Co., Ltd. and vTv Therapeutics LLC have expanded their strategic collaboration, with Newsoara securing global rights to HPP737, a novel phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor in development for psoriasis. The expanded agreement, valued at up to USD 135 million including a USD 20 million upfront payment, builds on their 2018 Asia-Pacific partnership and positions Newsoara to commercialize the anti-inflammatory therapy worldwide.
Transaction Structure
Element
Detail
Licensor
vTv Therapeutics LLC (US-based)
Licensee
Newsoara BioPharma Co., Ltd. (China)
Asset
HPP737 – Selective PDE4 inhibitor
Prior Rights
China and Asia-Pacific (2018 agreement)
Expanded Rights
Global (ex-Asia-Pacific now included)
Upfront Payment
USD 20 million
Total Consideration
Up to USD 135 million (milestones and royalties)
Target Indication
Psoriasis (with potential expansion to other inflammatory diseases)
PDE4 Competitive Landscape:Apremilast (Amgen) first-in-class but limited efficacy; deucravacitinib (BMS) TYK2 inhibitor sets higher efficacy bar; HPP737 requires superior clinical data for differentiation
Newsoara Global Ambition: Expansion from regional to global rights reflects China biotech maturation and capital markets support for international commercialization
Development & Commercial Outlook
Phase
Activity
Timeline
Current
Global rights transition; regulatory strategy alignment
Q1 2026
Clinical
Phase I/II psoriasis trial initiation
2026-2027
Expansion
Proof-of-concept in psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis
2027-2028
Global Partnership
US/EU co-development or licensing discussions
Data-dependent
Commercial
China launch (retained rights); ex-China partnership or self-commercialization
2029+
Forward‑Looking Statements This brief contains forward‑looking statements regarding HPP737 clinical development timelines, psoriasis market penetration, and Newsoara BioPharma’s global commercialization strategy. Actual results may differ due to Phase I/II efficacy outcomes, competitive dynamics with apremilast and deucravacitinib, and partnership negotiation results for US/EU markets.-Fineline Info & Tech
By Fineline Cube