China Pharmaceutical BD Transaction Review – Deeply empowering pharmaceutical transactions to facilitate collaboration and jointly build a new ecosystem for BD communication. – Fineline Deals Book Jan. 2025
According to incomplete statistics from Fineline Info & Tech, there were a total of 24 pharmaceutical BD and M&A transactions in China in December 2024, including 1 cross-border asset acquisitions, 18 outbound transactions, and 5 domestic transactions.
Cross-border License In
China Medical System Licenses Alpha Cognition’s Zunveyl for Dementia Treatment in Asia
China Medical System Holdings (CMS; HKG: 0867) has announced a license agreement with Alpha Cognition Inc., obtaining development, regulatory filing, manufacturing, import, export, and commercialization rights to the Canadian firm’s Zunveyl (benzgalantamine delayed-release tablets). The drug targets mild to moderate dementia of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and is approved for the… [Full Artical]
Cross-border License Out
Innovent Biologics Strikes Licensing Deal with Roche for IBI3009 ADC
China-based Innovent Biologics, Inc. (HKG: 1801) has announced a significant licensing agreement with Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche (SWX: ROG). The agreement grants Roche global exclusive development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights to Innovent’s IBI3009, a DLL3-targeted antibody drug conjugate (ADC) that is anticipated to offer new treatment options for patients with… [Full Artical]
Sino Biopharmaceutical’s Chia Tai Tianqing Secures Exclusive Promotion Rights for Naldemedine in China
China-based Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd (HKG: 1177) has announced an exclusive market promotion agreement between its subsidiary Chia Tai Tianqing and Ping An-Shionogi Co., Ltd, a joint venture between China-based commercial insurance firm Ping An Insurance (Group) Ltd and Japanese pharmaceutical firm Shionogi & Co., Ltd. Under this initially 11-year accord,…[Full Artical]
Duality Biologics and Avenzo Ink Exclusive License for DB-1418/AVZO-1418
On January 8, Duality Biologics, Inc. (Duality Bio) and Avenzo Therapeutics, Inc. (Avenzo) jointly announced that they have entered into an exclusive license agreement. Under the agreement, Avenzo will obtain exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize DB-1418/AVZO-1418 globally, excluding Greater China. DB-1418/AVZO-1418 is an EGFR/HER3 bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (ADC)…[Full Artical]
Biocytogen and SOTIO Biotech Partner on Colorectal Cancer ADC Candidate SOT109
China-based Biocytogen (HKG: 2315) has announced an option and licensing agreement with SOTIO Biotech, allowing the Czech Republic firm to use its tumor-targeted fully human antibodies to develop SOT109, SOTIO’s new antibody drug conjugate (ADC) candidate. The ADC is intended for the treatment of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal (GI)… [Full Artical]
Xtalpi’s Ailux Biologics Partners with UCB for AI-Driven Drug Discovery
Shenzhen-based QuantumPharm Inc. (HKG: 2228), better known as Xtalpi Inc., has announced that its subsidiary Ailux Biologics has struck a partnership with UCB (EBR: UCB), granting the Belgian biopharma commercial rights to utilize Ailux’s XtalFold AI platform for the discovery and engineering design of macromolecular drugs. No financial details were…[Full Artical]
SciWind Bio and Verdiva Bio Partner on Global Development of Obesity Therapies
On January 10, SciWind Bio announced a global development and commercialization license and collaboration agreement with Verdiva Bio, excluding Greater China and South Korea. Verdiva Bio is a clinical – stage global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for obesity and other cardiovascular metabolic disorders. Collaboration DetailsThe collaboration includes… [Full Artical]
Keymed Biosciences Licenses CM313 to Timberlyne Therapeutics for Global Development
China-based Keymed Biosciences Inc. (HKG: 2162) has entered into a licensing agreement with US firm Timberlyne Therapeutics, Inc., granting the startup biopharma exclusive development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights to its CM313, a CD38-targeted monoclonal antibody (mAb). The agreement covers global rights, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Financial… [Full Artical]
Zai Lab and MediLink Therapeutics Partner to Develop LRRC15 ADC Drug ZL-6201 for Solid Tumors
On January 10, Zai Lab Ltd (NASDAQ: ZLAB, HKG: 9688) announced a new strategic cooperation and global licensing agreement with MediLink Therapeutics. The partnership aims to utilize MediLink’s TMALIN® antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) platform to develop a novel LRRC15 ADC drug, ZL-6201, targeting solid tumors. The antibody for this product was…[Full Artical]
Simcere Zaiming and AbbVie Ink $1.055B License Deal for MM Drug SIM0500
China-based Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Ltd (HKG: 2096) has announced a significant strategic move through its oncology subsidiary, Simcere Zaiming. The company has entered into a license option agreement with global pharmaceutical giant AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) for the development of its promising drug candidate, SIM0500. Deal Structure and FinancialsUnder the… [Full Artical]
Zhaoke Ophthalmology Partners with AFT for Brimochol PF Distribution in ANZ
China-based Zhaoke Ophthalmology Ltd (HKG: 6622) has announced a strategic distribution and supply agreement with New Zealand-headquartered AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited, a leading healthcare product manufacturer and distributor. The agreement pertains to Brimochol PF, a fixed dose of carbachol and bromonidine tartrate that is preservative free, co-developed by Tenpoint Therapeutics Ltd.…[Full Artical]
Henlius and Abbott Sign License Agreement for Biosimilars and Biologic Drug
China-based Shanghai Henlius Biotech Inc. (HKG: 2696) has announced a strategic license agreement with Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT). The agreement grants the US multinational company exclusive or semi-exclusive development and commercialization rights to four biosimilars and one novel biologic drug in 69 emerging countries and regions. The deal, for which… [Full Artical]
Bio-Thera Solutions Licenses BAT2206 to World Medicine for Turkey
On January 16, Bio-Thera Solutions Ltd (SHA: 688177), a science – driven innovative global biopharmaceutical company based in Guangzhou, China, announced that it has recently signed a licensing and commercialization agreement with World Medicine for BAT2206. BAT2206 is a biosimilar developed based on Stelara® (ustekinumab). Agreement DetailsUnder the agreement, World… [Full Artical]
Keymed and InnoCare Announce Licensing Deal for CD20xCD3 Bispecific Antibody with Prolium
China-based Keymed Biosciences Inc. (HKG: 2162) and InnoCare Pharma (HKG: 9969, SHA: 688428) have jointly announced a licensing agreement with Prolium, a US-based biotech backed by RTW Investments. Under the terms of the agreement, Prolium will obtain development, regulatory filing, manufacturing, and commercialization rights to ICP-B02 (CM355), a CD20xCD3 bispecific…[Full Artical]
Junshi Biosciences Licenses Toripalimab to LEO Pharma for EU and UK Markets
China-based Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd (HKG: 1877, SHA: 688180) has announced a licensing agreement with Denmark-based LEO Pharma A/S, granting the dermatology specialist exclusive rights to store, distribute, promote, market, and sell its PD-1 inhibitor, toripalimab, in the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and the… [Full Artical]
Lepu Biopharma Licenses Potential Best-in-Class ADC MRG007 to ArriVent
Lepu Biopharma Co., Ltd (HKG: 2157) has announced an exclusive licensing agreement with ArriVent BioPharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVBP) for MRG007, a potential best-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. This partnership aims to advance the development and commercialization of MRG007 globally, excluding Greater China. Agreement DetailsUnder the terms of… [Full Artical]
GeneQuantum Secures $13 Billion Deals with Biohaven and AimedBio for ADC Development
Suzhou based biotech firm GeneQuantum has announced a series of major commercial cooperation pacts worth USD 13 billion with US – based Biohaven Pharmaceutical (NYSE: BHVN) and South Korean biotech Aimed Bio Inc. The agreements coincide with the global launch of GeneQuantum’s IDiscovery, an intelligent automated development system for bioconjugated…[Full Artical]
CStone Pharmaceuticals Partners with SteinCares for Sugemalimab Commercialization in Latin America
CStone Pharmaceuticals (HKG: 2616), a China – based biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology drug development, announced on January 27 a strategic commercialization partnership with SteinCares, a leading pharmaceutical company in the Latin American market. Under the licensing and commercialization agreement, SteinCares will obtain the rights to commercialize sugemalimab in 10… [Full Artical]
Domestic Transactions in China
Kexing Pharmaceutical Partners with Shandong Boan for Biosimilar Commercialization in Hong Kong and Macau
China-based Kexing Pharmaceutical (SHA: 688136) has entered into a commercialization cooperation agreement with fellow Chinese firm Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co., Ltd (HKG: 6955). The partnership aims to promote the marketing and sales of Shandong Boan’s biosimilars BA6101 and BA1102 in Hong Kong and Macau. BA6101 is a biosimilar version of… [Full Artical]
Boehringer Ingelheim China and Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Launch Strategic Partnership for Linagliptin
On January 7, Boehringer Ingelheim China and Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd. (SPH, HKG: 2607, SHA: 601607) held a strategic cooperation launch ceremony, announcing a partnership on the national retail market for Outangning® (Linagliptin). Starting from January 1, 2025, the distribution and promotion of Linagliptin in non – medical institution… [Full Artical]
3SBio Acquires Licensing Rights to Duality Biologics’ HER2-Targeting ADC DB-1303
China-based 3SBio Inc. (HKG: 1530) has entered into a strategic partnership with Duality Biologics, a leading antibody conjugate drug (ADC) developer with operations in the United States and China. The collaboration centers on the licensing rights to Duality Biologics’ promising ADC, DB-1303, which targets the HER2 protein. Agreement DetailsPursuant to…[Full Artical]
Simcere Licenses Fermion’s AI-Enabled Painkiller FZ002-037
China-based Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited (HKG: 2096) has announced a licensing agreement with compatriot firm Fermion, an artificial intelligence (AI) empowered small-molecule drug developer, relating to an investigational SSTR4-targeted painkiller candidate drug, FZ002-037. This strategic partnership aims to advance the development and commercialization of FZ002-037 in Greater China, including mainland… [Full Artical]
China Medical System Partners with MabGeek for Innovative Drug MG-K10
China Medical System Holdings (CMS; HKG: 0867) has announced a new license agreement with MabGeek Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a fellow Chinese biotech firm, for the latter’s Category 1 drug MG-K10. This marks CMS’s second major licensing deal in less than a month. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.… [Full Artical]
Monthly Roundup
Key Insights:
- Cross-Border Licensing Dominates: China’s pharmaceutical sector witnessed a flurry of cross-border licensing deals in January 2025, with 19 out of 24 transactions involving international partnerships. The trend underscores Chinese biotech firms’ growing ambition to commercialize assets globally, particularly in the U.S. and EU markets.
- Biosimilars and Biologics Drive Activity: Deals involving biosimilars, bi-specific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) were prominent, reflecting global demand for cost-effective therapies and innovative oncology treatments.
- Financial Windfalls: Milestone payments and upfront fees highlight the sector’s attractiveness. Notable deals include MoonBiotech’s $1.05B agreement with AbbVie for SIM0400 and SciWind Bio’s $2.4B partnership with Verdiva Bio for amylin receptor agonists.
- Domestic Consolidation: Local players like Boehringer Ingelheim and Duality Biotherapeutics also engaged in strategic domestic deals, signaling efforts to strengthen China’s internal pharma ecosystem.
Deal Highlights
MoonBiotech’s Blockbuster Deal
- Transaction: Out-licensed SIM0400 (NMPA Phase I) to AbbVie for $1.05B, marking one of January’s largest biotech deals.
- Implications: Validates China’s R&D capabilities in early-stage oncology assets. AbbVie’s involvement suggests confidence in SIM0400’s potential for global markets.
SciWind Bio’s Amylin Franchise
- Transaction: Licensed oral and subcutaneous amylin receptor agonists to Verdiva Bio for $2.4B, including a $70M upfront payment.
- Analysis: Reflects rising interest in metabolic disease therapies, with amylin agonists targeting obesity and diabetes.
Bio-Thera Solutions’ Global Push
- Transaction: Secured FDA and NMPA market approval filings for BAT2206 (a biosimilar) with World Medicine.
- Takeaway: Biosimilars remain a key export focus for Chinese firms, leveraging regulatory pathways to penetrate Western markets.
KeyMedBio’s CM313 Deal
- Transaction: Licensed CM313 (oral amylin receptor agonist) to Timberlyne for $367.5M in milestones.
- Context: Preclinical assets like CM313 attract partners seeking first-in-class therapies for chronic diseases.
Strategic Implications
- Global Ambitions: Chinese biotechs are prioritizing cross-border partnerships to accelerate commercialization and reduce R&D costs. Deals with Roche, UCB, and AbbVie signal a shift from domestic focus to global competitiveness.
- Regulatory Synergy: NMPA and FDA Phase III approvals (e.g., Zai Lab’s TMALIN) highlight alignment with international standards, easing market entry barriers.
- Investor Outlook: High milestone payments (e.g., MoonBiotech’s $1.05B) underscore the sector’s potential for returns, attracting capital to early-stage assets.
Guidance for Investors and Stakeholders
- Focus on Biosimilars and Biologics: These categories dominate deal flow, with AbbVie and Bio-Thera Solutions leading the charge. Monitor FDA/NMPA filings for market entry timelines.
- Preclinical Assets: Early-stage deals (e.g., KeyMedBio’s CM313) offer high-risk, high-reward opportunities. Evaluate partners’ clinical trial track records.
- Domestic Dynamics: Local consolidation (e.g., Boehringer Ingelheim’s Linagliptin deal) suggests China’s pharma ecosystem is maturing, with M&A activity likely to rise.
Quote:
“China’s pharma sector is at an inflection point, leveraging its R&D prowess to challenge Western dominance in biologics and biosimilars,” said Dr. Li Wei, Head of Asia-Pacific Life Sciences at Bloomberg Intelligence. “Cross-border deals are critical to bridging regulatory gaps and scaling innovation globally.”
Next Steps:
- Track FDA/NMPA approval timelines for key assets (e.g., MoonBiotech’s SIM0400, Bio-Thera’s BAT2206).
- Assess partners’ commercialization capabilities in target markets (e.g., AbbVie’s oncology pipeline).
- Monitor domestic M&A for potential undervalued opportunities in China’s biotech space.
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