Feb. 2025 Fineline Deals Book
China Pharmaceutical BD Transaction Review – Deeply empowering pharmaceutical transactions to facilitate collaboration and jointly build a new ecosystem for BD communication. – Fineline Deals Book Feb. 2025
According to incomplete statistics from Fineline Info & Tech, there were a total of 13 pharmaceutical BD and M&A transactions in China in Feb 2025, including 2 cross-border asset acquisitions, 7 outbound transactions, and 4 domestic transactions.
Cross-border License In
Baheal Pharmaceutical Gains Exclusive Rights to Roche’s MabThera in China
China-based health services and distribution giant Baheal Pharmaceutical Group (SHE: 301015) last month reached an accord with Roche (SWX: ROG, OTCMKTS: RHHBY), securing exclusive market promotion rights to the Swiss giant’s MabThera (rituximab) in mainland China. Drug ProfileMabThera, the world’s first anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb), is used to treat Hodgkin… [Full Artical]
SciClone Pharmaceuticals Licenses Eisai’s Tasurgratinib for China
China-based SciClone Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced a licensing agreement with Eisai Co., Ltd (TYO: 4523), securing exclusive development and commercialization rights to the Japanese firm’s tasurgratinib succinate (E7090) in China. Drug ProfileTasurgratinib, an orally available selective inhibitor of FGFR 1-3, was approved in Japan in September of last year. It is… [Full Artical]
Cross-border License Out
Henlius Biotech Licenses HLX15 to Dr. Reddy’s for US and European Markets
China-based Shanghai Henlius Biotech Inc. (HKG: 2696) announced a licensing deal with India-headquartered Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (BOM: 500124) for its HLX15, a biosimilar version of Johnson & Johnson’s Darzalex (daratumumab). Under the agreement, Dr. Reddy’s will obtain exclusive commercialization rights to the anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (mAb), including both intravenous… [Full Artical]
Bio-Thera Solutions’ BAT2506 Biosimilar Accepted for Review by China’s NMPA
China-based Bio-Thera Solutions Inc. (SHA: 688177) announced that a market filing for its BAT2506, a biosimilar version of Johnson & Johnson’s Simponi (golimumab), has been accepted for review by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). This marks a significant step forward in the development and commercialization of this anti-TNF alpha…[Full Artical]
Beihai Biotech Licenses Beizary to Zydus Lifesciences for US Market
China-based Zhuhai Beihai Biotech Co., Ltd announced a licensing agreement with Zydus Lifesciences, granting the India-headquartered firm exclusive commercialization rights to Beizary, a modified version of docetaxel, in the United States. Deal TermsUnder the agreement, Beihai will handle manufacturing and supply of Beizary. The company will receive an upfront payment…[Full Artical]
PolyMed Biopharma Licenses HPB-143 to Photys Therapeutics for Global Development
PolyMed Biopharma, a Hangzhou-based developer of Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) drugs, has entered into a licensing agreement with U.S.-based Photys Therapeutics, Inc. for its HPB-143, a targeted protein degrader (TPD) targeting IRAK4. Under the agreement, Photys will obtain exclusive global development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights to the drug, excluding Greater… [Full Artical]
CSPC Pharma Licenses SYS 6005 to Radiance Biopharma for Global Markets
China-based CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd (HKG: 1093) announced a licensing agreement with Radiance Biopharma, Inc., granting the US firm exclusive development and commercialization rights to its SYS 6005 in multiple countries, including the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia, and Canada. Deal TermsUnder the agreement, CSPC Pharma will…[Full Artical]
FibroGen to Sell China Subsidiary to AstraZeneca for ~$160M, Roxadustat Rights Included
US-based biopharma FibroGen Inc. (NASDAQ: FGEN) has entered into an agreement to sell its China subsidiary to UK-based AstraZeneca (NASDAQ: AZN) for approximately USD160 million. The deal includes the transfer of all rights to roxadustat, a treatment for anemia caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD), in China. Transaction DetailsUnder the… [Full Artical]
EpimAb and Medigene Team Up on TCR-TCE Therapy for Immune-Related Diseases
EpimAb Biotherapeutics, Inc. and Medigene AG (ETR: MDG1) today announced a strategic collaboration agreement to research and develop T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated T cell engager therapy (TCR-TCE) for the treatment of immune-related diseases, including solid tumors. Partnership DetailsThe partnership integrates the expertise of both companies across multiple targets. Medigene brings…[Full Artical]
Domestic Transactions in China
Lexenpharm and Sun-Novo Partner on Long-Acting Asthma and COPD Drugs
China-based Lexenpharm has formed a partnership with compatriot firm Beijing Sun-Novo Pharmaceutical Research Co., Ltd (SHA: 688621) to develop LXP2311 and LXP0531, long-acting drugs targeting asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for the mainland Chinese market. Partnership FocusThe collaboration leverages Lexenpharm’s technical capabilities in respiratory diseases and Sun-Novo’s clinical… [Full Artical]
Pharmavan and Kefeng Changjian Sign Pact to Accelerate SPT-07A Development
Suzhou Pharmavan Co., Ltd. has announced plans to enter into a cooperation agreement with Sichuan Kefeng Changjian Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd. (Kefeng Changjian) to advance the development and commercialization of the SPT-07A project. Collaboration DetailsThe agreement, based on the principle of equality and mutual benefit, aims to accelerate the speed… [Full Artical]
Amoytop Biotech to Acquire Skyline Therapeutics’ Gene Therapy Assets for $15M Plus Milestones
Xiamen-based Amoytop Biotech Co. Ltd (SHA: 688278) has announced plans to acquire partial assets of Skyline Therapeutics Limited, a clinical-stage gene therapy developer, excluding its U.S. subsidiary Skyline Therapeutics (US) Inc. The transaction includes a $15 million merger consideration plus up to $43 million in development, sales milestones, sub-license commissions,…[Full Artical]
Sino Biopharmaceutical and Sciwind Biosciences Partner on CPX102 Development
China-based Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd (HKG: 1177) announced a strategic partnership with compatriot firm Sciwind Biosciences Co., Ltd. The alliance aims to leverage their respective advantageous resources to promote the research and development of CPX102, an interleukin-29 (IL-29) program from Sino Biopharmaceutical. Specifically, the two companies will carry out exclusive licensing… [Full Artical]
Monthly Roundup
Key Insights:
- Cross-Border Deals Surge: China’s pharmaceutical sector saw significant cross-border licensing activity in February 2025, with 9 out of 13 transactions involving international partnerships. This underscores the growing global integration of Chinese biotech firms.
- Biosimilars Gain Traction: Biosimilar versions of blockbuster drugs, such as Darzalex and Simponi, were prominent in deals, reflecting the sector’s focus on cost-effective therapies.
- Diverse Pipeline Progress: Transactions spanned various stages, from preclinical to market launch, indicating a maturing ecosystem capable of supporting assets through the development lifecycle.
Deal Highlights
- Henlius Biotech’s Darzalex Biosimilar
- Transaction: Licensed HLX15, a biosimilar of Darzalex, to Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories for $131.6 million.
- Implications: Biosimilars continue to drive cross-border interest, with FDA Pipeline I status signaling potential U.S. market entry.
- Bio-Thera Solutions’ Simponi Biosimilar
- Transaction: Partnered with Intas Pharmaceuticals for BAT2506, a biosimilar of Simponi, targeting EMA Market Launch.
- Analysis: European regulatory pathways are key for Chinese firms to expand their biosimilar footprint globally.
- Beihai Biotech’s FDA IND Approval
- Transaction: Licensed Beizary to Zydus Lifesciences for $168.6 million, including a $25 million upfront payment.
- Context: Early-stage assets with FDA IND approval attract partners seeking to fast-track clinical development.
- Skyline Therapeutics’ Gene Therapy Deal
- Transaction: Granted Amoytop Biotech access to its AAV gene therapy platform for $58 million.
- Takeaway: Gene therapy platforms are emerging as high-value assets, with Chinese firms leveraging their technical expertise for global collaborations.
Strategic Implications
- Global Ambitions Accelerate: Chinese biotechs are increasingly leveraging cross-border deals to commercialize assets in key markets like the U.S. and EU.
- Biosimilar Dominance: With biosimilars accounting for nearly 30% of deals, China remains a critical player in the global biosimilar supply chain.
- Domestic Consolidation: Local transactions, such as Pharmavan’s SPT-07A deal, highlight efforts to strengthen China’s internal pharma ecosystem through strategic partnerships.
Guidance for Investors and Stakeholders
- Focus on Biosimilars: Track FDA/EMA filings for biosimilars like HLX15 and BAT2506, as these represent near-term commercialization opportunities.
- Early-Stage Assets: Evaluate deals involving preclinical or IND-stage assets (e.g., Beizary, SYS 6005) for high-risk, high-reward potential.
- Gene Therapy Platforms: Monitor collaborations like Skyline’s AAV deal, which signal innovation in next-generation therapies.
Quote:
“China’s pharma sector is rapidly evolving from a domestic focus to a global player, particularly in biosimilars and gene therapy,” said Dr. Emma Zhang, Senior Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. “Cross-border deals are no longer optional but essential for scaling innovation and accessing mature markets.”
Next Steps
- Monitor FDA/EMA approval timelines for key biosimilars and biologics.
- Assess partners’ commercialization capabilities in target markets (e.g., Dr. Reddy’s in the U.S., Intas in Europe).
- Watch for domestic M&A activity as Chinese firms consolidate their position in the global value chain.
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