China's Sino Biopharmaceutical has expanded its strategic alliance with GSK, securing exclusive commercialisation rights in Mainland China for two established respiratory inhalers – Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone furoate + umeclidinium + vilanterol) and Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium + vilanterol) – via its subsidiary Chia Tai Tianqing. GSK will remain the Marketing Authorisation Holder, overseeing regulatory affairs and global brand strategy. Trelegy Ellipta is the only single-inhaler triple therapy approved for both asthma and COPD maintenance in China, with 2025 global sales of approximately USD 4 billion; Anoro Ellipta is a leading dual bronchodilator for COPD.

On the same day, Sino Biopharma also announced the out-licensing of TQC3721, a Phase III-ready PDE3/4 inhibitor for respiratory indications, to AstraZeneca (AZ). The agreement includes a USD 200 million upfront payment and up to USD 1.7 billion in milestones plus tiered royalties, marking another significant China-to-MNC asset monetisation.

According to PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database, Big Pharma is increasing its in-licensing of Chinese assets this year, the H1 2026 activity nearly matching the full-year total of 2025. Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.