Hengrui Pharmaceuticals announced on 27 July a strategic collaboration with GSK to co-develop up to 12 novel therapies targeting respiratory, immunology and oncology indications. The deal includes an exclusive global license (excluding Greater China) for Hengrui's Phase III-ready PDE3/4 inhibitor HRS-9821 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which demonstrated dual bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects in early trials. GSK will pay USD 500 million upfront, with potential milestones exceeding USD 12 billion if all programs progress.

The partnership enables GSK to option 11 additional Hengrui-discovered assets after Phase I completion, leveraging Hengrui’s discovery platforms and GSK's global development network. HRS-9821 complements GSK's respiratory portfolio as a potential best-in-class oral maintenance therapy for COPD patients uncontrolled on standard care. The collaboration accelerates Hengrui's globalisation strategy while expanding GSK's pipeline beyond 2031 with first- or best-in-class candidates.

According to PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database, GSK chose Hengrui's asset over two more advanced PDE3/4 candidates from other Chinese companies, nameply Chia Tai Tianqing (Phase III) and Haisco (Phase II). Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.

Source:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hengrui-pharma-and-gsk-enter-agreements-to-develop-up-to-12-innovative-medicines-across-respiratory-immunology--inflammation-and-oncology-302514566.html