China Resources Sanjiu signed an agreement with compatriot BrightGene on 1 August to co-develop and commercialise GLP-1R/GIPR dual agonist BGM0504 in mainland China. The deal grants Sanjiu exclusive rights to develop and market the Phase III-ready metabolic drug for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity, while BrightGene retains patent ownership and marketing authorisation holder (MAH) status. Sanjiu will pay up to RMB 282 million (USD 39 million) in development milestones plus sales royalties, with BrightGene funding ongoing Phase III trials for weight loss and T2D indications.

BGM0504 demonstrated positive Phase II results in glycaemic control and weight reduction, with potential applications in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The candidate joins Sanjiu's metabolic portfolio as China's domestic GLP-1 market heats up, competing with multinationals like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. BrightGene will receive 50% of new trial costs (capped at RMB 28.5 million per study) for label expansions under the agreement.

PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database shows that BrightGene has completed four deals in total, always with Chinese partners and within which BGM0504 is the only Phase III asset at time of transaction. Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.