Hengrui Pharma Enters into Agreement with GSK to Develop Up to 12 Innovative Medicines
Monday, July 28, 2025
Hengrui Pharma has entered into a strategic collaboration with GSK to jointly develop up to 12 innovative medicines targeting respiratory diseases, immunology and inflammation (RI&I), and oncology.
The deal supports Hengrui’s global expansion and offers GSK new growth opportunities beyond 2031.
Under the terms of the agreement, GSK will pay $500 million in upfront fees. The partnership includes a global licence (excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) for HRS-9821, a potential best-in-class PDE3/4 inhibitor currently in clinical development for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The drug is being developed as an add-on maintenance treatment for COPD patients, regardless of their existing therapies.
HRS-9821 has shown promising bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects in early studies. Its dry-powder inhaler (DPI) formulation aligns with GSK’s existing respiratory product portfolio, potentially providing a convenient treatment option for patients who may not benefit from corticosteroids or biologics.
In addition to HRS-9821, the collaboration involves up to 11 further programmes. Hengrui will lead development through Phase I trials, including studies outside China. GSK will hold exclusive rights to further develop and commercialise these programmes globally (excluding China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) and may choose to take over at the end of Phase I or earlier.
The partnership aims to combine Hengrui’s early-stage R&D capabilities and rapid development approach with GSK’s global clinical expertise and commercial reach. It is expected to accelerate the delivery of novel therapies across key disease areas.
Source: prnewswire.com
