Monday, October 30, 2023
Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd (Hengrui Pharma), a global pharmaceutical company with a strong focus on scientific and technological innovation, has announced a significant licensing agreement with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company. This collaboration represents Hengrui Pharma's first strategic partnership with a global pharmaceutical company and centers around their advanced PARP1 (poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1) inhibitor, HRS-1167. Additionally, the agreement includes an option for an exclusive license for their innovative Claudin-18.2 antibody drug conjugate (ADC) SHR-A1904.
Hengrui Pharma, expressed enthusiasm about addressing the unmet needs in the field of oncology through this collaboration with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. He emphasized the significance of bringing Hengrui's innovations to cancer patients worldwide and viewed this partnership as a pivotal step in Hengrui's global expansion efforts. The ultimate aim is to accelerate the development of their molecules and provide effective treatments to patients in need.
Under the terms of the agreement, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, will provide an upfront payment of €160 million to Hengrui Pharma. Hengrui Pharma will also receive payments for technology transfer, and Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, retains an option to exercise for the Claudin-18.2 ADC, with a potential payment of up to €90 million. Furthermore, Hengrui is eligible for royalty payments on net sales of these products by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, upon reaching specific development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. These potential payments could amount to €1.4 billion, including double-digit royalty payments.
Danny Bar-Zohar, Global Head of Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer for the Healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, expressed how this partnership aligns with their external innovation ambitions and oncology research and development strategy. The collaboration expands their internal pipeline in the fields of DNA damage response inhibition and antibody-drug conjugates, offering diverse potential for therapeutic development and the improvement of treatment options for challenging cancers.
The terms of the agreement grant Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize HRS-1167 worldwide (except mainland China). They also secure an exclusive option to develop, manufacture, and commercialize SHR-A1904 globally (excluding mainland China), along with the option to co-promote HRS-1167 and SHR-A1904 within mainland China.
HRS-1167 is a highly selective, orally available PARP1 small molecule inhibitor developed by Hengrui Pharma, categorized as a second-generation PARP inhibitor. It exhibits significant activity, selectivity, and the ability to induce DNA trapping, making it suitable for monotherapy and combination therapy. Currently, HRS-1167 is in early clinical development (Phase 1).
SHR-A1904 is an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) designed to target Claudin 18.2, developed by Hengrui Pharma with proprietary intellectual property. It adheres to tumor cell surface antigens, facilitating endocytosis by the cells and releasing a small-molecule toxin to destroy the tumor cells. This product is currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials in China, the United States, and Australia. It's worth noting that no Claudin 18.2 targeting ADC product has received marketing authorization at this time.
Source: prnewswire.com
