GSK announces $500 million collaboration with Hengrui Pharma for drug development

Published 28/07/2025, 11:56
GSK announces $500 million collaboration with Hengrui Pharma for drug development

GSK plc (LSE/NYSE:GSK) announced Monday it has entered into agreements with Hengrui Pharma (SHA:600276, HKEX:01276) to jointly develop up to 12 medicines in the areas of respiratory, immunology and inflammation, and oncology. The information is based on a press release statement filed with the SEC.

Under the terms of the agreements, GSK will pay $500 million in upfront fees, including for an exclusive worldwide license (excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) for HRS-9821, a PDE3/4 inhibitor in clinical development for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). HRS-9821 has shown both bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects in early clinical and preclinical studies. The product may be delivered via a dry-powder inhaler.

In addition to HRS-9821, the collaboration covers up to 11 additional programs. These will be developed by Hengrui Pharma through phase I clinical trials, with GSK retaining the option to further develop and commercialize each program worldwide (excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) following completion of phase I or earlier at GSK’s election. Each program will have its own financial structure.

The total potential value of future development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments to Hengrui Pharma could reach approximately $12 billion if all programs are optioned and all milestones are achieved. Hengrui Pharma will also be eligible for tiered royalties on global product net sales outside the specified regions.

The license for HRS-9821 is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory clearance in the United States under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.

GSK’s Chief Scientific Officer, Tony Wood, stated, “We’re delighted to announce these agreements with Hengrui Pharma which complement our already-extensive pipeline.” Frank Jiang, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Hengrui Pharma, commented on the collaboration as a milestone in the company’s global activities.

This announcement was made through a press release and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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