Merck’s Exclusive Global License Agreement with Hansoh Pharma: What You Need to Know

Merck, also known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has recently struck a deal with Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company. This exclusive global license agreement is centered around HS-10535, an investigational preclinical oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist.

In a press statement, Dr. Dean Y. Li, president of Merck Research Laboratories, highlighted the company’s commitment to expanding their pipeline through science-driven partnerships. The goal is to explore HS-10535 for its potential benefits in cardiometabolic health, going beyond just weight management.

Under this agreement, Hansoh Pharma has granted Merck the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize HS-10535 globally. In return, Hansoh Pharma will receive an upfront payment of $112 million, with the potential for up to $1.9 billion in milestone payments linked to the candidate’s development, regulatory approval, and sales royalties. Additionally, Hansoh Pharma may have the opportunity to co-promote or solely commercialize HS-10535 in China under certain conditions.

Ms. Eliza Sun, Executive Director of the Board at Hansoh Pharma, expressed excitement about partnering with Merck, a company renowned for its leadership in cardiometabolic diseases. The collaboration is viewed as a pivotal step in advancing the development of this promising asset for patients worldwide.

Hansoh Pharma, a leading pharmaceutical company in Greater China, is dedicated to innovation in treating major diseases, including oncology, anti-infections, CNS diseases, metabolic diseases, and autoimmune diseases. Meanwhile, Merck, with a legacy of over 130 years, remains committed to using cutting-edge science to enhance global health outcomes through medicines and vaccines.

It’s essential to note that this news release contains forward-looking statements from Merck, highlighting the uncertainties and risks associated with pipeline candidates. As with any development in the biopharmaceutical industry, there are no guarantees of regulatory approval or commercial success.

For more information about Hansoh Pharma and Merck, you can visit their respective websites to learn more about their mission, values, and ongoing efforts in the healthcare sector.