The agreement allows ChemPartner to conduct pre-clinical research activities, including target protein preparation and assay system establishment, generation and optimization of lead antibodies, as well as pharmacokinetic and preformulation studies, while Hengrui will lead drug development for the mAb.
After the completion of the project, Hengrui is expected to hold the intellectual property rights of the mAb and any patents related to the mAb’s development.
The first program will have several preclinical and development milestone payments, as well as a timeline-based incentive payment.
ShangPharma chairman and CEO Michael Xin Hui said they expect their collaborative work will lead to further domestic and multinational partnerships in biologics development, and pave the way for innovation and growth in China’s own biotechnology industry.