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AstraZeneca PLC on Friday said it has expands its weight-management pipeline by collaborating with China’s CSPC Pharmaceuticals Group Ltd to develop next-generation injectable therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes. The Cambridge, England-based pharmaceutical firm said the deal gives it exclusive global rights outside China to CSPC’s once-monthly injectable portfolio, including a clinical-ready GLP1R/GIPR agonist and three preclinical programmes. AstraZeneca will pay $1.2 billion upfront, with up to $3.5 billion in regulatory milestones, plus further commercial and sales milestones and tiered royalties. The companies will initially progress four programmes, supported by CSPC’s AI-driven peptide discovery platform and its LiquidGel monthly-dosing technology. AstraZeneca said the agreement strengthens its expanding weight-management portfolio and could improve long-term adherence through simplified dosing. CSPC will retain rights in China, with AstraZeneca able to opt in to co-commercialise upon approval. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to closing conditions and regulatory clearance. ‘This strategic collaboration advances our weight management portfolio by delivering novel assets which complement our existing programmes. It will provide access to CSPC’s proprietary AI-enabled peptide capabilities and platform technology, which have the potential to transform the treatment of obesity, helping to address adherence and convenience as key barriers to long-term therapeutic success,’ said AstraZeneca’s Head of BioPharmaceuticals Research & Development Sharon Barr. ‘This is an important step in creating a portfolio of simple, scalable and sustainable options that can help people with obesity, and weight-related complications live better, healthier lives.’ Shares in AstraZeneca were up 0.2% at 13,488.00 pence on Friday morning. Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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