Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co Ltd, a global pharmaceutical company focusing on scientific and technological innovation, announced on March 25 that it has entered into an exclusive license agreement with United States-based Merck, expanding its global reach through partnership with this global leader in cardiovascular care.

Hengrui Pharma signed the agreement with Merck (NYSE: MRK) — known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada — for HRS-5346, its investigational oral small molecule Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), inhibitor currently in Phase 2 clinical trials.

Under the agreement, Hengrui Pharma has granted Merck exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize HRS-5346 worldwide, excluding the MSD Greater China region.

Hengrui Pharma will receive an upfront payment of $200 million and is eligible to receive milestone payments associated with certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones up to $1.77 billion, as well as royalties on net sales of HRS-5346, if approved.

"There are significant unmet clinical needs worldwide in cardiovascular diseases. We are pleased to partner with Merck, a global leader in cardiovascular care, to bring Hengrui Pharma's innovative cardiovascular medicines to patients around the world," said Dr Frank Jiang, executive vice-president and chief strategy officer of Hengrui Pharma, adding that: "We believe Merck's clinical expertise and global scale will help accelerate the development of HRS-5346 and potentially provide more patients with an additional option to reduce their risk of atherosclerosis."

"Elevated blood concentrations of Lp(a) provides a well-documented risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, affecting as many as one in five adults globally," said Dr Dean Y. Li, president of Merck Research Laboratories, stressing that "HRS-5346, an investigational oral small molecule inhibitor of Lp(a) formation, is an important addition that expands and complements our cardio-metabolic pipeline."

Closing of the proposed transaction is subject to approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.

Please contact the writer at hanjingyan@chinadaily.com.cn