
Core Viewpoint - HengRui Medicine has entered into a collaboration with Merck to license its oral small molecule project targeting lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], with a maximum transaction value of 200 million and is eligible for up to $1.77 billion in milestone payments related to development, regulatory, and commercialization [1] - The agreement is subject to approval under U.S. regulations and is expected to take effect in the second quarter of 2025 [1] Group 2: Product Information - HRS-5346 is an investigational oral small molecule inhibitor of Lp(a), currently undergoing Phase II clinical trials in China [2] - Elevated Lp(a) levels are a common genetic lipid disorder, affecting over 1.4 billion people globally, and are an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases [2] - Targeting Lp(a) with lipid-lowering therapies represents a significant breakthrough in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases [2] Group 3: Impact on Company - The signing of this agreement is expected to broaden the overseas market for HRS-5346 and enhance HengRui's innovative brand and international performance [2]