Zheng Quan Zhi Xing·2025-03-25 11:24Core Viewpoint - Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co., Ltd. has signed a licensing agreement with Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC for the HRS-5346 project, granting MSD exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the oral small molecule Lp(a) inhibitor HRS-5346 outside of Greater China [1][2]. Group 1: Product Information - HRS-5346 is an investigational oral small molecule inhibitor targeting elevated lipoprotein(a) levels, which is a genetically determined condition and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, affecting approximately 1.4 billion people globally [1]. Group 2: Transaction Details - The agreement grants MSD exclusive rights to develop, produce, and commercialize HRS-5346 globally, excluding Greater China [2]. - MSD will pay Hengrui a $200 million upfront payment and is eligible for milestone payments up to $1.77 billion related to development, regulatory, and commercialization achievements [2]. - The agreement is subject to approval under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other specific closing conditions, with an expected effective date in Q2 2025 [2]. Group 3: Legal and Impact - The agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New York, USA [3]. - The signing of this agreement is expected to broaden the overseas market for HRS-5346, providing quality treatment options for global patients and enhancing the company's innovative brand and overseas performance [3]. - The company aims to strengthen international cooperation while maintaining a focus on independent research and development, facilitating rapid transformation of research outcomes and maximizing product value [3].