Core Insights - Ribo Life Science and Ribocure Pharmaceuticals have entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement with Madrigal Pharmaceuticals for six pre-clinical siRNA programs targeting metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) [1] - The collaboration will leverage Ribo's GalSTARTM platform to develop novel treatments for MASH, with options to expand into new siRNA programs [1] - Ribo will receive an upfront payment of US$60 million, with potential cumulative payments reaching US$4.4 billion based on milestone achievements, along with royalties on net sales [1] Company Overview - Suzhou Ribo Life Science Co., Ltd. is focused on developing nucleic acid drugs based on RNA interference technology, with a strong product pipeline aimed at addressing serious diseases with unmet medical needs [1] - Ribocure Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Ribo, is dedicated to the global development of life-saving oligonucleotide therapies and innovative capacities for clinical trials [1] Industry Context - MASH is a serious liver disease that can lead to severe complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, and is a leading cause of liver transplantation [1] - The prevalence of MASH is increasing, with a significant rise in diagnosed patients expected, particularly those with moderate to advanced fibrosis [1] - Madrigal Pharmaceuticals has developed Rezdiffra, the first medication approved for treating MASH with moderate to advanced fibrosis, highlighting the high unmet medical need in this area [1]