July 30, 2025  In a landmark collaboration, GSK plc and Hengrui Pharma have entered into an agreement to jointly develop up to 12 innovative medicines across respiratory, immunology and inflammation (RI&I), and oncology. The deal marks a significant expansion of GSK’s pipeline and Hengrui’s global strategy, positioning both companies at the forefront of next-generation drug development through 2031.

As part of the agreement, Hengrui will receive $500 million in upfront payments from GSK. The collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to accelerate global access to breakthrough therapies.

The centerpiece of the agreement is an exclusive global license (excluding mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, and Macau SAR) for HRS-9821, a PDE3/4 inhibitor currently in clinical development for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This drug is designed as a maintenance treatment option regardless of patients’ existing therapy, addressing a critical gap for those with persistent dyspnoea (shortness of breath) or those who are not responsive to biologics or corticosteroids.

Beyond HRS-9821, the partnership includes 11 additional programs, each governed by a distinct financial and development framework. Following the completion of Phase 1 trials conducted across global populations beyond China GSK will have the option to take over development and commercialization in all regions outside of China and its SARs.

“This strategic partnership with GSK symbolizes the next milestone in Hengrui’s globalization journey,” said Frank Jiang, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Hengrui Pharma. “GSK’s global clinical network and regulatory expertise will enhance our ability to bring high-quality therapies, including our PDE3/4 inhibitor, to patients worldwide.”

Tony Wood, Chief Scientific Officer at GSK, added: “These agreements with Hengrui support our commitment to advancing validated targets with high potential. This partnership strengthens our RI&I and oncology pipeline and aligns with our patient-centered innovation strategy.”

The alliance reflects a growing trend of cross-border pharmaceutical collaborations aimed at developing high-impact treatments that meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global healthcare landscape.

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