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Officials from AriBio and Fosun Pharma pose during a signing ceremony for an exclusive global licensing agreement worth approximately KRW 7 trillion for the development, regulatory approval, manufacturing, and commercialization of AR1001. (Photo=AriBio) |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] A South Korean biotech firm has signed a global exclusive licensing agreement worth approximately KRW 7 trillion ($4.7 billion) with a Chinese pharmaceutical company for an oral Alzheimer’s disease treatment candidate, boosting market expectations ahead of upcoming Phase 3 trial results.
AriBio announced on May 14 that it has entered into an exclusive agreement with Fosun Pharma covering the global development, regulatory approval, manufacturing, and commercialization of its oral Alzheimer’s treatment candidate, AR1001.
The deal, valued at a total of $4.7 billion, marks the largest licensing agreement for an Alzheimer’s treatment candidate by a South Korean company.
Under the terms, AriBio will receive an upfront option payment of $60 million to support overall clinical development, followed by an additional $80 million upon the release of topline results from global Phase 3 trials. In total, the company will secure $140 million in upfront payments, along with additional royalties tied to regulatory approvals and commercialization milestones.
AR1001 is an oral Alzheimer’s treatment candidate designed to target multiple mechanisms, including improving cerebral blood flow, protecting neurons, and reducing inflammation. The drug is currently undergoing global Phase 3 clinical trials, with key results expected to be announced later this year.
Previously, AriBio signed a $600 million exclusive licensing agreement in June last year with Abu Dhabi-based pharmaceutical company Arseera. Including the latest deal, the cumulative value of global licensing agreements for AR1001 now stands at approximately KRW 10 trillion.
Co-CEO Jaejun Jung of AriBio said Fosun Pharma’s early commitment—made even before the Phase 3 topline results—demonstrates strong confidence in the drug’s potential, adding that both companies will work closely to accelerate access to new treatment options for patients worldwide.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
