Haisco and Lilly Forge Path for Innovative Drug Development Through New Collaboration
On May 29, 2026, Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., recognized for its commitment to innovative healthcare solutions, announced a licensing and research collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company, a global leader in biopharmaceuticals. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Haisco's journey towards enhancing the development of groundbreaking medicines across various therapeutic fields. Under the terms of the agreement, Haisco is set to spearhead the discovery and identification of up to five innovative target programs.
Eli Lilly, renowned for its extensive expertise in clinical development, will handle the IND-enabling studies and the subsequent commercialization of the products arising from this collaboration. Importantly, Lilly will acquire exclusive worldwide rights to particular programs and exclusive rights to other initiatives outside of the Haisco territory, which encompasses mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Haisco will retain specific rights within its territorial range, allowing both companies to strategically navigate their market landscapes.
Dr. Pangke Yan, Haisco’s CEO, emphasized the alignment of this collaboration with the company's international development strategy, stating that it is expected to generate sustainable value and provide long-term returns. By aligning with a prestigious partner like Lilly, Haisco aims to expedite the global development of innovative therapies, ultimately delivering high-quality treatment options to patients worldwide.
This collaboration is particularly noteworthy as it reflects the first licensing and research alliance between Haisco and Lilly. The two companies will leverage their individual strengths in drug development to drive global advancement in innovative therapeutics. Financially, Haisco stands to gain significantly from this collaboration, being eligible for up to $87 million in upfront and near-term payments, alongside potential earnings from milestone payments totaling up to $2.967 billion, and a tiered royalty structure on future product sales.
About Haisco: Haisco is a benchmark player within China's innovative pharmaceutical industry, driven by a robust strategy of "innovation-driven growth and global expansion." Currently, the company is advancing a diverse pipeline of over 50 research and development programs targeting crucial therapeutic areas, including pain management, cancer, respiratory diseases, autoimmune disorders, metabolic issues, and conditions affecting the central nervous system. More than 10 of these have already entered pivotal clinical phases, showcasing Haisco's commitment to impactful healthcare solutions.
Over the past three years, Haisco has invested more than 15% of its revenue into R&D, prioritizing innovative drug development. The company has established major research centers in strategic locations, including Chengdu, Shanghai, and Silicon Valley, and its dedicated research team boasts extensive global experience. This integrated innovation system combines in-house capabilities with external collaborations, enhancing Haisco's potential to bring transformative medicines to global markets.
Haisco has initiated a global strategy since 2015, actively pursuing international expansion through various channels such as licensing transactions, collaborative partnerships, and international acquisitions. What lies ahead for Haisco is a continued focus on unaddressed medical needs, with an emphasis on strengthening independent innovation capabilities and fostering global partnerships. The aim is clear: to deliver high-quality innovative medications originating from China to patients worldwide in dire need of effective treatment options.