#China #Guangzhou #Simcere #Fermion #SSTR4

Fermion and Simcere: A New Era of Pain Management in China

In a significant advancement in the pharmaceutical landscape, Guangzhou Fermion Technology Co., Ltd. has entered into an exclusive licensing and collaboration agreement with Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited. This partnership marks the clinical development of FZ002-037, heralded as China's first SSTR4 agonist aimed at pain management.

Designed to be an orally administered, low-molecular-weight compound, FZ002-037 is a highly selective SSTR4 agonist which has shown promise in preclinical studies. Unlike traditional pain medications, it primarily targets peripheral pain pathways without central nervous system side effects or dependency risks, making it an ideal long-term solution for patients suffering from chronic pain conditions.

A Clinical Breakthrough

FZ002-037 not only stands out as the first SSTR4 agonist developed in China but also as the second worldwide to advance into clinical trials. Its Phase I studies have been completed successfully in China, setting the stage for upcoming Phase II trials that will focus on diabetic peripheral neuropathy, with hopes of addressing various chronic and acute pain conditions.

Dr. Deco Deng, the founder of Fermion, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, highlighting the innovative potential of FZ002-037 and the strong development and marketing capabilities of Simcere.

“This collaboration boosts our confidence in accelerating the product's progress to provide better treatment options for pain patients,” said Dr. Deng.

Simcere’s Chief Investment Officer, Zhou Gaobo, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of addressing unmet clinical needs related to pain management. By joining forces with Fermion, Simcere aims to deliver effective and safer pain relief therapies for patients urgently needing them.

Licensing Agreement Details

Under this agreement, Simcere gains exclusive rights for the development and marketing of FZ002-037 across Greater China, which encompasses mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Fermion is set to receive an upfront payment along with milestone payments and tiered royalties based on the future sales of the drug.

About Fermion Technology

Founded in 2019, Fermion Technology is a biotech company driven by artificial intelligence, focusing on developing best-in-class and first-in-class products primarily targeting central nervous system disorders and autoimmunity. Its proprietary AI platform, Drug Studio, aims to achieve high target selectivity and minimize off-target effects, promoting a precise distribution in targeted tissues while enhancing drug safety.

About Simcere Pharmaceutical

Simcere Pharmaceutical Group, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (2096.HK), emphasizes innovative research and development. With a focus on key therapeutic areas including oncology, central nervous system diseases, autoimmunity, and infection control, Simcere seeks to provide future medications for today's patients and expand its presence in high clinical need areas.

The Future of Pain Management

FZ002-037's promising profile, evidenced by its two-digit pM EC50 value and effectiveness in various pain models, suggests it could fill a significant gap in the market for effective, non-addictive pain relief options. With its favorable safety profile—with no reported CNS or gastrointestinal side effects—FZ002-037 is poised to become a groundbreaking therapy amidst ongoing challenges in pain management.

For more information on Fermion, visit their website. To learn more about Simcere, check their site.

This partnership signifies a pivotal step in addressing the unmet needs of patients suffering from pain, heralding a new direction in therapeutic avenues that promise both efficacy and safety.