#China #Shanghai #Hengrui Pharma #Braveheart Bio #HRS-1893

Hengrui Pharma Forms Partnership with Braveheart Bio

In a significant move towards advancing cardiovascular therapies, Hengrui Pharma, a global leader in pharmaceutical innovations, announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Braveheart Bio for its cardiac myosin inhibitor, HRS-1893. The partnership aims to expedite the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of this promising drug, solidifying both companies' commitment to addressing unmet medical needs in the realm of heart diseases.

Background of the Partnership

On September 5, 2025, Hengrui Pharma confirmed that Braveheart Bio, a recently established biotechnology firm based in the United States, will gain exclusive global rights to HRS-1893, excluding regions in Greater China such as Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. As part of the agreement, Braveheart will provide an upfront payment of $65 million, which includes $32.5 million in cash and the same amount in company shares. Additionally, a near-term payment of up to $10 million will be made upon the completion of the technology transfer, bringing the total initial investment to $75 million.

Hengrui Pharma stands to gain potential milestone payments exceeding $1 billion and associated royalties based on future net sales, emphasizing the drug's anticipated market impact and value.

Significance of HRS-1893

HRS-1893 is particularly specialized as a selective small-molecule myosin inhibitor developed to address specific conditions like obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM). This condition is a common genetic heart disease that can lead to serious health risks, including sudden cardiac death in athletes. Currently, HRS-1893 is undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials in China, showcasing its clinical promise in treating oHCM.

Frank Jiang, Hengrui's Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating that it represents a reinforcing of Hengrui’s novel approach through the NewCo model—one that aims to bring innovations from the research phase to the market effectively. This deal not only demonstrates Hengrui’s capability to form impactful partnerships with leading global investment institutions but also bolsters their ambition to provide effective cardiovascular therapies worldwide.

Braveheart Bio's Role

Braveheart Bio, led by CEO Travis Murdoch, is focused specifically on precision therapies for cardiovascular diseases. The company is supported by reputable investors such as Forbion and OrbiMed, two firms known for their significant contributions to life sciences. Murdoch expressed excitement about the partnership and the potential of HRS-1893, noting the encouraging Phase 1 data presented at the recent European Society of Cardiology Congress in 2025. He indicated that they are optimistic about advancing the compound into late-stage clinical development, reinforcing its potential to excel as a top-tier treatment option within its category.

Further Developments

This partnership aligns with Hengrui's ongoing efforts to innovate within the cardiovascular field, where it currently has over ten products at varying stages of clinical research. This includes investigational candidates targeting heart failure, displaying the company's commitment to enhancing patient outcomes through advanced therapeutic solutions.

In May 2024, Hengrui had also completed a major deal concerning its GLP-1 class drugs, further illustrating its robust pipeline and strategic approach to maximally leverage its innovative assets through successful collaborations.

Conclusion

The exclusive license agreement between Hengrui Pharma and Braveheart Bio marks a pivotal milestone in addressing the complexities of cardiovascular diseases through innovative drug development. As both companies commit to investing in life-saving therapies, the coming years will provide significant insights into the therapeutic landscape shaped by their collaborative endeavors. With an already promising drug like HRS-1893, the hope is that it will transform treatment paradigms and improve the quality of life for many patients suffering from debilitating heart conditions.