#China #Shanghai #ElpasBio #Fosun Kairos #AlloJoin

ElpasBio and Fosun Kairos Collaborate on AlloJoin® Stem Cell Therapy

In a significant move for regenerative medicine, ElpasBio Holdings, a biotechnology company specializing in this field, has joined forces with Fosun Kairos to commercialize the innovative AlloJoin® stem cell therapy, specifically targeting knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This partnership is particularly focused on the vast markets within Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR.

What is AlloJoin®?

AlloJoin® is ElpasBio's pioneering investigational stem cell product, derived from human adipose tissue. It utilizes a proprietary technology platform that is fully developed and protected by ElpasBio’s intellectual property rights. The therapy aims to offer patients a means to alleviate symptoms associated with KOA by reducing inflammation and enhancing cartilage repair. The ambition is for AlloJoin® to become the world’s first regenerative medicine product that modifies the progression of KOA.

Currently, AlloJoin® is undergoing a pivotal Phase III clinical trial in China, following successful Phase I and II studies that demonstrated a favorable safety profile and significant improvement in knee joint pain and stiffness among participants with KOA.

Leveraging Expertise for Market Entry

By granting Fosun Kairos exclusive commercialization rights to AlloJoin® across the specified territories, ElpasBio is tapping into the latter's deep understanding of the cell therapy market. Tony Liu, Chairman of ElpasBio, emphasized that Fosun Kairos’s extensive experience sets a solid foundation for a strong and productive collaboration. He noted, “With China’s aging population, our partnership will address a pressing medical need for KOA patients.”

On the other side, Wenjie Zhang, Chairman of Fosun Kairos, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, citing ElpasBio's leadership in stem cell therapies. “By collaborating, we aim to expand the reach of AlloJoin® to a broader patient population in China,” he stated.

Addressing a Growing Health Concern

Knee osteoarthritis is an age-related degenerative joint condition marked by pain and stiffness, severely affecting patients’ quality of life. As China's population ages—expecting nearly 160 million individuals with osteoarthritis by 2025—the demand for effective treatments like AlloJoin® is more pronounced than ever. Current drug-based treatments often provide limited relief, making the development of novel therapies critically important.

About ElpasBio and Fosun Kairos

ElpasBio, which emerged from AbelZeta Pharma in 2023, has a rich history of more than 15 years in stem cell development. With compliant and efficient manufacturing facilities in Wuxi and Shanghai, they are ideally positioned to advance innovative treatments like AlloJoin®.

Founded in 2017, Fosun Kairos is the cell therapy arm of Fosun Pharma and has a track record of advancements in cell therapies, including the first CAR-T cell therapy approved in China. Their commitment to developing a diverse product pipeline reflects a strong ambition to thrive in the global cell therapy market.

Conclusion

The collaboration between ElpasBio and Fosun Kairos marks a hopeful step forward in the battle against knee osteoarthritis. With a successful commercialization strategy, AlloJoin® could pave the way for enhanced quality of life for millions of patients suffering from this debilitating condition. As both companies continue to work on regulatory processes and market strategies, the expectation surrounding AlloJoin® is undeniably high, promising a beacon of hope for KOA sufferers in the near future.