Fermion and Simcere Form Exclusive Partnership for SSTR4 Pain Treatment Development

Exclusive Collaboration Between Fermion and Simcere for Pain Treatment Development in China

In a significant development in the pharmaceutical sector, Guangzhou Fermion Technology Co. Ltd. and Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited (HKEX: 2096) have entered into an exclusive licensing and collaboration agreement. This strategic partnership aims to bring to market FZ002-037, a novel SSTR4 agonist designed specifically for pain management in patients, marking it as a pioneering therapeutic option in China’s clinical landscape.

FZ002-037 is characterized as a highly selective, orally-administered small molecule that primarily delivers peripheral analgesia while minimizing central side effects and addiction risks. These features make it a highly promising candidate for patients requiring long-term pain treatment. Notably, FZ002-037 is the first SSTR4 agonist to be developed in China and is also the second globally to reach the clinical stage, with Phase I clinical trials already completed. Upcoming Phase II studies will focus on its efficacy in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and its potential applications extend to a broad spectrum of chronic and acute pains.

Deco Deng, founder of Fermion, expressed excitement over the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to collaborate with Simcere, a leading pharmaceutical entity. As the first and second high-selectivity SSTR4 agonist to enter clinical trials globally, FZ002-037 holds immense promise. Leveraging Simcere's robust development and marketing capabilities, we believe we can expedite its advancement and provide better therapeutic options for pain patients."

Zhou Gaobo, Simcere's investment director, highlighted the profound impact of pain on patients' quality of life, emphasizing the ongoing clinical demand for effective pain management solutions. He stated, "Addressing these clinical pain points has always been a fundamental mission for Simcere. We look forward to collaborating with innovative partners like Fermion to deliver more effective and safer pain therapies to patients as swiftly as possible."

Under the terms of the agreement, Simcere will hold the exclusive rights for the development and commercialization of FZ002-037 across mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Fermion will receive an initial payment, milestone payments, and progressive royalties based on future sales.

About Fermion Technology

Founded in 2019, Fermion is an AI-driven biotech company currently in its clinical stage. The organization is dedicated to developing best-in-class (BIC) and first-in-class (FIC) products within the realms of central nervous system (CNS) disorders and autoimmunity. By leveraging its Drug Studio AI platform, Fermion prioritizes target selectivity and tissue targeting to mitigate off-target effects, ensuring precise distribution to target tissues, and promoting the development of innovative medications with improved safety profiles. More information can be found at www.fulmz.com.

About Simcere Pharmaceutical

Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited (2096.HK) focuses its efforts on innovative R&D, housing a state key laboratory for drug development in neurology and oncology. The company aims to provide next-generation medications to patients in vital therapeutic areas including oncology, CNS, autoimmunity, and anti-infectives. Furthermore, Simcere is actively expanding its footprint in therapeutic areas with significant unmet clinical needs. Its cutting-edge capabilities and commitment to synergistic innovation have made it a preferred partner among innovative biopharma companies and medical institutes worldwide. More information can be found at www.simcere.com.

About FZ002-037

FZ002-037 is a phase II non-opioid pain treatment that acts as an oral SSTR4 agonist. Holding the title of the first SSTR4 agonist to enter clinical trial phases in China and the second globally, it showcases excellent selectivity with a pM CE50 in the double digits and significant efficacy in various models of chronic and acute pain. Phase I studies have indicated a favorable safety profile, with no adverse effects on the CNS or gastrointestinal system and a promising pharmacokinetic profile allowing for potentially once-daily dosing. These attributes highlight its potential as a revolutionary therapeutic option addressing the unmet need for effective and non-addictive pain relief.

For further information, please visit https://www.fulmz.com.