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Vcare and Huadong Medicine Join Forces

Jiangsu Vcare Pharmatech Co., Ltd. has officially announced an exclusive partnership with Huadong Medicine Co., Ltd. to promote and commercialize its groundbreaking product, VC005 tablets, in mainland China. This collaboration represents a significant milestone for Vcare as it seeks to address critical needs in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Partnership Overview

Under the agreement, Vcare will retain the marketing authorization holder (MAH) status, meaning they will oversee research and development (R&D), manufacturing, and distribution of VC005 tablets. This allows the company to maintain autonomy regarding the drug's development while benefiting from Huadong Medicine’s extensive market experience. Notably, Vcare will receive an upfront payment of 50 million RMB, along with potential registration milestone payments totaling up to 180 million RMB, significantly enhancing their financial resources.

The Innovative VC005 Tablets

VC005 tablets are heralded as a second-generation JAK1 inhibitor that has been developed to combat various autoimmune conditions. This innovative treatment is undergoing clinical evaluation, currently in a Phase III study for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Additionally, other trials for diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis and vitiligo are being initiated, showcasing Vcare's commitment to expanding the therapeutic uses of VC005.

Dr. Gong Yanchun, co-founder and general manager of Vcare, expressed the strategic importance of this partnership, stating, “VC005 tablets represent a cornerstone of our clinical pipeline and this collaboration reflects the strong market potential of our innovative drugs. The combined strengths of our differentiated product and Huadong’s commercialization experience will accelerate our path to market.”

Huadong Medicine’s Role

Huadong Medicine, a leader in China's pharmaceutical industry, aims to utilize its established distribution networks to promote the VC005 tablets. Chairman Lv Liang emphasized the importance of the autoimmune segment, positioning VC005 as a product that will enhance the company’s existing offerings in this therapeutic area. With an expansive commercial footprint across mainland China, Huadong is well-equipped to drive the market penetration of VC005, ensuring that patients have access to this promising new treatment.

Mechanism of Action

The active ingredient in VC005 tablets selectively inhibits JAK1, a crucial component in the inflammatory response and immune cell activation processes. This selectivity is expected to mitigate safety concerns often linked with traditional treatments, which typically inhibit multiple JAK pathways. Recent studies indicate that VC005 not only retains potent JAK1 inhibition but also exhibits lower JAK2 inhibition, potentially offering a safer treatment profile for patients.

About Jiangsu Vcare

Founded in 2010 and based in Nanjing, Jiangsu Vcare has established itself as a prominent biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies addressing unmet medical needs. With over 900 employees, Vcare has built a robust pipeline of products and operates on a dual-engine business model that balances collaborative development with self-sustaining innovation.

About Huadong Medicine

Established in 1993, Huadong Medicine has evolved into a comprehensive pharmaceutical enterprise with a diverse portfolio that includes pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical aesthetics, and industrial microbiology. Huadong has extensive reach within the Chinese market, emphasizing a commitment to patient-centered approaches guided by scientific innovation.

In conclusion, the partnership between Vcare and Huadong Medicine marks a significant advance in the commercialization of innovative therapies in China. Together, they aim to deliver cutting-edge treatments to patients, addressing substantial health concerns in the field of autoimmune disease.