#China #Suzhou #Ribo Life Science #Ribocure Pharmaceuticals #Madrigal Pharmaceuticals

Exclusive Global Licensing Agreement between Ribo, Ribocure and Madrigal Pharmaceuticals

Suzhou Ribo Life Science Co., Ltd. and its affiliate Ribocure Pharmaceuticals AB recently announced a groundbreaking agreement with Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to collaborate on innovative siRNA therapies aimed at treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This partnership signifies a significant step forward in the development of therapies addressing the pressing medical needs linked to MASH, a serious liver disease that has gained notoriety in recent years.

Overview of the Agreement

The global exclusive licensing agreement covers six preclinical small interfering RNA (siRNA) programs designed specifically for MASH treatment. Utilizing Ribo's established siRNA GalSTARTM platform, the collaboration seeks to accelerate the development of effective therapies that could potentially transform patient outcomes.

Dr. Zicai Liang, CEO of Ribo, expressed profound enthusiasm about the collaboration, “We are excited to join forces with Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, leveraging their deep knowledge in the field alongside our siRNA experience to drive therapies that will positively change lives for those suffering from liver diseases.”

Dr. Li-Ming Gan, CEO of Ribocure and Co-CEO of Ribo, highlighted the significance of working with a company that successfully developed the first therapeutic for MASH. “MASH is on the rise, often intertwined with numerous potentially fatal comorbidities. This collaboration aims to broaden the therapeutic landscape for MASH by delivering more specific and effective treatments for unfulfilled patient needs,” he noted.

Financial Considerations

Under this agreement, Madrigal obtains an exclusive global license to develop, manufacture, and market various siRNA assets. Ribo will receive an initial payment of $60 million, with potential total payments reaching up to $4.4 billion contingent upon meeting certain development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, alongside possible royalties on net sales.

The Importance of Addressing MASH

MASH, previously referred to as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), presents grave health risks that can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, and even premature mortality. Alarmingly, it is the leading cause of liver transplants among women and the second overall in the U.S. MASH also represents the fastest-growing indication for liver transplant in Europe.

As patients progress to MASH with moderate to advanced hepatic fibrosis, their likelihood of experiencing adverse hepatic outcomes significantly increases. Patients with such conditions face a mortality risk that is exponentially higher—10 to 17 times greater than those without fibrosis—underscoring the urgent need for therapeutic interventions before complications arise. MASH is also an independent trigger for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in affected individuals.

Anticipated Growth in MASH Cases

As awareness about MASH improves and its prevalence rises, an uptick in the number of diagnosed patients—especially those with moderate to advanced fibrosis or compensated cirrhosis— is expected. This growth will undoubtedly highlight the increasing demand for innovative treatment solutions.

About Suzhou Ribo Life Science Co. Ltd. and Ribocure Pharmaceuticals AB

Suzhou Ribo Life Science Co., Ltd. is a pioneering R&D company dedicated to the development of nucleic acid drugs and related products based on RNA interference technology. With its robust R&D capabilities and vertically integrated technological platforms, Ribo is on a mission to address serious diseases with unmet medical needs.

As a subsidiary, Ribocure Pharmaceuticals AB focuses on global development of life-saving oligonucleotide therapies, emphasizing the creation of innovative therapeutic targets and enhancing clinical trial capabilities to develop siRNA drugs that address real-world unmet medical needs globally.

About Madrigal Pharmaceuticals

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing novel therapies for MASH, a liver disease with significant unmet medical needs. Their drug, Rezdiffra, is the first treatment approved by both the FDA and the European Commission for MASH with moderate to advanced fibrosis. A Phase 3 clinical trial is currently underway, assessing Rezdiffra for compensated cirrhosis due to MASH.

For further details, visit Ribo Life Science and Ribocure Pharmaceuticals.