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

Ribo and Ribocure Forge Global Partnership with Madrigal for SiRNA Therapies

In an exciting development within the biomedical landscape, Suzhou Ribo Life Science Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary, Ribocure Pharmaceuticals AB, have unveiled an exclusive global licensing arrangement with Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. This strategic collaboration is aimed at advancing the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) through innovative small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics.

Licensing Agreement Overview

The agreement marks a significant milestone for all involved parties, allowing Primer to leverage its proven GalSTARTM platform to develop groundbreaking treatment options for those affected by MASH. Ribo will provide a suite of pre-clinical siRNA assets under this deal, with opportunities to expand into new programs, including bi-specific siRNAs, which target multiple genes at once. Such innovation promises to enhance therapeutic efficacy significantly.

Dr. Zicai Liang, the CEO of Ribo, expressed enthusiasm over the partnership, emphasizing the potential impact on patients suffering from liver diseases. "This collaboration with Madrigal will allow us to merge our expertise in siRNA technology with their extensive knowledge, paving the way for impactful therapies tailored for liver disease patients."

The Significance of MASH

MASH is a severe liver condition that has gained attention in recent years due to its rapid increase in prevalence and high correlation with serious comorbid conditions. Previously known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), MASH can progress to critical health issues such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer, making effective treatment essential.

Notably, MASH is now recognized as a leading cause for liver transplantation, especially among women, and is expected to become an even greater concern as awareness of the disease grows. With advanced fibrosis, particularly in stages F2 to F3, patients face significantly heightened risks of liver-related mortality—up to 17 times higher than those without the conditions. Hence, treatments aimed at addressing MASH before liver complications develop are urgently needed.

Financial Implications

The financial elements of the deal are substantial—Ribo will initially receive a payment of $60 million, with potential cumulative payments rising to $4.4 billion contingent upon meeting specific development and regulatory milestones. Additionally, Ribo stands to benefit from royalties on net sales generated from the treatments developed under the agreement.

About Ribo Life Science and Ribocure Pharmaceuticals

Suzhou Ribo Life Science Co., Ltd. is at the forefront of nucleic acid drug development, focusing on revolutionary approaches via RNA interference (RNAi) technology. Their robust research and development capabilities position them uniquely in addressing unmet medical needs.

Ribocure Pharmaceuticals, as a crucial offshoot of Ribo, is committed to innovative oligonucleotide therapies on a global scale, working extensively to bring clinical trial capabilities and develop siRNA drugs for real-world health challenges.

About Madrigal Pharmaceuticals

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals is a key player in the field of biopharmaceuticals, concentrating on innovative therapies designed to treat MASH. Its flagship product, Rezdiffra (resmetirom), has garnered recognition as the first drug approved for MASH treatment, illustrating the company's commitment to tackling this pressing health crisis. Currently, a Phase 3 trial is under way to assess Rezdiffra for the treatment of compensated MASH cirrhosis.

Through this collaborative endeavor, Ribo, Ribocure, and Madrigal are poised to redefine the therapeutic landscape for MASH, offering hope to countless individuals grappling with this challenging and life-altering condition.