Fermion and Simcere Team Up to Revolutionize Pain Management in China

In a significant development in the global pain management landscape, Guangzhou Fermion Technology Co., Ltd. and Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited (HKEX: 2096) have entered into an exclusive license and collaboration agreement for the development and commercialization of FZ002-037, China's first SSTR4 agonist targeting pain. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate the progress of this innovative drug candidate, offering hope for better treatment options for patients suffering from pain.

FZ002-037, a highly selective oral small-molecule SSTR4 agonist developed by Fermion, has demonstrated excellent selectivity, strong efficacy in multiple chronic and acute pain models, and a favorable safety profile with no reported central nervous system (CNS) or gastrointestinal adverse events. Its attractive pharmacokinetic (PK) profile suggests potential once-daily dosing, further enhancing its convenience and patient compliance.

Under the agreement, Simcere will gain exclusive rights to develop and commercialize FZ002-037 in Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan). Fermion will receive an upfront payment, milestone payments, and tiered royalties based on future sales. This collaboration will enable Simcere to leverage its strong development and commercialization capabilities, accelerating the progress of FZ002-037 and potentially bringing it to market more quickly.

Simcere's commitment to synergistic innovation and collaboration has enabled various strategic partnerships with innovative biopharmaceutical companies, medical institutes, and research teams in China and globally. This collaborative approach fosters knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and mutual growth, ultimately benefiting the development and commercialization of FZ002-037.

The partnership between Fermion and Simcere enhances the drug's development and commercialization prospects in several ways:

1. Access to Simcere's Strong Development and Commercialization Capabilities: Simcere brings extensive experience in drug development and commercialization, including expertise in regulatory affairs, manufacturing, clinical operations, and commercialization. By leveraging Simcere's capabilities, Fermion can accelerate the development and launch of FZ002-037, potentially reaching patients more quickly.
2. Exclusive Rights in Greater China: Under the agreement, Simcere gains exclusive rights to develop and commercialize FZ002-037 in Greater China. This allows Simcere to focus its resources and efforts on the drug's development and marketing within this region, increasing the likelihood of success.
3. Financial Support: Fermion will receive an upfront payment, milestone payments, and tiered royalties based on future sales. This financial support can help Fermion fund further research and development, as well as other operational expenses, ensuring the project's sustainability and progress.
4. Synergistic Innovation and Collaboration: Simcere's commitment to synergistic innovation and collaboration enables various strategic partnerships with innovative biopharmaceutical companies, medical institutes, and research teams in China and globally. This collaborative approach can foster knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and mutual growth, ultimately benefiting the development and commercialization of FZ002-037.

In conclusion, the partnership between Fermion and Simcere for the development and commercialization of FZ002-037, an SSTR4 agonist for pain management, enhances the drug's prospects in several ways. By leveraging Simcere's strong development and commercialization capabilities, exclusive rights in Greater China, financial support, and synergistic innovation and collaboration, the partnership positions FZ002-037 to become a breakthrough therapeutic option for addressing the unmet need for effective, non-addictive pain relief in the Greater China region and beyond.