Pfizer has entered into an exclusive global collaboration and licensing agreement with YaoPharma, a subsidiary of Chinese healthcare group Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical, to develop, manufacture, and commercialize an investigational small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, YP05002. The therapy is currently in Phase 1 clinical development and is designed for chronic weight management.
Under the terms of the agreement, YaoPharma will finalize the ongoing Phase-1 trial, after which Pfizer receives an exclusive license covering worldwide rights to advance YP05002 through further development, regulatory approval, manufacturing, and commercialization.
As part of the deal, Pfizer will pay an upfront amount of US$150 million to YaoPharma. Provided the program meets development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, YaoPharma stands to receive up to US $1.935 billion in milestone payments. If YP05002 reaches the market, additional payments in the form of tiered royalties on sales are expected.
Pfizer intends to explore combination regimens involving YP05002, including pairing it with its own investigational glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) antagonist, currently in Phase 2 development, as well as other small molecules within its cardiometabolic pipeline.
According to Chris Boshoff, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and President, Research & Development at Pfizer, the collaboration reflects Pfizer’s strategic focus on cardiometabolic diseases: “This investigational GLP-1 small molecule complements and strengthens our growing portfolio of novel candidates for treating obesity and its adjacent diseases.”
This alliance marks a significant step for Pfizer as it re-enters the obesity and weight-management space. The agreement follows the company’s recent acquisition of Metsera, a move intended to bolster its presence in the fast-growing weight-management and cardiometabolic market.
With obesity and related metabolic disorders rising globally, demand for effective, safe, orally available therapies remains high. Should YP05002 progress successfully through development and obtain regulatory approval, the drug could strengthen Pfizer’s position in a competitive but high-growth therapeutic segment.
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