Haizheng Pharmaceutical and Aixindawei reach exclusive licensing and strategic cooperation on the world's first small molecule prodrug AST-3424
Recently, Haizheng Pharmaceutical and Shenzhen Aixindawei Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Aixindawei") announced an exclusive licensing and strategic cooperation agreement to jointly develop the world's first small molecule prodrug AST-3424. This cooperation marks another important breakthrough in China's innovative drug research and development field, and also provides new potential solutions for tumor treatment.
1. Cooperation background and significance
AST-3424 is a targeted small molecule prodrug based on AKR1C3 enzyme activation, with the potential to kill tumor cells with high selective potential. This drug uses AKR1C3 enzyme highly expressed in tumor cells to convert prodrugs into active cytotoxins, thereby achieving precise treatment. This cooperation will combine Haizheng Pharmaceutical's commercialization capabilities and Aixindawei's innovative technologies to accelerate the global development process of AST-3424.
2. Key data on cooperation
| project | data |
|---|---|
| Partners | Haizheng Pharmaceutical, Aixindawei |
| Drug name | AST-3424 |
| Drug Type | Small molecule prodrug |
| Target | AKR1C3 enzyme |
| Indications | Various solid tumors (such as liver cancer, prostate cancer, etc.) |
| Scope of cooperation | Exclusive global licensing and strategic cooperation |
| Cooperation amount | Not disclosed (expected to exceed RMB 1 billion) |
III. Clinical prospects of AST-3424
AST-3424 has shown significant advantages in preclinical studies:
At present, AST-3424 has completed phase I clinical trials in the United States, and preliminary data show good safety and anti-tumor activity. Haizheng Pharmaceutical will lead the clinical development and commercialization of the drug in China.
4. Industry impact and market analysis
In recent years, China's international cooperation in the field of innovative drugs has become increasingly frequent. According to public data statistics:
| Time range | Number of cross-border cooperation cases of Chinese pharmaceutical companies | The amount involved (RMB) |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 42 | More than 300 |
| 2022 | 58 | More than 500 |
| 2023 (as of October) | 47 | More than 400 |
This cooperation is another important layout of Haizheng Pharmaceutical in the oncology field after ADC drugs. As an innovative enterprise focusing on prodrug technology, Aixindawei has obtained a number of international patents on its platform technology. The cooperation between the two sides is expected to fill the global gap in AKR1C3 target drugs.
5. Future Planning and Outlook
According to the agreement, the two parties will promote the clinical development of AST-3424 in China and around the world as soon as possible:
Chairman of Haizheng Pharmaceutical said: "This cooperation will strengthen our pipeline layout in the field of innovative oncology drugs and help China's original drugs go global." CEO Aixindawei emphasized: "AST-3424 represents a major breakthrough in our prodrug platform technology, and cooperation with Haizheng will accelerate its benefits to patients around the world."
With the improvement of the R&D capabilities of China's innovative pharmaceutical companies, a model similar to "independent R&D + global cooperation" is becoming a new trend in the industry. The subsequent progress of AST-3424 deserves continuous attention.
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