China-based biotechnology company Brii Biosciences has entered a licensing agreement with Joincare Group for the rights to BRII-693 in Greater China.
BRII-693 is a novel synthetic lipopeptide designed to treat multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections.
Under the licensing deal, Joincare will obtain rights to research, develop, and commercialise BRII-693 in Greater China, while Brii Bio retains the rights outside Greater China.
Joincare Group will manage the development, regulatory approval, and commercialisation of BRII-693 in the Greater China region.
In exchange, Brii Bio has received an upfront payment and will earn additional milestone payments and tiered royalties based on net product sales.
Joincare Group CEO Nanqi Lin said: “Driven by Brii Bio’s well-established R&D system, the BRII-693 project demonstrated strong innovation and scientific rigour.
“Early data showing encouraging results in terms of therapeutic potential, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics, suggesting BRII-693’s high potential to become a best-in-class therapy to address the critical unmet clinical needs.
“We are confident in the clinical prospects of BRII-693. This collaboration further strengthened Joincare Group’s strategic positioning in the anti-infection disease area.
“We look forward to launching this asset soon, providing patients with more high-quality treatment options.”
BRII-693 targets infections caused by carbapenem-resistant bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacterales.
The compound was developed to enhance antibacterial potency while minimising the toxicity associated with older polymyxin agents.
In the Phase 1 studies, the drug showed promising safety and tolerability in both Chinese and non-Chinese participants.
Brii Bio has received IND approval from the Centre for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for a Phase 1 PK bridging study in China.
The study will support a future Phase 3 trial aimed at treating hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia.
BRII-693 represents a significant advancement in addressing the unmet needs of critically ill patients with drug-resistant infections.
Brii Bio will continue to hold exclusive global rights for its development and commercialisation outside Greater China.
Brii Bio chairman and CEO Zhi Hong said: “The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in Greater China underscores the urgency for novel hospital antibiotics.
“With Joincare Group’s proven capabilities in manufacturing and commercialising hospital antibiotics, we found the ideal partner to accelerate the development and commercialisation of BRII-693.
“This partnership enables us to deliver a critical care medicine to Chinese patients facing life-threatening infections.”
Earlier this year, Brii Bio signed an asset purchase agreement for BRII-179, a hepatitis B virus (HBV) candidate, from VBI Vaccines.
Brii Bio has secured intellectual property (IP) and other related assets from VBI Vaccines, its subsidiaries, and creditors K2 VBI Equity Trust and K2 HealthVentures.
