Haisco Pharma hands novel pain compound portfolio to AbbVie for USD 745m. April 13, 2026 A portfolio of novel pain compounds developed by Haisco Pharmaceutical Group (SZSE: 002653) has been licensed exclusively to AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) under an agreement announced April 10, 2026. The deal grants AbbVie rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the compounds globally, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The program covers multiple compounds at stages ranging from preclinical to Phase I in China, all targeting pain-related indications. Under the terms, Haisco receives a USD 30 million upfront payment and is eligible for up to USD 715 million in aggregate development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, bringing the total potential deal value to USD 745 million. Haisco is also eligible for tiered royalties on future net sales. Specific milestone triggers and royalty rates were not disclosed. Deal context. The compounds involved are described by Haisco as novel medicines for pain, but the press release does not identify specific molecule names, biological targets, or mechanisms of action. Haisco is known to be pursuing fast-follower NaV1.8 programs - targeting a voltage-gated sodium channel expressed in peripheral sensory neurons that plays a key role in pain signal transmission - following the approval of Vertex Pharmaceuticals' suzetrigine (Journavx) in January 2025. The Chinese firm has secured patents describing VX-548-derived scaffolds incorporating bioisosteric substitutions to modify the core structure. AbbVie has identified neuroscience as a core therapeutic focus alongside its established positions in immunology and oncology. However, the company has had limited recent deal activity specifically in pain, suggesting the Haisco transaction may represent an effort to expand its position in this segment within a broader neuroscience strategy. Other deals of note in the neuroscience space include the USD 8.7 billion acquisition of Cerevel Therapeutics in 2023, focused on later-stage CNS assets for schizophrenia, Parkinson's, and epilepsy. The deal also represents the latest collaboration between AbbVie with China-based partners. In January 2026, AbbVie struck a deal worth in excess of USD 5 billion with Remegen for a PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, while two separate partnerships were signed in 2025, with Zelgen Biopharmaceuticals for T-cell engagers, and Simcere Pharma for a trispecific antibody. For Haisco, the deal represents an extension of an international out-licensing strategy the company has pursued since 2015. Other notable partners include US based biotech AirNexis, which signed a deal worth in excess of USD 1 billion in January 2026 for PDE/4 respiratory asset of Haisco, HSK39004 The Chengdu-based company has R&D operations in Shanghai and Silicon Valley and has previously pursued international expansion through out-licensing, co-development, and acquisitions. Previous multinational partners include US biotech AirNexis and Italy's Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Haisco pharmaceuticals enters exclusive licensing agreement with AbbVie for pain medicines development. Monday, Apr 13, 2026 2:26 am ET 1min read Haisco Pharmaceutical Group has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with AbbVie to develop novel medicines for pain treatment globally, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The program includes multiple compounds at various development stages. Haisco will receive a $30 million upfront payment and up to $715 million in milestone payments, plus royalties on future net sales. The collaboration is expected to generate sustainable value and long-term returns. Haisco Pharmaceutical Group has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with AbbVie to develop and commercialize two Nav1.8 inhibitors for pain treatment outside of mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The compounds, HSK55718 and HSK51155, are intended for the development of non-opioid analgesics and are at different stages of clinical development. HSK55718 is in Phase I clinical trials in China as an intravenous therapy, while HSK51155 is in the preclinical stage as an oral formulation according to the announcement. Under the terms of the agreement, Haisco will receive a $30 million upfront payment and is eligible for up to $715 million in milestone payments, in addition to royalties on future net sales. AbbVie will also cover certain research and development costs through the proof-of-concept phase. The deal is expected to support Haisco's global expansion and enhance its long-term profitability. The collaboration aligns with Haisco's strategy to advance its innovative drug portfolio and strengthen its international commercialization efforts. Ask Aime: What are the potential impacts of Haisco's licensing deal with AbbVie on its stock performance? Aime insights. What's the performance trend of major Indian companies listed on US stock exchanges? Between Microsoft and Google, which is better for long-term holding? How to evaluate a company's competitive advantage? How does R&D spending compare among semiconductor leaders over years?

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