Sanofi has entered into a licensing agreement with Sino Biopharmaceutical for a total potential value of up to $1.53 billion to gain global development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights to rovadicitinib.
Rovadicitinib is a novel Janus kinase (JAK)/Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor pill, developed by Sino Bio subsidiary, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group. The drug was approved in China last month as a frontline treatment for certain types of myelofibrosis, acting as an anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic. However, Sanofi wants to explore its potential for treatment of chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) in post-transplant patients.
Sanofi will pay $135 million to Sino upfront as well as up to $1.39 billion in potential milestone payments for development, sales, and regulatory fees. In addition, Sino will receive tiered royalties on annual net sales.