Key Takeaways:
- Junshi Bio grants Fosun Wanbang rights to roconkibart in Greater China
- RMB215 million upfront with up to RMB1.125 billion in milestones
- Phase 3 data showed 91% PASI 90 response at week 16
Back
Junshi Bio gains 11% on RMB215M licensing deal with Fosun Wanbang
Junshi Biosciences received RMB215 million upfront from Fosun Wanbang to license its anti-IL-17A antibody roconkibart in Greater China.
"This strategic collaboration with Fosun Pharma signals a critical expansion of our autoimmune disease treatments," Dr. Jianjun Zou, General Manager and CEO of Junshi Biosciences, said.
The deal includes milestone payments of up to RMB1.125 billion and double-digit tiered royalties on net sales. Roconkibart's Phase 3 trial in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis showed a 91% PASI 90 response rate at week 16 in the 150-milligram dosing group, with 65% of patients achieving PASI 100 at week 52. The National Medical Products Administration accepted the new drug application in December 2025.
The partnership gives Junshi access to Fosun Pharma's commercialization network in a Chinese autoimmune market where IL-17A inhibitors are a growing class. Junshi's stock opened 11.11% higher at HKD18.5 on July 2, adding roughly HKD1.9 billion to its market capitalization.
Roconkibart works by binding to IL-17A homodimers and IL-17A/IL-17F heterodimers with high affinity, blocking downstream inflammatory signaling pathways implicated in psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The Phase 2 study for ankylosing spondylitis has completed follow-up for all subjects.
Fosun Pharma, through its subsidiary Fosun Wanbang, brings established clinical development and commercialization infrastructure in immunology and inflammation. "Autoimmune diseases present massive unmet clinical needs and represent a core therapeutic focus for Fosun Pharma," Jing Li, Co-President of Fosun Pharma and Chairman of Fosun Wanbang, said.
Junshi Biosciences, founded in December 2012, has five marketed products including toripalimab, China's domestically developed anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody approved in over 40 countries. The company's pipeline spans cancer, autoimmune, metabolic, and infectious diseases across modalities including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and nucleic acid drugs.
The upfront payment is non-deductible and non-refundable, providing immediate cash to fund Junshi's broader pipeline development. Investors will watch for the NMPA's decision on roconkibart's NDA, which could come within the standard review timeline.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
