Fermion and Simcere enter into exclusive license and collaboration agreement for China’s first pain-targeting SSTR4 agonist Investing.com

GUANGZHOU, China, January 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Guangzhou Fermion Technology Co., Ltd. and Simcere Pharmaceuticals (TADAWUL:) Group Limited (HKEX: 2096) have announced a partnership to develop a clinical-stage pain treatment asset, FZ002-037, targeting SSTR4.

FZ002-037 is a highly selective oral small molecule SSTR4 agonist developed by Fermion. Preclinical studies indicate that the drug provides primarily peripheral analgesia without central side effects or addiction risks, making it a promising option for patients requiring long-term pain management. It is the first SSTR4 agonist developed in the country China and the second in the world to reach the clinical stage. The drug has completed Phase I clinical trials in Chinawith Phase II studies for diabetic peripheral neuropathy starting soon. Potential applications extend to various chronic and acute pain conditions.

Dr. Deco Deng, Founder of Fermion, said: “We are delighted to partner with Simcere, a leading pharmaceutical company. As the world’s first highly selective SSTR4 agonist developed in the world to enter the clinical stage , FZ002-037 holds great promise, leveraging Simcere’s strong development and commercialization capabilities, we are confident of accelerating its progress to provide better treatment options for patients suffering from pain.”

Zhou Gaobo, Chief Investment Officer of Simcere, added: “Pain significantly affects patients’ quality of life and remains a major unmet clinical need. Addressing these ‘clinical pain points’ has always been a core mission for We look forward to working with innovative partners like Fermion to deliver more effective and safer pain therapies to patients as soon as possible.”

Under the agreement, Simcere will gain exclusive rights to develop and commercialize FZ002-037 in Greater China (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macauand Taiwan). Fermion will receive an upfront payment, milestone payments and tiered royalties based on future sales.

About Fermion Technology

Fermion is an AI-driven biotechnology company in the clinical stage founded in 2019. The company focuses on the development of differentiated best-in-class (BIC) and first-in-class (FIC) products in the central nervous system (CNS) and autoimmune. fields Leveraging its proprietary Drug Studio AI platform, Fermion prioritizes high target selectivity and tissue targeting to minimize off-target effects, ensure precise distribution in target tissues, and fosters the development of innovative drugs with enhanced security profiles.

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By the way Simcere Pharmaceutical

Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited (2096.HK) is a pharmaceutical company driven by innovative R&D, and houses a “State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development”. Simcere is committed to “providing today’s patients with the medicines of the future” in the following core therapeutic areas: oncology, central nervous system, autoimmunity and anti-infection. In addition, Simcere is also actively expanding its presence in disease areas with significant clinical needs in the future.

Simcere’s industry-leading capabilities and commitment to synergistic innovation have also enabled various strategic collaborations and are seen as the partner of choice by innovative biopharmaceutical companies, medical institutes and research teams in China and in the world.

For more information, visit: www.simcere.com

About FZ002-037

FZ002-037 is a Phase II-ready non-opioid pain treatment that acts as an oral SSTR4 agonist. It is the first SSTR4 agonist to enter clinical trials China and the second in the world. The drug demonstrates excellent selectivity, with a double-digit pM EC50 and strong efficacy in several chronic and acute pain models. Phase I studies revealed a favorable safety profile, with no CNS or gastrointestinal adverse events reported, and an attractive PK profile (possible once-daily dosing). These characteristics highlight its potential as a revolutionary therapeutic option to address the unmet need for effective, non-addictive relief.

For more information, visit: https://www.fulmz.com

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