Accro Bioscience has granted Fosun Pharma exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialise AC-201 — its independently developed, highly selective TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor — in Greater China (including the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR).

AC-201, designed to treat multiple immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, has successfully completed a Phase II clinical trial in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, demonstrating positive efficacy and safety results. Accro will retain global rights to AC-201 outside Greater China.

Under the licensing agreement, Accro will receive an upfront payment and near-term milestone payment totaling RMB 80 million (RMB 60 million upfront and RMB 20 million upon completion of manufacturing technology transfer), along with up to RMB 76 million in development milestone payments. The company is also eligible for commercial milestone payments and tiered royalties of up to double-digit percentages based on sales in the licensed territories.

Dr. Xiaohu Zhang, co-founder and CEO of Accro Bioscience, said, "Fosun's extensive clinical development experience and commercialisation capabilities will accelerate the development of AC-201 and enhance drug accessibility, bringing exceptional treatment options to patients with autoimmune diseases in the region as soon as possible."

Xingli Wang, Co-President of Fosun Pharma and CEO of the Global R&D Center, highlighted that the partnership with Accro will further enrich the company’s pipeline in the immunology and inflammation field. 

“Leveraging Fosun Pharma's established clinical development system and commercial network, we aim to accelerate the development and commercialisation of AC-201 in Greater China, benefiting more patients in a timely manner. We look forward to working closely with the Accro team to drive the success of this product and provide high-quality treatment options for patients in China and around the world,” Wang added.

Headquartered in Suzhou, China, Accro Bioscience is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on the molecular mechanisms of regulated cell death and related pathogenesis in human diseases.

Alongside AC-201, the company has two additional clinical-stage assets. Its RIPK2 inhibitor, AC-101, has completed the Phase 1 study in Australia and China with excellent safety and PK/PD data, and a Ph1b trial in UC patients is currently ongoing. The company’s RIPK1 inhibitor, AC-003, which as obtained FDA Orphan Drug Designation, has completed the Phase 1 study in China and the United States, and is currently in a Phase 1b trial for the treatment of aGvHD patients. Accro owns global rights to these assets, with 25 patents issued in China, Japan, US, Korea, and the EU.