Huaota Announces Global Collaboration and License Agreement with Almirall for Development of an Innovative Monoclonal Antibody in Medical Dermatology

Shanghai, China, March 27, 2026 — Shanghai Huaota Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Huaota") today announced that it has entered into a global research collaboration and license agreement (the "Agreement") with Almirall, S.A. ("Almirall") for the development of a monoclonal antibody candidate targeting a novel target with multiple potential indications, including medical dermatology. Under the Agreement, Huaota retains the rights to develop and commercialize the program and product in China, while Almirall holds the rights for global development and commercialization outside of China. Leveraging its innovative R&D platform, Huaota will conduct relevant research up to obtaining a molecule with clinical proof-of-concept. Almirall will pay Huaota a total of $340 million in upfront, development, and commercialization milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties.

Regarding the Cooperation Project

An early monoclonal antibody candidate drug, with potential applications in various indications including medical dermatology.

Value and Prospect

Dr. Zhu Xiangyang, CEO of Huaota, stated: This collaboration reflects the cutting-edge innovation and transformation capabilities of Huaota as a new antibody drug R&D platform for large molecules, which has been highly recognized by international partners. It creates open, pragmatic, and forward-looking conditions for more innovative project approvals through international cooperation and the external licensing of self-developed projects. Both parties will adhere to the spirit of win-win cooperation, enhanced synergy, shared risks, and shared benefits to realize the global commercial value of the collaborative projects in this field.

About Almirall (Almirall）

Almirall is a global pharmaceutical company dedicated to medical dermatology. Collaborating closely with leading scientists, healthcare professionals, and patients, Almirall is committed to fulfilling patients' aspirations and dreams for a healthy life by improving their world. With a mission rooted in scientific advancement, the company consistently stays at the forefront of science, focusing on delivering breakthrough and differentiated innovations in medical dermatology to meet patient needs. Founded in 1944, Almirall is headquartered in Barcelona and publicly traded on the Spanish Stock Exchange (ticker: ALM). By 2025, the company's total revenue reached 1.1145 billion euros, with over 2,100 employees worldwide. Almirall’s products, which improve patients’ lives every day, are currently available in more than 100 countries globally.

AboutHuaota (Huaota）

Huaota Biopharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Huahai Pharmaceutical (600521.SH), is a biopharmaceutical R&D company that focuses on independent research and global innovation. The company specializes in fields such as oncology and autoimmune diseases. Established in 2013 and located in Zhangjiang, Shanghai, Huaota has advanced 12 projects into clinical research. These include China’s first domestically developed IL-36R monoclonal antibody for treating generalized pustular psoriasis, which is currently at the New Drug Application (NDA) stage; a PD-L1/VEGF bispecific antibody for treating non-small cell lung cancer and endometrial cancer that has entered pivotal Phase III clinical trials; and a first-in-class TSLP/IL-11 bispecific antibody for treating moderate to severe asthma and other indications, as well as an IL-17A/IL-36R bispecific antibody for treating hidradenitis suppurativa, both of which have entered Phase I clinical trials.

Other Cooperation Opportunities

Huaota will continue to actively and steadily advance the strategic decision of product out-licensing or cooperation to accelerate the expansion into international markets, achieving strategic upgrades and value transformation.

Business Development Leader: Colin Wang / Wang Kun     WeChat: biodeserv    Email:kun.wang@huaota.com