Simcere Pharmaceutical and Fermion Tech Collaborate on China's First SSTR4-Targeted Analgesic Drug FZ002-037

Jan 17, 2025 09:41 CST Updated 09:41

Simcere

Innovative Drug Developer

Fermion

AI Drug Discovery Developer

丨Medicine Hunter Club Research Team Compiled

On January 17, 2025, Simcere (2096.HK) and Guangzhou Fermion Technology Co., Ltd. jointly announced that they have reached a collaboration on FZ002-037, a clinical-stage analgesic candidate innovation drug targeting SSTR4.

According to the agreement, Simcere will obtain the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize FZ002-037 in the Greater China region (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan). Fermion Technology will receive an upfront payment and milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties based on future sales.

About FZ002-037

Somatostatin (SST) is an inhibitory hormone widely distributed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. It negatively regulates the release of various hormones and cell proliferation through SST receptors (SSTR). SSTR4 is highly expressed in the central nervous system and mediates analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, showing potential for application in non-opioid pain control (chronic neuropathic, inflammatory, and mixed pain).

Project FZ002-037 is a highly selective oral small-molecule SSTR4 agonist developed by Fermion. Preclinical studies have shown that this target primarily acts on peripheral analgesia, without central side effects or issues of addiction, offering a promising new option for patients with long-term medication needs.

According to the Insihgt database, there are currently four active small-molecule SSTR4 agonists, with the most advanced beingGlyTechGT 02037, as well as MAZISOTINE from Eli Lilly/Centrexion, have both entered Phase 2 clinical trials.

Simcere/Fermion's project, as the first domestically produced and second globally developed product targeting the same site, has now completed Phase I clinical trials in China.A Phase II study targeting diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain is about to be launched, with the potential to expand its application to various chronic and acute pain indications in the future.

About Simcere

Simcere is an innovation- and R&D-driven pharmaceutical company that has established the "National Key Laboratory for Neurological and Oncological Drug Research in China." The company primarily focuses on neuroscience, oncology, autoimmune diseases, and anti-infective fields, while proactively making forward-looking investments in disease areas with significant future clinical needs, committed to "enabling patients to access more effective drugs sooner." Simcere operates through a dual approach of independent R&D and collaborative innovation, forming strategic partnerships with multiple innovative enterprises and research institutions.

AboutFermion Technology

Fermion is a small-molecule AI Biotech company that has entered the clinical validation stage. It began operations in 2019 and focuses on developing differentiated BIC/FIC products targeting early innovative targets in the central nervous system (CNS) and autoimmune fields. The company is committed to becoming an AI and data-driven innovative drug research and development company. Its self-developed Drug Studio AI drug discovery platform, which breaks through in terms of target selectivity and tissue targeting, has achieved industrial application and established an integrated AI drug R&D solution.

Source:

Company Official Account

Disclaimer

1. All information provided by the "Drug Hunter Club" is for reference only and should not be used as a basis for any commercial transactions or medical services. If there are any discrepancies arising from the independent use of the "Drug Hunter Club" content, our company assumes no responsibility, including but not limited to legal liability or compensation.

2. "Hunter Drug Club" is committed to providing reasonable, accurate, and complete information, but does not guarantee the reasonableness, accuracy, and completeness of the information, and shall not be responsible for any loss or damage caused by unreasonable, inaccurate, or omitted information.

3. Some articles in the "Drug Hunter Club" section are reproduced from the Internet for the purpose of conveying more information, and do not imply endorsement of the views or verification of the authenticity of the content. If you have any questions about the content, please contact our company in a timely manner.

4. For issues not covered in this statement, please refer to relevant national laws and regulations. In case of any conflict between this statement and national laws and regulations, the latter shall prevail.