Chinese biotech Scizeng’s global licensing deal to yield up to US$1.44 billion

Yarrow Bioscience gets exclusive global rights for the GenSci098 therapy to treat thyroid eye disease and Graves’ disease

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A number of Chinese biotech firms have clinched licensing deals with multinational companies this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 3:47pm, 16 Dec 2025

A Chinese biopharmaceutical firm has sealed a global licensing deal valued at up to US$1.44 billion, the second in a week, as a wave of cross-border tie-ups shows no sign of abating despite headwinds from the US Biosecure Act.

Shanghai Scizeng Medical Technology, a unit of Changchun High-Tech Industry, has agreed to grant US-based Yarrow Bioscience exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise GenSci098, an injectable therapy for thyroid eye disease and Graves’ disease, both of which are autoimmune conditions. The deal excludes mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

GenSci098 is currently undergoing clinical trials in mainland China and the US.

“This landmark partnership is a strategic step in our vision of becoming a global pharma innovator,” Dr Lei Jin, general manager of Changchun High-Tech, said in a statement, adding that GenSci098 had shown immense potential.

Shanghai Scizeng Medical Technology is a unit of Changchun High-Tech Industry. Photo: Handout

Scizeng would receive an upfront payment of US$70 million and up to US$1.37 billion in milestone payments tied to development, regulatory approval and commercial success of the product, according to a filing by Changchun High-Tech to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange on Tuesday.

Scizeng will also be entitled to royalties of more than 10 per cent on future sales once the product reaches the market.

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Chinese biotech Scizeng’s global licensing deal to yield up to US$1.44 billion

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Yarrow Bioscience gets exclusive global rights for the GenSci098 therapy to treat thyroid eye disease and Graves’ disease

Yarrow Bioscience gets exclusive global rights for the GenSci098 therapy to treat thyroid eye disease and Graves’ disease