Fermion and Simcere Enter 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 Pharmaceutical (TADAWUL:) Group Limited (HKEX: 2096) announced a partnership to develop a clinical-stage pain agent, FZ002-037, targeting SSTR4.

FZ002-037 is a highly selective small molecule oral SSTR4 agonist developed by Fermion. Preclinical studies show that the drug primarily provides peripheral analgesia without central side effects or the risk of addiction, making it a promising option for patients requiring long-term pain management. It is the first domestically developed SSTR4 agonist in China and others globally reach the clinical stage. The drug has completed the first phase of clinical trials in Chinaand a phase II study for diabetic peripheral neuropathy is scheduled to begin soon. Potential applications extend to a variety of chronic and acute pain conditions.

dr. Deco Deng, founder of Fermion, said: “We are pleased to partner with Simcere, a leading pharmaceutical company. As the first domestically developed and the world’s second highly selective SSTR4 agonist to enter the clinical phase, FZ002-037 has great results and promise by harnessing with Simcere’s strong development and commercialization capabilities, we are confident in accelerating its progress to provide better treatment options for patients suffering from pain.”

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

According to the contract, Simcere will receive 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 multiple royalties based on future sales.

About Fermion Technology

Fermion is an AI-driven clinical biotechnology company founded in 2019. The company is focused on developing differentiated best-in-class (BIC) and first-in-class (FIC) products for the central nervous system (CNS) and autoimmune fields. Using 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 drive the development of innovative drugs with improved safety profiles.

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About Simcere Pharmaceutical

Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited (2096.HK) is a pharmaceutical company driven by innovative research and development, and it houses the “Key State Laboratory for Drug Development for Neurology and Oncology”. Simcere is committed to “bringing the medicines of the future to today’s patients” in the following key therapeutic areas: oncology, central nervous system, autoimmunity and anti-infection. Furthermore, 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 innovative biopharmaceutical companies, medical institutes and research teams consider it the partner of choice in China and globally.

For more information, visit: www.simcere.com

About FZ002-037

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

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

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