Innovent Biologics and Sanegene Bio to Collaborate on Innovative siRNA Drug for Hypertension Treatment

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Innovent Biologics and Sanegene Bio to Collaborate on Innovative siRNA Drug for Hypertension Treatment — Innovent Biologics

Innovent Biologics, a prominent biopharmaceutical company, and Sanegene Bio USA have announced a strategic collaboration to co-develop SGB-3908, an siRNA drug candidate targeting angiotensinogen (AGT) for the treatment of hypertension. Under the collaboration agreement, both companies will jointly oversee the development of SGB-3908 up to a certain stage, after which Innovent will have the exclusive option to license future development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights.

SGB-3908, currently at the IND-enabling stage, leverages Sanegene Bio’s proprietary LEAD™ (Ligand and Enhancer Assisted Delivery) platform. The agreement outlines that Innovent will receive an exclusive option to secure the global license for development, manufacturing, and commercialization by paying different option exercise fees. Sanegene Bio stands to receive subsequent milestone payments and tiered royalties based on net sales after Innovent exercises its option.

Both companies intend to capitalize on their respective strengths, with Sanegene Bio contributing cutting-edge RNA technology through its LEAD™ platform, and Innovent bringing its clinical development experience and established commercialization capabilities. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of this innovative siRNA drug candidate, SGB-3908, to benefit hypertension patients globally.

Dr. Yongjun Liu, President of Innovent, expressed delight in collaborating with Sanegene Bio, emphasizing Innovent’s strategic investment in the cardiovascular and metabolic (CVM) area. The collaboration adds to Innovent’s growing strategic presence in this field, complementing its existing pipeline assets in late-stage development targeting hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and thyroid eye disease.

Dr. Weimin Wang, Founder and CEO of Sanegene Bio, highlighted the unique features of SGB-3908, stating that it utilizes the LEAD™ platform’s modular design to accurately knockdown the mRNA and protein expression levels of disease-causing genes. The collaboration is expected to unlock the full potential of RNAi technology, advancing the clinical development and commercialization of this promising pipeline asset.

SGB-3908 targets angiotensinogen (AGT), a key component in the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), known for its role in blood pressure regulation. By inhibiting the synthesis of AGT in the liver, SGB-3908 aims to lead to durable reductions in AGT protein, resulting in vasodilation and lowering blood pressure.

Hypertension, affecting over 1 billion people worldwide, poses significant risks of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, kidney damage, and impaired vision. The collaboration between Innovent and Sanegene Bio seeks to address the challenges in hypertension treatment, offering a potential alternative solution with the advantages of long efficacy duration, good safety, and high compliance offered by siRNA drugs.