Over US$300 million Hutchison Pharmaceuticals obtains rights to EZH2 inhibitors in Greater China

On August 9, Hutchison Medicine and Epizyme announced their cooperation
.

According to the agreement, Hutchison Pharma will obtain the development and commercialization rights of the anti-cancer drug Tazverik (tazemetostat) developed by the latter in Greater China (including China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan), and Epizyme will receive US$25 million.

Epigenetics refers to the extensive regulation of gene expression without changing the gene sequence
.

EZH2 is a histone methyltransferase (HMTs), which regulates the normal physiological functions of cells by catalyzing the methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) to control the expression of various genes

Tazverik is an epigenetic inhibitor that inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells by inhibiting EZH2 to regulate the transcription of genes involved in cell cycle regulation and terminal differentiation
.

The drug has been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of some patients with epithelioid sarcoma and some patients with follicular lymphoma

According to reports, Tazverik's mechanism of action is highly complementary to a variety of anti-tumor products in the Hutchison Medicine pipeline, and its combined use has the potential for synergy
.

For example, in solid tumors, it can be explored in combination therapy with the VEGFR-targeted drug Fruquintinib, or combined therapy with the drug Sofatinib, which has a dual mechanism of anti-angiogenesis and immune regulation

In this collaboration, Hutchison Medicine will be responsible for the development and commercialization of Tazverik in Greater China for the treatment of various blood cancers and solid tumors, including epithelioid sarcoma, follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma Tumor (DLBCL)
.

At the same time, Hutchison Medicine will also participate in the global registration study (EZH-302 study) of Tazverik's combined R² program (ie Refumei + Rituximab) for the treatment of second-line follicular lymphoma developed by Epizyme, and lead it Research conducted in Greater China

According to the terms of the agreement, Epizyme will receive an initial payment of US$25 million and is eligible to receive an additional development and regulatory milestone payment of no more than US$110 million (covering up to eight other potential indications), and an additional fee of no more than 175 million Sales milestone payment in USD
.

Epizyme is also eligible to receive royalties based on Tazverik's annual net sales in Greater China

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