Angion Biomedica and Sinovant Sciences announced a collaboration and license agreement for BB3, Angion's investigational small molecule mimetic of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Angion is currently developing BB3 in a Phase 3 trial for the treatment of delayed graft function (DGF) following kidney transplantation and in a Phase 2 trial for the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI) following open-heart surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass.
"We are very pleased to partner with Sinovant to develop and commercialize BB3 in Greater China," said Jay Venkatesan, M.D., CEO of Angion. "Our collaboration will help to address the morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs associated with DGF and AKI in the rapidly growing patient markets in Greater China. Sinovant's deep knowledge of China, experienced management team, and demonstrated commitment to innovation make them the ideal partner for Angion in the region."
"DGF and AKI are each associated with high morbidity and mortality and there are no approved therapies globally," said Dr. Rae Yuan, President of Sinovant. "There is a pressing need in Greater China for new medicines that can reduce the burden associated with kidney diseases, and we are excited to work with Angion to accelerate the availability of this promising new therapy."
Under the terms of the agreement, Angion has granted Sinovant an exclusive license for the development, commercialization, and manufacture of BB3 in Greater China. Angion will receive significant upfront, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments as well as royalties on sales in Greater China. Sinovant and Angion will cooperate to jointly develop BB3 in DGF and AKI, with Sinovant taking the lead on development activities in Greater China. Sinovant expects to initiate clinical trials with BB3 in Greater China immediately upon receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals.