Simcere Zaiming Collaborates With TargetRx To Introduce a Third-Generation ALK Inhibitor

Simcere Zaiming Collaborates With TargetRx To Introduce a Third-Generation ALK Inhibitor

Overview

Simcere Zaiming, an innovative oncology company under Simcere Pharmaceutical Group, announced a collaboration agreement with Shenzhen TargetRx Inc. The partnership focuses on the ALK/ROS1 dual receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor TGRX-326, a clinical-stage anti-tumour candidate.

Terms of the Agreement

  • According to the terms of the agreement, Simcere Zaiming will acquire exclusive commercial rights to TGRX-326 in Mainland China. 
  • These rights encompass but are not limited to marketing promotion, strategy formulation and adjustment, and the right to obtain relevant benefits from TGRX-326. 
  • TargetRx will receive an initial payment exceeding $20 million. Additionally, TargetRx will compensate Simcere Zaiming for promotional services.

About TGRX-326

  • TGRX-326 is a third-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor independently developed by TargetRx. 
  • It is a potent and highly selective small molecule inhibitor that targets ALK and c-ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1) dual receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). 
  • This inhibitor holds significant therapeutic potential for ALK/ROS1 fusion gene-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, especially those with multiple ALK-resistant mutations, including G1202R.

Phase 1 Clinical Trial

  • In preclinical studies and a Phase 1 clinical trial, TGRX-326 demonstrated strong anti-tumour efficacy and safety. 
  • Additionally, this molecule efficiently penetrates the blood-brain barrier, showing excellent efficacy in NSCLC patients with brain metastases.

Words from Simcere Zaiming

  • Dr Renhong Tang, chairman of Simcere Zaiming, said, ""We are pleased to collaborate with TargetRx on novel dual-targeted therapy for lung cancer, a major malignancy that Simcere Zaiming strategically focuses on. This partnership will further enhance our innovative product portfolio. ALK/ROS1 fusion is a critical genetic mutation in non-small cell lung cancer.
  • The advancement of targeted therapies has significantly improved survival rates for these patients. However, there remains a substantial need for new treatments with better efficacy and the ability to overcome drug resistance. We look forward to working closely with TargetRx to provide Chinese lung cancer patients with more effective treatment options as soon as possible.

Words from Chairman of TargetRx

Dr Yihan Wang, chairman of TargetRx, said, ""TGRX-326 is a potentially best-in-class novel anti-tumour molecule independently developed by TargetRx, It is a third-generation ALK inhibitor in late-stage clinical development which may bring a better option for patients. We believe that with the support of Simcere Zaiming, we will be able to bring this product quickly to the market. TargetRx aims to continuously deliver innovative therapies that will transform the lives of cancer patients.

About Simcere Zaiming

  • Simcere Zaiming, an oncology-centric biopharmaceutical subsidiary of Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited, was established in 2023. 
  • The company is dedicated to developing groundbreaking therapies to meet the unmet clinical needs of cancer patients globally.

About TargetRx

TargetRx is a clinical stage, high-tech pharmaceutical R&D company focused on developing next-generation targeted therapies for cancer patients, particularly those who are resistant or refractory to current treatments.