Sino Biopharm’s COPD deals signal China’s two-way pull: Deals Report

China-based Sino Biopharm out-licensed a dual PDE3/4 inhibitor in Phase III for COPD to AstraZeneca for up to $2.1 billion in total while securing China rights to two of GSK’s marketed COPD drugs in China, marking an unusual week with China negotiating on both sides of the table in the crowded COPD field.

AstraZeneca plc (LSE:AZN; NYSE:AZN) has tapped into China-based innovation yet again in a deal for Phase III PDE3/4 inhibitor TQC3721 for COPD. The pharma is paying  Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd. (HKEX:1177) $200 million up front — plus up to $1.9 billion in additional undisclosed milestones tied to development, regulatory approval, and sales — for exclusive ex-China rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the program. ...