Cooperation Announcement
Recently, Salubris announced that, to further enrich its innovative product pipeline in the chronic disease field, it has signed an agreement with Chengdu Guowei Biological Medicine Co., Ltd. ("Guowei Medicine"). Through this agreement, Salubris secured the exclusive licensing rights within the Chinese market (i.e., Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao) for the API and finished drug product related intellectual property, and technical information (collectively referred to as "GW906") of Guowei Medicine's in-house developed AGT-siRNA drug, GW906. These rights encompass, but not limited to, the research & development, registration, production, and commercialization of GW906.
GW906 is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) drug targeting Angiotensinogen (AGT), independently developed by Guowei Medicine. It is intended for the treatment of primary hypertension and currently undergoing Phase I clinical studies. AGT is the most upstream precursor protein in the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS). Inhibiting its synthesis can lead to long-lasting blood pressure reduction. GW906 works by targeting AGT mRNA in the liver, suppressing AGT expression, and reducing the generation of angiotensin II, thereby promoting vasodilation and lowering blood pressure. Preclinical data indicate that GW906 exhibits good efficacy and safety profiles, demonstrating potential for long-acting effects.
Hypertension is a key therapeutic area for Salubris. Adhering to the principles of hierarchical, staged, and phenotyped diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, the company has established a differentiated innovative product portfolio targeting the clinical needs of various types of hypertensive patients. This portfolio includes monotherapies, combinations, co-crystal drugs, and small nucleic acid therapies, such as Xin Li Tan, Fu Li Tan, Xin Chao Tuo, SAL0108, SAL0120 (an endothelin receptor antagonist), and SAL0140 (an aldosterone synthase inhibitor). This strategy aims to provide patients with more precise and personalized comprehensive treatment options.
Salubris's acquisition of the exclusive licensing rights for the investigational AGT-siRNA innovative drug GW906 expands the company's innovative product line in the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular field. If successfully developed and approved for marketing, this drug will provide hypertensive patients with a new, more convenient treatment option, significantly improving patient adherence.
Introduction to siRNA
siRNA (small interfering RNA) typically consists of double-stranded nucleic acid fragments 20–22 nucleotides in length. It utilizes the cell's intrinsic post-transcriptional gene silencing mechanism to interfere with and downregulate the expression of specific target proteins. Continuous advancements in chemical modification technologies have enabled siRNA therapeutics to achieve an ultra-long duration of action, thereby reducing dosing frequency [1]. This characteristic is particularly valuable in the treatment of chronic diseases.
Hypertension involves complex pathogenic mechanisms, and traditional medications require daily administration, resulting in low patient adherence. siRNA drugs offer an innovative solution by enabling long-lasting silencing of key targets (e.g., AGT).
About Salubris
Shenzhen Salubris Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 002294), founded in 1998 and listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2009, is an innovation-driven pharmaceutical company headquartered in China with a global outlook. The company integrates R&D, production, and sales and is committed to addressing unmet medical needs in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, and chronic kidney disease.Salubris possesses full-spectrum capabilities in innovative drug discovery and development, supported by five global R&D centers. Its innovation platforms focus on small-molecule chemical drugs, biological drugs, siRNA-based therapeutics, gene-editing therapies, and medical devices, aiming to deliver clinically meaningful innovative products.
With a mission to enhance medication accessibility, Salubris’ products are available in multiple countries and regions across Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America, benefiting patients worldwide.
About Guowei Medicine
Established in 2005, Guowei Medicine is an integrated pharmaceutical enterprise engaged in R&D, production, and sales, with a strategic focus on therapeutic areas including parenteral nutrition, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, metabolism, and digestive system disorders. The company operates four wholly-owned subsidiaries and two modern pharmaceutical production bases. Its business encompasses the biopharmaceutical field, covering chemical active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), chemical drug formulations, and health food products. Guowei Medicine has established three core R&D technology platforms: Generic Drugs, Fish Oil-Based Therapeutics and siRNA-Based Frontier Biotech Innovation Drugs. Currently, the company has approximately 40 new products under development. To advance the R&D of siRNA-based innovative drugs, Guwei Medicine has built an integrated synthesis and quality control system spanning from Phosphoramidite Monomers, ASO, siRNA to GalNAc-siRNA.
