Rxilient Biotech and Junshi Biosciences form Joint Venture to Develop and Commercialize Toripalimab in Southeast Asia

On 28th March 2023, Rxilient Biotech (a portfolio company of Legend Capital) and Junshi Biosciences made a joint announcement that two parties will form a joint venture to develop and commercialize Toripalimab in Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam<1>.

Toripalimab is an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody independently developed by Junshi Biosciences. Junshi Biosciences has conducted over 30 clinical trials globally (in China, the USA, Southeast Asia, and Europe) covering more than 15 indications, including cancers of the lung, nasopharynx, esophagus, stomach, bladder, breast, liver, kidney, and skin. Six of these indications have been approved in China, and multiple marketing applications are currently under review by regulatory agencies in the US, EU, and UK.

"Cancer patients need toripalimab. We are confident that the highly professional and experienced Rxilient team will drive quick access to this valuable drug, toripalimab to patients in Southeast Asia," said Mr. HONG Tan, MD of Legend Capital.

"This collaboration is a good case example of Chinese pharmaceutical companies venturing overseas to help improve access to important novel drugs in emerging markets. Southeast Asia has a thriving innovative pharmaceuticals market, harmonized drug registration system, and diversified healthcare systems. Hence, it has great potential for innovative drugs. Legend Capital will continue to pay attention to investment opportunities in the healthcare industry of Southeast Asia, actively promote and assist Chinese pharmaceutical companies to enter the international markets, thus facilitating innovative drugs from China to benefit patients around the world," said Mr. HONG Tan.

Through this collaboration, Rxilient will introduce Toripalimab, a novel anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, into Southeast Asia. This joint venture leverages the strengths of Rxilient and Junshi Biosciences in drug registration and commercialization, and the R&D capabilities respectively. Rxilient plans to continue collaboration with Junshi Biosciences to introduce more high-quality innovative drugs into Southeast Asia.