AstraZeneca Signs $110M AI-Driven R&D Deal with CSPC Pharmaceutical for Chronic Disease Drugs

AstraZeneca has entered a significant R&D partnership with CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, a China-based biotech, paying $110 million upfront to access CSPC's artificial intelligence-powered drug discovery platform1 2 4.

The agreement focuses on discovering and developing preclinical candidates for multiple targets in chronic diseases, including at least one small molecule oral therapy for immunological diseases1 2 4 5.

CSPC will conduct research using its AI platform, which analyzes binding patterns between target proteins and potential drug molecules to help identify promising small molecule candidates1 2 4.

The total deal could be worth up to $5.2–$5.3 billion, with CSPC eligible for up to $1.62 billion in milestone payments and an additional $3.6 billion in sales-based contingent payments, plus royalties2 4 5.

AstraZeneca will have the right to exercise exclusive global licenses to further develop and commercialize any drug candidates identified through the collaboration2 4.

This move is part of AstraZeneca's broader strategy to invest in AI-driven drug discovery and to expand its R&D presence in China, where the company also announced a $2.5 billion investment in a new R&D hub in Beijing earlier in 20252 3 4.