Merck Secures $2B Deal with China’s Hengrui for Novel Heart Drug
Merck has entered an exclusive licensing agreement with Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals for HRS-5346, an oral small molecule Lipoprotein(a) inhibitor16.
The deal is worth up to $2 billion, including a $200 million upfront payment and potential milestone payments of up to $1.77 billion16.
HRS-5346 is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials in China and targets elevated Lipoprotein(a) levels, a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease12.
Merck gains worldwide rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize HRS-5346, excluding the Greater China region16.
The agreement is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals13.
Elevated Lipoprotein(a) affects approximately 1 in 5 adults globally, representing a significant unmet medical need16.
This deal expands Merck's cardiovascular pipeline and positions them to compete with other major pharmaceutical companies developing Lp(a) inhibitors710.
The collaboration reflects a growing trend of Western pharmaceutical companies partnering with Chinese biotechs for innovative therapies7.
Sources:
1. https://www.financialexpress.com/business/healthcare-merck-signs-deal-with-jiangsu-hengrui-for-access-to-heart-drug-3788243/
2. https://www.pharmanow.live/latest-news/merck-partners-with-hengrui-pharma-for-lpa-inhibitor-hrs-5346
3. https://www.pharmexec.com/view/merck-licensing-agreement-jiangsu-hengrui-novel-heart-disease-drug
6. https://www.merck.com/news/merck-enters-exclusive-license-agreement-for-hrs-5346-an-investigational-oral-lipoproteina-inhibitor-for-cardiovascular-disease-from-jiangsu-hengrui-pharmaceuticals-co-ltd/
7. https://www.biospace.com/business/merck-commits-nearly-2b-for-oral-lipid-lowering-drug-from-chinese-biotech
10. https://www.genengnews.com/topics/drug-discovery/merck-hengrui-launch-up-to-2b-cardiometabolic-collaboration/