GUANGZHOU, China, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Guangzhou Fermion Technology Co., Ltd. and Simcere Pharmaceuticals (TADAUL:) Group Limited (HKEX: 2096) announced a partnership to develop a clinical-stage disease treatment asset, FZ002-037, targeting SSTR4.

FZ002-037 is a highly selective oral small molecule SSTR4 agonist developed by Fermion. Preclinical studies have shown that the drug primarily provides peripheral analgesia without central side effects or addiction risks, making it a good option for patients who need long-term pain management. It is the first developed local SSTR4 agonist in China and the second in the world to reach the clinical stage. The drug has completed Phase I clinical trials in Chinawith Phase II studies for diabetic peripheral neuropathy starting soon. Potential applications extend to a variety of chronic and acute pain conditions.

Dr. Deco Deng, Founder of Fermion, said: “We are pleased to partner with Simcere, a leading pharmaceutical company. Promise for patients suffering from pain.”

Zhou Gaobo, Chief Investment Officer of Simcere, added: “Pain greatly impacts the quality of life of patients and remains a major unmet clinical need. new partners like Fermion to provide more effective and safe pain therapies to patients as soon as possible.”

Under the agreement, Simcere will acquire exclusive rights to develop and commercialize FZ002-037 in Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macauand Taiwan). Fermion will receive upfront payments, milestone payments, and tiered royalties based on future sales.

About Fermion Technology

Fermion is a clinical-stage, AI-driven biotech company founded in 2019. The company focuses on developing a variety of best-in-class (BIC) and first-in-class (FIC) products in central nervous system (CNS) and autoimmune fields. Leveraging the proprietary Drug Studio AI platform, Fermion features high target selectivity and tissue targeting to minimize off-target effects, ensure accurate distribution to target tissues, and improve to develop new drugs with improved safety profiles.

For more information, please visit: www.fulmz.com.

About Simcere Pharmaceuticals

Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited (2096.HK) is a pharmaceutical company driven by innovative R&D, and has a “State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development”. Simcere is committed to “providing today’s patients with the medicines of the future” in the following core therapeutic areas: oncology, central nervous system, autoimmunity and anti-infection. In addition, Simcere is also actively expanding its presence in disease areas with significant clinical needs in the future.

Simcere’s industry-leading capabilities and commitment to synergistic innovation have also enabled various strategic collaborations and are seen as the partner of choice for innovative biopharmaceutical companies, medical institutions, and research teams in China and around the world.

For more information, please visit: www.simcere.com

FZ002-037

FZ002-037 is a Phase II ready non-opioid pain treatment that acts as an oral SSTR4 agonist. It is the first SSTR4 agonist to enter clinical trials China and the second in the whole world. The drug shows excellent selectivity, with a double-digit pM EC50 and strong efficacy in several models of chronic and acute pain. Phase I studies revealed a favorable safety profile, with no reported CNS or gastrointestinal adverse events, and an attractive PK profile (potential once-daily dosing). These characteristics highlight its potential as a breakthrough therapeutic option to address the unmet need for effective, non-addictive pain relief.

For more information, please visit: https://www.fulmz.com

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