Jiangsu Vcare Pharmatech Co., Ltd. (Jiangsu Vcare) announced that it has entered into an exclusive strategic partnership with Huadong Medicine (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huadong Medicine Co., Ltd. (000963.SZ, "Huadong Medicine"), for the commercialization rights of Jiangsu Vcare's innovative product VC005 tablets in mainland China.

Under the agreement, Jiangsu Vcare will remain the marketing authorization holder (MAH) and retain responsibility for R&D, registration, manufacturing, and supply of VC005 tablets. Jiangsu Vcare will receive an upfront payment of RMB 50 million and registration milestone payments of up to RMB 180 million. Huadong Medicine will take charge of commercialization and market promotion across mainland China.

VC005 tablet is a second-generation, highly selective JAK1 inhibitor independently developed by Jiangsu Vcare. Designed to treat multiple autoimmune diseases, the therapy is currently is being evaluated in a phase III trial for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in China, with phase III for ankylosing spondylitis and Phase II trial for vitiligo are being initiated.

Dr. Gong Yanchun, Co-founder and General Manager of Jiangsu Vcare, stated: "As one of Jiangsu Vcare's core clinical-stage assets, VC005 tablets represent a significant strategic move in the autoimmune filed. This collaboration with Huadong Medicine underscores the strong commercial potential of our self-developed innovative drugs, while accelerating their pathway to market and maximizing both clinical and commercial value. By combining VC005's differentiated clinical advantages with Huadong Medicine's robust commercialization expertise, we are confident this win-win partnership will bring the therapy to more patients and achieve broad market recognition."

Mr. Lv Liang, Chairman and General Manager of Huadong Medicine, added: "The autoimmune field is a core strategic priority for Huadong Medicine. VC005 tablets, with their potential to address multiple autoimmune conditions including atopic dermatitis, ankylosing spondylitis, and vitiligo, will further strengthen our leading position in China's autoimmune market. Leveraging our nationwide market coverage and deep experience in this therapeutic area, we believe VC005 will achieve strong market penetration and deliver meaningful benefits to patients."