Major drugmakers turn to China for licensing deals
Rona Therapeutics signed a licensing deal with Roche worth up to $1.16 billion for an experimental obesity drug candidate, including $100 million upfront. The deal is the latest in a series of licensing agreements between Chinese biotech companies and global drugmakers.
1. Roche-Rona agreement
Rona Therapeutics said it signed a licensing deal with Roche for an experimental RNAi drug targeting ALK7 for obesity and metabolic diseases. The deal includes $100 million upfront and could be worth up to $1.16 billion.
2. Recent deal activity
The listed agreements include Novartis’ deal with Abogen, worth up to $7.8 billion, and AstraZeneca’s January 2026 licensing deal with CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, worth up to $18.5 billion. Chinese biotechs often retain domestic rights and license drugs overseas for upfront and milestone payments as well as royalties.
