Vertex out-licenses povetacicept to Zai Lab

US biopharma Vertex Pharmaceuticals  (Nasdaq: VRTX) has entered an exclusive collaboration and license agreement  with China’s Zai Lab (HKEX: 9688) for the development and commercialization of Vertex’s povetacicept (pove) in mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Taiwan region and Singapore (the licensed territory).

Pove is a recombinant fusion protein therapeutic and dual antagonist of BAFF (B cell activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand) with best-in-class potential being studied for the treatment of Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) and other B cell-mediated diseases. Vertex gained rights to the drug along with its $4.9 billion acquisition of Alpine Immune Sciences last year.

In return, Vertex will receive an undisclosed upfront payment, as well as certain regulatory milestone payments and tiered royalties, on net sales of pove in the Zai Lab region of focus. Zai Lab will use its extensive research and development expertise to help advance clinical trials and make regulatory submissions in the licensed territory. Leveraging its large commercial footprint, Zai Lab will be responsible for all commercialization activities in the licensed territory once pove becomes an approved product.