-Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated  and Zai Lab Limited announced an exclusive collaboration and license agreement 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.

Under the terms of the agreement, Vertex will receive an upfront payment, as well as certain regulatory milestone payments and tiered royalties, on net sales of pove in the region of focus for Zai Lab. Zai Lab will utilize 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.

“Zai Lab’s deep R&D and commercialization expertise, as well as infrastructure in the region, make them the ideal partner for Vertex as we work to bring pove to patients in China and the broader area,” said Reshma Kewalramani, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Vertex. “We are excited about this collaboration with Zai Lab, which will accelerate our ability to bring this potential best-in-class therapy to patients who are waiting.”

“Pove is an important expansion of our portfolio as we continue to solidify our leading position in immunology in China,” said Samantha Du, Founder, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Zai Lab. “We are committed to bringing innovative therapies to patients in need, and we are excited about this collaboration with Vertex to make pove available for patients in China and beyond.”