US-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals and China-based Zai Lab have announced an exclusive collaboration and license agreement for the development and commercialisation 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 utilise 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.