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China-based startup ElpasBio Holdings, a leading clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on regenerative medicine, has entered into a collaboration agreement with Fosun Kairos for the commercialisation of ElpasBio's investigational allogeneic human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (haMPC) therapy, lotazadromcel (trade name AlloJoin®) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR.
AlloJoin® is ElpasBio's core investigational, off-the-shelf stem cell product, developed entirely in-house based on its proprietary haMPC technology platform and protected by independent intellectual property rights. The therapy is being explored for its potential to provide safe and durable symptom relief for KOA patients by suppressing inflammation and promoting the repair of damaged cartilage, with the goal of becoming the world's first approved regenerative medicine product with the potential to modify the progression of KOA.
AlloJoin® is currently being studied in a Phase III pivotal clinical trial in KOA in China, following the completion of Phase I and Phase II clinical studies that demonstrated favorable safety profile, along with significant improvement in the symptoms of knee joint pain and stiffness in KOA patients. Leveraging Fosun Kairos's commercialization expertise and market insights in the cell therapy sector, ElpasBio has granted Fosun Kairos exclusive commercialization rights of AlloJoin® in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR.
Under the terms of the agreement, ElpasBio will receive an upfront payment and milestone payments. ElpasBio will continue to be responsible for the development, regulatory registration, and manufacturing of AlloJoin® in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR, and will retain all commercialization rights outside these territories.
