Taiwan's TaiGen Biotechnology has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Joincare Pharmaceutical Group, a Chinese pharmaceutical company, to develop and commercialise TG-1000 in China.

TG-1000 is a novel pan-influenza antiviral, which interrupts viral replication and transmission via a cap-snatching mechanism to demonstrate broad-spectrum activity against influenza-A, influenza-B, avian flu H7N9, and Tamiflu-resistant viruses.

Upon the agreement takes effect, Joincare will be responsible for the subsequent development, registration, and commercialisation of TG-1000 in the territory by undertaking all costs of clinical trials. The territory includes China, Hong Kong and Macao. Under the terms of the agreement, Joincare will make an upfront payment of RMB 20 million and milestone payments, followed by up to 11% of royalties.

The license agreement is the first step of TG-1000 global licensing strategy, and it's also the first milestone of business partnership after the COVID-19 pandemic. Next step of TaiGen is to focus on the licensing in the territories of Europe, the US and other marketplaces.

Influenza is a critical infectious disease listed as one of the TOP 10 global health threats. With the loosening of the COVID-19 epidemic prevention measures, the flu has come back again. Australia has had its worst flu season in 5 years in 2022. The US CDC estimated 26~50 million people infected and 18,000~55,000 patients died in 2022~2023 flu season. The flu infection in mainland China has surpassed the peak of the past three years.