Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK), a leading biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery, clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative therapeutics targeting critical unmet needs in Asia, has announced a landmark exclusive license agreement with Shaanxi Micot Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd. (Micot). This strategic partnership grants Everest Medicines the rights to commercialize MT1013, the world's first-in-class dual-targeting receptor agonist polypeptide that simultaneously targets the Calcium-Sensing Receptor (CaSR) and the Osteogenic Growth Peptide (OGP) receptor. MT1013 is primarily being developed for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), a severe complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on maintenance hemodialysis.

The agreement covers commercialization rights in China and the broader Asia-Pacific region, excluding Japan. Financial terms include an upfront payment of RMB 200 million from Everest to Micot, with potential milestone payments reaching up to RMB 1,040 million tied to regulatory approvals and commercial achievements. Notably, Micot will bear the ongoing development expenses for MT1013, which has already advanced into a Phase III clinical trial in China. This cost-sharing structure minimizes financial risk for Everest while leveraging Micot's expertise in peptide technology and clinical execution.

MT1013 represents a significant innovation in renal therapeutics. Clinical data from earlier Phase II studies have demonstrated rapid onset of action, robust and sustained efficacy, and a favorable safety profile. Unlike existing therapies, MT1013 has shown superior control over key endpoints, including intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), serum calcium, and phosphate levels. It also improves calcium-phosphate balance, potentially offering cardiovascular protective benefits crucial for CKD patients. The Phase III trial, launched across more than 100 sites in China and using cinacalcet as the active comparator, has already surpassed 50% enrollment, targeting approximately 424 patients with SHPT on hemodialysis. Positive Phase II results were highlighted at the 2025 American Society of Nephrology Annual Meeting in a Late-Breaking oral session, underscoring MT1013's potential to redefine SHPT management.

For Everest Medicines, this deal complements its existing renal pipeline, which focuses on autoimmune-related kidney disorders like glomerulonephritis and dialysis complications. By integrating MT1013, Everest strengthens its leadership in nephrology and autoimmune diseases across Asia. The company's Chairman, Mr. Yifang Wu, emphasized the asset's potential to expand treatment options and drive operating synergies. Everest's established commercialization infrastructure and deep nephrology expertise position it ideally to bring MT1013 to market efficiently.

Micot, a innovative player with a robust pipeline—including one Phase III, three Phase II, and three Phase I assets—views this collaboration as a key milestone. Dr. Bing Wang, Micot's Founder, Chairman, and President, highlighted Everest's commercialization prowess as pivotal for accelerating MT1013's path to patients. This partnership exemplifies the growing trend of strategic alliances in Asia's biopharma sector, where contract research organizations (CROs), contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), and innovative developers pool resources to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and tap into vast patient populations.

The deal aligns with broader industry shifts toward peptide-based therapies and targeted renal treatments. SHPT affects millions in Asia due to rising CKD prevalence, driven by aging populations and lifestyle factors. Current standards like cinacalcet face limitations in efficacy and tolerability, creating a clear unmet need. MT1013's dual mechanism addresses these gaps, potentially capturing significant market share. Regulatory momentum in China, with the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) streamlining approvals for innovative drugs, further de-risks the path forward.

Looking ahead, this collaboration could catalyze further partnerships in pharmaceutical outsourcing and contract services. Everest's global-standard GMP facilities and integrated model will support scalable manufacturing, while Micot's peptide platform may yield additional assets. For pharmaceutical executives, R&D heads, and CRO/CMO leaders, this underscores the value of Asia-Pacific licensing deals in expanding portfolios amid intensifying competition from global players. As Asia solidifies its role in biopharma innovation, such B2B transactions will drive supply chain resilience, technology transfer, and market access in high-growth therapeutic areas like renal disease.

Overall, the Everest-Micot alliance exemplifies strategic pharmaceutical outsourcing and contract services excellence, poised to deliver transformative outcomes for patients and stakeholders alike. (Word count: 728)