NEW YORK – YolTech Therapeutics and Salubris Pharmaceuticals have inked an exclusive licensing agreement focused on advancing a PCSK9-targeting base-editing treatment in mainland China for certain low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-driven cardiovascular conditions.
In the deal valued at RMB 1.04 billion ($146 million), Shenzhen, China-headquartered biotech Salubris gains exclusive rights to develop and commercialize YOLT-101 in mainland China, excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. YolTech, a Shanghai-based gene-editing company, will receive RMB 205 million as upfront payment and for meeting development milestones and is eligible to receive up to RMB 830 million in additional commercial milestone payments. Salubris will also pay YolTech tiered royalties on net sales of YOLT-101 if it achieves marketing authorization in the licensed region.
YolTech designed YOLT-101 as a single-course in vivo base-editing medicine that permanently inhibits the PCSK9 gene in the liver and reduces LDL-C associated with various cardiovascular conditions. YOLT-101 is currently undergoing testing in a clinical trial involving patients with high-risk heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and uncontrolled LDL-C levels despite oral standard treatments.
The terms of the agreement with Salubris stipulate that YolTech will continue with preclinical studies of YOLT-101, and Salubris will conduct clinical trials in mainland China.
"The preclinical data for YOLT-101 are compelling, showing significant and sustained LDL-C reduction with just a single dose in nonhuman primate models," YolTech CEO and Founder Yuxuan Wu said in a statement. "This partnership will undoubtedly expedite the advancement and commercialization of YOLT-101 in mainland China, allowing us to bring this groundbreaking therapy to patients in need."