Shanghai Scizeng Medical Technology, a subsidiary of Changchun GeneScience Pharmaceutical Co, RTW Investments, LP, and Yarrow Bioscience, Inc. announced an exclusive global ex-China license agreement for GS-098, a first-in-class, humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) to treat Graves’ disease (GD) and thyroid eye disease (TED).

 

GS-098, known as YB-101 outside China, is designed to rapidly block the pathogenic activity of thyroid-stimulating autoantibodies, selectively binding TSHR to inhibit the hyperthyroidism and orbitopathy pathways while avoiding systemic immunosuppression.

 

Under the agreement, Yarrow secures exclusive global rights outside China to develop, manufacture, and commercialize GS-098/YB-101. GenSci retains China rights and will receive a $70 million upfront payment, a $50 million near-term development milestone, and additional payments totaling up to $1.365 billion, including tiered double-digit royalties on future sales.

 

“This landmark partnership with RTW Investments and Yarrow Bioscience, Inc is a strategic step in our vision of becoming a global pharma innovator. GS-098, originated from our Shanghai R&D center, is a first-in-class molecule and has demonstrated the best-in-class potential,” said Dr. Lei Jin, Founder, General Manager & Chief Scientist of GenSci and General Manager of Changchun High-Tech Industry Group. 

 

“Our partners RTW Investments and Yarrow Bioscience, Inc have demonstrated exceptional expertise and experience in developing innovative drugs in the field of immunology and shown great commitment and passion to develop GS-098 in the ex-China territory. We believe that our combined expertise and resources will bring this breakthrough medicine to the Graves’ Disease and Thyroid Eye Disease patients speedily and worldwide.”

 

“This collaboration represents a tremendous opportunity for Yarrow and GenSci to advance GS-098 (YB-101) toward meaningful clinical milestones in both Graves’ disease and thyroid eye disease,” said Rebecca Frey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Yarrow Bioscience. 

 

"Patients suffering from these debilitating autoimmune conditions continue to face substantial unmet needs. YB-101’s highly targeted, TSHR-directed mechanism of action has the potential to transform the treatment landscape, and we look forward to working closely with GenSci to bring this promising therapy to patients worldwide.”

 

“Our partnership with GenSci reflects RTW’s commitment to advancing high-impact science through long-term, collaborative company creation,” said Peter Fong, Partner and President at RTW Investments, LP. 

 

“We are dedicated to building world-class biotechnology companies, and Yarrow represents a model example of this mission in action. Rebecca and the Yarrow leadership team bring exceptional scientific and operational expertise, and we look forward to working closely with them to advance GS-098 (YB-101) and realize its full potential for patients.”