China's ZAI Lab in-licenses two respiratory drugs from Sanofi

China-based ZAI Lab has obtained global rights for two novel compounds from French pharma major Sanofi (Euronext: SAN), both of which are potential treatments for chronic respiratory diseases, reports ChinaBio Today.

ZAI’s newly in-licensed compounds have completed their preclinical development. ZAI will be responsible for all further development costs, while Sanofi will be paid milestones (development and approval), along with tiered royalties from global net sales. Further details were not disclosed. Sanofi was developing the drugs as treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Samantha Du, who founded the company and serves as chief executive, said in a statement: “ZAI Lab’s vision is to develop innovative medicines that can treat patients with serious medical conditions including chronic respiratory diseases. Chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma are becoming a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in China with no effective treatments. By working with Sanofi, ZAI Lab intends to initiate the development activities to bring effective therapies to patients globally.”