As part of a broader strategy to replenish its pipeline amid looming patent expirations, AbbVie has entered into an agreement worth up to $745 million with the Chinese biopharmaceutical firm Haisco. The collaboration focuses on securing international rights for innovative pain management therapies.
Deal structure and strategic rationale:
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Financial terms: AbbVie will provide an upfront payment of $30 million, with additional milestone-based payments totaling up to $715 million. Haisco is also eligible for tiered royalties on net sales of any successful therapies outside of Greater China.
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Asset portfolio: The agreement covers several compounds currently in preclinical or early-stage clinical development. While specific assets were not named, Haisco’s pipeline includes HSK-55718, an injectable NaV1.8-targeting agent for post-operative pain currently in Phase I trials in China.
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Combatting the “patent cliff”: This acquisition is critical for AbbVie as it manages the revenue erosion of its blockbuster drug, Humira. With sales projected to plummet by over 90% by 2032 from its 2022 peak, the company is aggressively pivoting toward its neurology and immunology portfolios to sustain growth.
The partnership reflects a growing industry trend where major Western pharmaceutical companies increasingly turn to China for high-value innovative assets. This marks AbbVie’s second major Chinese collaboration in 2026, following a $5.6 billion oncology deal with RemeGen in January, as the company seeks to fortify its market position ahead of significant revenue losses across the industry.
Source: https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/abbvie-haisco-745m-pain-drug-licensing-deal/?cf-view