Less than a year after its founding, Shanghai-based SciNeuro Pharmaceuticals is gearing up for a race to the clinical stage as Chinese bioventures revive their interest in central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
Well-Funded Chinese Venture Races To Clinic Amid Reviving CNS Interest
SciNeuro’s latest in-licensing deals include three assets for major neurodegenerative diseases from Lilly and Mabylon, but the Chinese bioventure is looking beyond the shopping spree at what it sees as outstanding CNS needs.

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Chinese biopharma companies’ alliance strategies are transitioning from immediate cash needs to more strategic management of portfolios, as MNCs continue to hunt for derisked assets.
Menarini's Asia-Pacific CEO talks to Scrip about how the Italian group is tailoring its portfolio and pricing approach to local markets making strong strides in primary care and consumer health, while also charting a distinct path in rare diseases and oncology. The China market is also a key focus including as a potential source of innovation as is partnering, where the group has a rich history.
AstraZeneca remains committed to investing in R&D and alliances in China, where Susan Galbraith, the UK major’s head of oncology R&D, sees innovation eventually reaching parity with the US and Europe.
After a more than three-year hiatus, China's Hengrui has signalled its return to multiregional Phase III trials as it looks to globalize its innovative pipeline. Meanwhile, a number of other Chinese players have announced plans to kick off Phase III trials this year and beyond.
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Compass' bispecific antibody tovecimig hits primary efficacy endpoint in Phase II/III top-line data in advanced biliary tract cancer, and may have class side-effect advantages. But additional survival data may be needed to support US approval.
AstraZeneca remains committed to investing in R&D and alliances in China, where Susan Galbraith, the UK major’s head of oncology R&D, sees innovation eventually reaching parity with the US and Europe.
Trump announced a 26% reciprocal tariff on India but a country-agnostic exemption of pharmaceuticals implies that the interests of Indian firms and the US consumer are protected for now. What is Indian pharma’s business exposure and what is domestic industry saying?