Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals for HRS-5346, an investigational oral small molecule designed to lower Lipoprotein(a) Lp(a) levels. Lp(a) is a known risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, affecting millions worldwide. Under the terms of the agreement, Merck will gain rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize HRS-5346 outside of Greater China. Hengrui Pharma will receive an upfront payment of $200 million and may earn up to $1.77 billion in milestone payments, along with royalties on future sales. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.
HRS-5346 is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials in China and offers a potential new treatment for patients with elevated Lp(a) levels, a condition linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Merck views the drug as a valuable addition to its cardio-metabolic pipeline, aiming to expand treatment options for cardiovascular disease. Hengrui Pharma executives expressed confidence that Merck’s expertise and resources would accelerate the drug’s global development, potentially bringing a new therapeutic option to patients at risk of cardiovascular complications.
