MRC Technology and Yabao Pharmaceuticals announce exclusive partnership in China to develop novel therapeutics for Parkinson’s disease

MRC Technology, a medical research charity, and Yabao Pharmaceutical Co, Inc., a leading pharmaceutical company in China, today announced an exclusive license agreement to discover, develop and commercialise innovative compounds targeting a specific kinase involved in neurodegeneration, with the aim of developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Under the terms of the agreement, Yabao receives exclusive rights to discover, develop and commercialise the therapeutics in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong whilst MRC Technology retains rights in all other markets. Financial terms have not been disclosed.

Dr Peng Wang, President R&D, Yabao Pharmaceutical Co. said: “Yabao is pleased to be collaborating with MRC Technology, a leading UK research institute focused on improving the lives of patients through medical discovery. This opportunity for us to expand on leading research to develop innovative products is further evidence of Yabao’s growing commitment to partner the best science to treat serious diseases in China.”

Michael Dalrymple, Director, Business Development at MRC Technology said: “Parkinson’s is a debilitating and destructive disease. We are pleased to combine our expertise in early drug discovery and innovation with the significant resources that Yabao Pharmaceutical Co. can bring to developing ground breaking new medicines. Together we hope to achieve more to bring innovative treatments to patients and improve their quality of life.”