On December 3, 2025, Simcere Pharmaceutical Group (2096.HK) announced that it has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Vigonvita Life Science Co., Ltd. for new indications of deuterated remididevir hydrobromide. Under the agreement, Simcere will obtain exclusive rights in the Greater China region for the development and commercialization of deuterated remididevir hydrobromide for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection. The collaboration further strengthens Simcere’s anti-infective pipeline and strategic deployment in the infectious disease therapeutic area.
Deuterated remididevir hydrobromide is an oral nucleoside analogue with broad-spectrum antiviral potential against RNA viruses, acting through inhibition of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). A Phase II clinical study evaluating the dry suspension formulation for RSV infection in infants and young children (1–24 months) has been completed in China. The results demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety, leading to Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China’s National Medical Products Administration. Additionally, the tablet formulation of deuterated remididevir hydrobromide has previously been approved in China for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults.
Dr. Guanghui Tian, Chairman and General Manager of Vigonvita, stated: “The dry suspension formulation of deuterated remididevir hydrobromide has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation and is expected to become the world’s first nucleoside-based antiviral approved for RSV. This exclusive licensing collaboration with Simcere will accelerate the development of indications for RSV and HMPV, with the goal of making better treatment options available to patients sooner.”
Mr. Gaobo Zhou, Chief Investment Officer of Simcere, commented: “RSV affects people of all ages, and remains particularly harmful to infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, for whom effective antiviral treatments are still limited. We are pleased to partner with Vigonvita to advance the development and commercialization of innovative antiviral therapies, with the hope of bringing more effective treatment options to patients as quickly as possible.”