On November 2, 2026, Simcere Pharmaceutical Group announced a further expansion of its commercialization collaboration with Lynk Pharmaceuticals (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Lynk Pharmaceuticals") regarding the selective JAK1 inhibitor zemprocitinib. Simcere will receive exclusive commercialization rights for zemprocitinib in the treatment of adult moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and other dermatological indications in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
Dr. Zhao-Kui (ZK) Wan, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Lynk Pharmaceuticals, said: "Zemprocitinib is an important innovative asset developed by Lynk Pharmaceuticals in the field of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and its atopic dermatitis indication is about to enter the commercialization stage. At this important moment, we are very pleased to further expand the scope of our collaboration and deepen our partnership with Simcere Pharmaceutical Group. Simcere has a solid business foundation and rich commercialization experience in the field of autoimmune diseases. Its professional marketing capabilities and Lynk's innovative R&D advantages are highly complementary. We look forward to working together to advance the commercialization of zemprocitinib for dermatological indications and provide new treatment options for more patients."
Mr. Yunshu Zhou, President of Simcere Pharmaceutical Group, said: "Lynk Pharmaceuticals has demonstrated solid R&D capabilities in the field of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Zemprocitinib has made positive progress in clinical development for indications such as atopic dermatitis and rheumatoid arthritis, demonstrating strong development potential. This collaboration will further expand the commercialization scope of zemprocitinib in the field of dermatology and create synergy with Simcere's existing dermatology portfolio. We look forward to working with Lynk Pharmaceuticals to bring this innovative therapy to more patients in need."
Zemprocitinib is a highly selective, oral, second-generation JAK1 inhibitor independently developed by Lynk Pharmaceuticals. It is currently being developed for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Zemprocitinib has completed a pivotal Phase III clinical study in atopic dermatitis. Its New Drug Application (NDA) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD was accepted by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in April 2026. The Phase III clinical study of zemprocitinib for rheumatoid arthritis has also been completed, while its Phase III clinical development program for ankylosing spondylitis is ongoing.
Simcere Pharmaceutical Group and Lynk Pharmaceuticals first entered into a collaboration in March 2022, under which Simcere obtained exclusive commercialization rights to zemprocitinib for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The expanded collaboration covers atopic dermatitis and other dermatological indications, further expanding the commercial potential of zemprocitinib and strengthening Simcere's portfolio in the field of autoimmune diseases.