COSCIENS Announces Exclusive Distribution Agreement with Wuzhou Drug International for Macrilen(TM) in Hainan-Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Singapore
Executive Summary
- COSCIENS Biopharma’s subsidiary Aeterna Zentaris GmbH signed an exclusive ten‑year distribution agreement with Wuzhou Drug International Trading Limited for Macrilen® (macimorelin) in Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and the Chinese provinces of Guangdong and Hainan.
- The agreement includes a minimum initial purchase commitment of approximately €800,000 from Wuzhou, creating an immediate revenue stream and establishing a foothold in the Greater Bay Area and Southeast Asian markets.
- The partnership leverages the “Hong Kong and Macau Medicine and Equipment Connect” policy to expedite market access, supporting COSCIENS’ strategy to expand global commercialization of its FDA/EMA‑approved oral diagnostic test for Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD).
Key Details
- Parties:
- Licensor: Aeterna Zentaris GmbH (wholly‑owned subsidiary of COSCIENS Biopharma Inc.)
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Distributor: Wuzhou Drug International Trading Limited, headquartered in Macau.
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Territories Covered: Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Guangdong Province and Hainan Province (People’s Republic of China).
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Term: Initial ten‑year exclusive agreement, with standard renewal provisions (not disclosed).
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Financial Commitment:
- Minimum initial order from Wuzhou: ≈ €800,000.
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No upfront licensing fees or royalty rates disclosed in the release.
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Product: Macrilen® (macimorelin), an oral diagnostic test for Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD). It is the only FDA and EMA‑approved oral AGHD test.
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Regulatory Advantage: Utilizes the “Hong Kong and Macau Medicine and Equipment Connect” policy, enabling accelerated registration and market entry within the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macau Greater Bay Area.
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Strategic Rationale (Management Commentary):
- Provides COSCIENS with a sustainable, long‑term revenue stream in high‑growth Asian markets.
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Addresses an unmet need for convenient oral diagnostics for AGHD patients in the region.
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Distributor Capabilities (Wuzhou Statement):
- Established regulatory expertise and hospital network across Greater China and Southeast Asia.
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Focus on specialty diagnostics, rare diseases, and ophthalmology, aligning with Macrilen®’s market positioning.
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Forward‑Looking Statements: The release contains typical forward‑looking language regarding anticipated benefits of the agreement; actual results may differ due to regulatory, commercial or other risks.
Notable Quotes
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Dr. Matthias Gerlach, SVP & Managing Director, Aeterna Zentaris GmbH:
“We are very pleased to partner with Wuzhou… This agreement represents a key step in our strategy to unlock the global potential of Macrilen® and to build sustainable, long‑term revenue streams.”
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Mr. Zheng Guo Shang, General Manager, Wuzhou Drug International:
“Wuzhou is dedicated to introducing high‑quality, innovative healthcare solutions… We are eager to leverage our regulatory capabilities and hospital network to navigate the approval pathways … ensuring that patients have access to this gold‑standard diagnostic as swiftly as possible.”