Grand Pharmaceutical Group Limited (HKEX: 00512), the Hong Kong-listed diversified pharmaceutical company, has announced a strategic partnership with the University of Hong Kong and its wholly-owned commercialization arm, HKU Versitech Limited, to advance the discovery and development of novel antibacterial drugs. The Grand Pharma University of Hong Kong partnership will center on the research capabilities of Prof. Li Xuechen, Morningside Endowed Professor in Chemical Biology and Chair Professor in Medicinal Chemistry at HKU’s Department of Chemistry, whose laboratory has established capabilities in peptide and protein synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and chemical biology.
The collaboration will leverage the research platform of Prof. Li Xuechen at HKU, focusing on peptide, protein, and chemical biology approaches. HKU will lead early-stage discovery, while Grand Pharma will take responsibility for clinical development, regulatory approval, and commercialization under an exclusive license. Financial terms were not disclosed.
No specific candidates have been identified, reflecting the early-stage nature of the program. The effort targets antibacterial innovation amid rising antimicrobial resistance and a structurally weak global pipeline.
Grand Pharma said the deal aligns with its strategy of pairing academic research with its development and commercialization capabilities. The company cited HKU’s global ranking and strengths in protein and peptide chemistry as supporting factors. The partnership follows a broader industry shift toward academia-led discovery and industry-led development models. Grand Pharma noted that outcomes from the collaboration remain uncertain.