Suzhou Ribo Life Science Co., Ltd. (HKEX: 06938) and its subsidiary Ribocure Pharmaceuticals AB announced an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Madrigal Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: MDGL) for six pre-clinical small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics targeting metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The deal leverages Ribo’s proprietary GalSTAR liver-targeting siRNA platform and encompasses global development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights for multiple preclinical assets.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ribo will receive an upfront payment of USD 60 million, with potential cumulative milestone payments reaching USD 4.4 billion contingent upon successful development, regulatory achievements, and commercial performance. The collaboration provides Madrigal an exclusive global license to develop and commercialize the siRNA programs, with Ribo eligible to receive additional royalties on future net sales.
Deal Context: siRNA therapeutic innovation
The licensing agreement centers on Ribo’s validated GalSTAR platform, which enables precise hepatocyte-targeted RNA interference. The technology aims to develop novel treatments for MASH, a serious liver disease characterized by progressive inflammation and fibrosis. By targeting multiple disease-causing genes through advanced siRNA approaches, including potential bi-specific siRNA designs, the collaboration seeks to address critical unmet medical needs in liver metabolic disorders.
MASH represents a significant clinical challenge, being the leading cause of liver transplantation in women and the second most common indication for liver transplantation in the US. Patients with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis face dramatically elevated risks of liver-related mortality, underscoring the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies.