GSK has entered an exclusive strategic collaboration with Sino Biopharmaceutical’s subsidiary Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group (CTTQ) to accelerate the launch of bepirovirsen in mainland China. The investigational therapy is currently under priority regulatory review in China as a potential first-in-class treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Under the agreement, CTTQ will oversee importation, distribution, hospital access and promotional activities for bepirovirsen across mainland China. GSK will retain responsibility for regulatory oversight, pharmacovigilance, quality and global medical strategy. The collaboration combines GSK’s innovation capabilities with CTTQ’s extensive commercial network, which spans more than 5,000 medical centres across China.

Bepirovirsen is an antisense oligonucleotide designed to reduce hepatitis B virus replication, suppress hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and stimulate immune responses. The therapy is being developed with the aim of achieving a functional cure for CHB, an area of significant unmet medical need as many patients currently require lifelong antiviral therapy.

The candidate has received several regulatory designations globally, including Breakthrough Therapy Designation in China and the US, as well as Fast Track Designation from the US FDA.