3SBio obtains ex-China global rights to Apexigen's anti-TNF mAb technology

3SBio Inc., (HKEX: 1530) ("3SBio"), a leading China-based biotechnology company focused on researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing biopharmaceutical products, today announced that it has acquired the ex-China global rights to Apexigen's anti-TNF monoclonal antibody ("mAb") technology. 3SBio previously acquired the China rights from Apexigen in 2006.

3SBio's anti-TNF mAb, designated SSS07, has completed pre-clinical testing and demonstrated higher potency than the best-known available TNF inhibitors, including adalimumab and infliximab, potentially improving treatment options for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

In March 2015, 3SBio initiated a dose-escalating Phase I trial for SSS07 in China (NCT02460393). A Phase 1b trial is also scheduled to start in early 2016 using multiple doses in healthy individuals.

"Dosing of the first cohort of Phase I trial participants with SSS07 was a significant milestone towards our goal of introducing a safe, effective and affordable treatment for the estimated 17 million patients globally who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, including 4.5 to 5.0 million in China", commented Dr. Jing Lou, 3SBio's Chairman and CEO, "Acquiring the global rights to this anti-TNF mAb technology also positions 3SBio to participate in the US$35 billion global market for anti-TNF inhibitors."