Shanghai, China, July 1, 2026
Junshi Biosciences has entered into a landmark licensing collaboration with Fosun Wanbang Pharma Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fosun Pharma, to accelerate the development, manufacturing, regulatory registration, and commercialization of roconkibart (JS005), its investigational anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody, across the Greater China region. Under the agreement, Junshi Biosciences will receive an upfront payment of RMB 215 million, along with development and commercial milestone payments of up to RMB 1.125 billion, in addition to double-digit tiered royalties based on future net sales. The collaboration represents a significant milestone for Junshi’s expanding autoimmune disease portfolio and combines the company’s innovative biologics platform with Fosun Wanbang’s established commercial infrastructure to accelerate patient access to next-generation immunology therapies. The partnership reflects the growing demand for innovative biologic medicines targeting autoimmune disorders, including plaque psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other inflammatory diseases with substantial unmet medical needs.
Strategic Partnership Accelerates Autoimmune Drug Commercialization
The licensing agreement grants Fosun Wanbang exclusive rights to develop, register, manufacture, and commercialize roconkibart throughout Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Junshi Biosciences will continue to leverage its expertise in biologic drug discovery while Fosun Wanbang applies its extensive experience in clinical development, regulatory affairs, and commercial execution within the immunology market. Company executives stated that the collaboration is designed to accelerate the therapy’s market availability by combining complementary strengths in research, manufacturing, and commercialization.
The agreement also strengthens both companies’ long-term commitment to expanding innovative treatment options for autoimmune diseases, one of the fastest-growing therapeutic segments globally. By integrating scientific innovation with commercial capabilities, the partnership is expected to enhance patient access to advanced biologic therapies while reinforcing China’s position in developing globally competitive biopharmaceutical products.
Phase III Data Demonstrates Strong Clinical Performance
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Roconkibart is a highly selective anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody designed to inhibit inflammatory signaling by blocking the interaction between IL-17A cytokines and their receptors, thereby reducing immune-mediated inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases. Clinical development has produced encouraging results, particularly in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The completed Phase III clinical trial demonstrated a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 90 (PASI 90) response rate of 91% at Week 16 in patients receiving the 150 mg dose, while PASI 100 complete skin clearance reached 65% at Week 52, highlighting durable disease control and sustained therapeutic efficacy.
Following these positive findings, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) for roconkibart in December 2025 for adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Additionally, follow-up activities have now been completed for the Phase II ankylosing spondylitis clinical trial, further expanding the therapy’s development across multiple autoimmune indications.
Strengthening China’s Innovative Biopharmaceutical Landscape
The collaboration underscores Junshi Biosciences’ growing leadership in developing innovative biologic medicines targeting oncology, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and immunology. Since its founding, the company has established a diversified pipeline spanning monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, fusion proteins, nucleic acid therapeutics, vaccines, and small-molecule medicines. Meanwhile, Fosun Pharma continues expanding its immunology and inflammation portfolio through strategic licensing partnerships designed to accelerate commercialization of high-value innovative therapies.
By combining Junshi’s advanced research capabilities with Fosun Wanbang’s commercial expertise, the companies aim to deliver roconkibart to patients more rapidly while supporting China’s expanding biotechnology ecosystem. The agreement represents another important example of domestic pharmaceutical collaboration driving innovation, improving access to advanced biologic treatments, and strengthening the country’s competitive position in the global life sciences industry.
Source: Junshi Biosciences press release
