Chinese clinical-stage AI-enabled drug discovery company Guangzhou Fermion Technology Co., Ltd announced on Saturday that it has partnered with China-based Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited (HKEX: 2096), a manufacturer and supplier of branded generic pharmaceuticals in the Chinese market.

The collaboration is aimed at developing clinical-stage pain treatment asset, FZ002-037, targeting SSTR4. Under the agreement, Simcere will gain exclusive rights to develop and commercialize FZ002-037 in Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan). Fermion will receive an upfront payment, milestone payments and tiered royalties based on future sales.

FZ002-037 is a highly selective oral small-molecule SSTR4 agonist developed by Fermion. Preclinical studies indicate that the drug primarily provides peripheral analgesia without central side effects or addiction risks, making it a promising option for patients requiring long-term pain management. It is the first domestically developed SSTR4 agonist in China and the second globally to reach the clinical stage. The drug has completed Phase I clinical trials in China, with Phase II studies for diabetic peripheral neuropathy set to begin soon. Potential applications extend to various chronic and acute pain conditions.