Zhifei and GSK reached strategic cooperation, adding a new blockbuster product

 On October 8, 2023, Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Zhifei") and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK Biological, GSK Hong Kong, hereinafter collectively referred to as "GSK") signed an "Exclusive Distribution and Co-promotion Agreement". The two parties will conduct in-depth cooperation on SHINGRIX® (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine) developed and produced by GSK. The signing of this agreement marks the official start of cooperation between Zhifei and GSK. In the future, both parties will jointly promote innovative and high-quality vaccine products to benefit more Chinese people and create better social and corporate benefits.

According to the agreement, GSK will exclusively supply SHINGRIX® (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine) to Zhifei and authorize Zhifei to import, distribute, and promote this product in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions). The initial period of the agreement is three years and may be extended for another three years after the initial period. Further extension of the agreement after these period is also possible. In the future, the two parties will jointly conduct marketing and promotion work of SHINGRIX®, and enhance the public awareness of disease prevention and vaccination together.

In addition, the two parties also reached a preliminary cooperation intention on the RSV vaccine developed and produced by GSK. GSK granted a right of first refusal with Zhifei to be the exclusive partner for the co-development and commercialisation of any RSV Older Adults vaccine in the agreed Territory.The two parties will further discuss specific cooperation matters on RSV vaccine based on the actual situation such as the vaccine's launch time.

Zhifei has always implemented the two-wheel drive of "technology & market" and has embarked on an independent and unique development path. Marketing promotion and technological innovation promote and empower each other. While achieving performance breakthroughs, the company also consolidates and improves its independent research and development capabilities, strengthens its comprehensive competitiveness, and gradually becomes one of the leading companies in the China vaccine industry.

After more than 20 years of deep cultivation in the China vaccine market, Zhifei has now built a large-scale, deep-coverage, professional and compliant direct sales team, providing professional and efficient " Last mile" service. The signing of this agreement marks that the company's marketing capabilities and comprehensive strength have been recognized by more partners around the world. In the future, more high-quality innovative products are expected to transform from technological innovation to real social benefits and commercial value through the company's marketing network.

Zhifei has always adhered "prioritizing social benefits over corporate profits" as its corporate purpose, and continues to bring high-quality vaccine products to the public to help domestic disease prevention and control. With the purpose of "unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together", GSK aims to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people in the next ten years.

Jiang Rensheng,chairman of Zhifei, said that the successful signing of this agreement is due to the high recognition of Zhifei and GSK's corporate culture and corporate mission. In the future, both companies will cooperate sincerely and work hand in hand towards a common goal to introduce innovative and high-quality vaccine products to China to reach and benefit more people, and continuously help improve vaccine accessibility and the development of public health.

Zhifei will also adhere to the mission of “preventing and treating diseases to protect human health”, enhance marketing promotion, strengthen scientific research and innovation, actively develop strategic partners, deeply implement international development strategy, and strive to become a “world-class national biopharmaceutical company”.

About shingles
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. Globally, most adults aged 50 and older have the varicella-zoster virus lurking in their nervous systems and are therefore at risk for shingles. As age increases, VZV-specific cellular immune function gradually decreases, thereby increasing the risk of developing shingles. People who are immunosuppressed or have compromised immune systems are also at risk of developing shingles. Shingles usually appears as a rash with painful blisters on the chest, abdomen, or face. Shingles-related pain is often described as dull, burning, stinging, or electric shock-like pain. Patients may develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-term nerve pain that may last for weeks or months, or even years in some patients. PHN is the most common complication of shingles, with an incidence rate of 5%-30% among patients with shingles, and is related to the age of the patient.

About SHINGRIX® (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine)
SHINGRIX® (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine) is an inactive, recombinant subunit-adjuvanted vaccine that was first approved for marketing in China in 2019 and is used to prevent shingles in adults aged 50 and above. This vaccine combines the recombinant antigen glycoprotein E and the AS01B adjuvant system, may help overcome the decline in immune function that occurs with aging , and help to protect adults aged 50 and above from the challenges of shingles.

About GSK
GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. For more information, please visit www.gsk-china.com.

About Zhifei
Zhifei, with the mission of "preventing and treating diseases to protect human health", is an international, full-industry chain high-tech bio-pharmaceutical enterprise integrating R&D, production, sales, distribution, import and export of vaccines and biological products.