Herbert Smith Freehills Kewei advises Fosun Pharma on international licence agreements with Pfizer and Sitala

International leading law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and its China joint operation partner Kewei have advised China’s pharmaceutical leader Fosun Pharma on international licence agreements with Pfizer Inc. and the UK’s Sitala.

Under these agreements, Fosun Pharma will collaborate with the global partners to develop, manufacture and commercialise its innovative medicines worldwide.

In December, Fosun subsidiaries Chongqing Yao Pharmaceutical Company, Limited, and Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Industrial Development Company Limited entered into an exclusive licence agreement with Pfizer Inc.

In September, Fosun Pharma Industrial signed a licensing agreement with Sitala, a UK-based biotech company developing therapies for inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

Partner Gavin Guo at Herbert Smith Freehills Kewei Joint Operation in Shanghai and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer executive counsel Melanie Bouton in Sydney led a cross-office team advising the client, supported by Singapore associate Pauline Tang.

“These transactions reflect the growing trend of Chinese pharma companies to license their candidate pharmaceuticals to global partners,” said Gavin.

“We are delighted to have helped our client capitalise on its innovative research through the strengths of global partners in regulation, marketing and development.”

The team advised on commercial structuring, regulatory landscapes, long‑term agreement structuring and exit mechanisms to manage risks.

“Life sciences licensing deals are complex and multi‑jurisdictional,” said Melanie.

“The work requires deep sector knowledge and the ability to bridge differences across jurisdictions, whether in regulation, commercial practice or culture.”