Fosun Pharma’s subsidiary Henlius Biotech has struck a $1.55 billion licensing deal with Japan’s Eisai. Eisai will get exclusive rights to sell the cancer drug serplulimab in Japan. The company will also co-develop and manufacture the drug there. Eisai paid $75 million upfront for these rights, as filed with the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Serplulimab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat various cancers. Henlius is currently conducting a phase two trial in Japan for small cell lung cancer and plans to seek approval next year. The company is also preparing another study to test the drug for stomach cancer patients. Besides the upfront fee, Henlius can earn up to $80 million in regulatory milestones and $233 million based on annual sales. They will also receive double-digit royalties on future revenues. Toshihiko Yusa, Eisai’s executive officer, said, “Serplulimab has already shown its potential in indications with significant unmet medical needs and has obtained approvals in China and the EU.” He added, “Eisai will work closely with Henlius to deliver serplulimab to patients in Japan as quickly as possible.” This deal highlights the growing role of Chinese drug makers in global pharmaceutical partnerships, focusing on long-term cooperation and bringing novel medicines to more patients.