Innovent and Eli Lilly Expand Collaboration

Innovent Biologics, Inc. ("Innovent") (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, autoimmune, cardiovascular and metabolic, ophthalmology and other major diseases, and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today jointly announced a Distribution and Promotion Agreement in Mainland China regarding Lilly's non-covalent (reversible) Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, Jaypirca^® (pirtobrutinib, 100 mg & 50 mg tablets). The agreement highlights the following aspects:

• Innovent will be responsible for the importation, marketing, distribution and promotion of Jaypirca^®;
• Lilly will be responsible for the R&D and post-market medical affairs of Jaypirca^®.

Jaypirca^®, a highly selective kinase inhibitor, utilizes a novel non-covalent binding mechanism to re-establish BTK inhibition in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients previously treated with a covalent BTK inhibitor (approved including ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, zanubrutinib, or orelabrutinib) and extend the benefit of targeting the BTK pathway, thus effectively addressing the unmet clinical needs for these patients. Approved by the U.S. FDA in January 2023, Jaypirca^® (pirtobrutinib) became the first and only approved non-covalent (reversible) BTK inhibitor. In October 2024, Jaypirca^® (pirtobrutinib) received approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after at least two types of systemic therapy, including a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor (Link).

Lilly is conducting comprehensive global Phase 3 development programs (including in China), in first-line and relapse or refractory patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), and BTK inhibitor-naïve relapse or refractory MCL, to explore monotherapy or combination therapy.

Under the agreement, Innovent holds the sole commercialization rights for Jaypirca^® in Mainland China, overseeing importation, marketing, distribution and promotion. Lilly will be responsible for R&D and post-market medical affairs. Leveraging Innovent's established hematology oncology commercial team and Lilly's deep expertise in drug development and scientific insights in the therapeutic area, the partnership is committed to broadening access to innovative treatments and improving outcomes for cancer patients in Mainland China.

Dr. Michael Yu, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Innovent, stated: "Building on our long-term strategic collaboration with Lilly, we are proud to expand our collaboration through this agreement. Jaypirca^®, the world's first and only approved non-covalent (reversible) BTK inhibitor, represents a breakthrough treatment option for patients who have previously received BTK inhibitors. Innovent has built a robust and leading portfolio in the hematological malignancy field, consisting of TYVYT® (sintilimab injection), HALPRYZA® (rituximab injection), olverembatinib, FUCASO® (Equecabtagene Autoleucel Injection), and Jaypirca®. By fully leveraging our commercialization capabilities and extensive coverage in this field, we aim to bring forward innovative medicines to benefit cancer patients and further enhance our leading position in oncology. We remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing the biopharmaceutical industry through collaborative efforts so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible."

Huzur Devletsah, President and General Manager of Lilly China, states, "Lilly is thrilled to appoint Innovent for the distribution and promotion of Jaypirca® marking a pivotal moment in hematologic cancer treatment for Lilly. This agreement allows to rapidly increase patient access in Mainland China by drawing on Innovent's robust market presence and our extensive R&D expertise. Together, we are poised to deliver innovative therapies and support the 'Healthy China 2030' initiative, continuing our commitment: 'In China, For China."

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