Organon, Huya Enter Chinese Drug Pact

Organon, the human healthcare business of Akzo Nobel, has signed a collaboration agreement with HUYA Bioscience International to identify new, proprietary biopharmaceuticals or pharmaceutical compounds. As part of this collaboration, Organon has acquired an equity interest in HUYA. Financial details were not disclosed.

HUYA identifies, licenses and develops Chinese drug candidates for commercialization in Western markets. HUYA has offices in San Diego and Shanghai. Under the terms of the agreement, HUYA will support Organon in the sourcing and development of compounds in three specific therapeutic areas.

“This is an important strategic opportunity for Organon. It is consistent with our research strategy to forge closer links with China’s highly skilled and motivated scientists and significantly expands our own ongoing biotech research programs and capabilities,” said David Nicholson, executive vice president R&D at Organon. “We are very excited by this investment and the prospect of closely collaborating with HUYA.”