Suzhou Ribo Life Science Co. Ltd. ("Ribo"), an innovative clinical stage R&D company devoted to the development of nucleic acid drugs and related products based on the RNA interference (RNAi) technology, announced today a landmark licensing agreement with Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Qilu"). The partnership grants Qilu the rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize RBD7022, an oligonucleotide therapeutic targeting PCSK9, within the Greater China region, encompassing Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

RBD7022 is a GalNAc-conjugated siRNA (small interfering RNA) drug developed leveraging Ribo's proprietary RIBO-GalSTAR^TM platform.  RBD7022 inhibits PCSK9 protein expression to reduce levels of LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) by preventing the lysosomal degradation of LDL receptors (LDL-R). RBD7022 is intended for treating familial hypercholesterolemia as well as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease patients inadequately controlled by statin therapy and is currently under Phase I clinical trial. RBD7022 has demonstrated significant safety, tolerability, and lipid-lowering efficacy that could allow for extended dosing intervals spanning several months, thereby greatly improves patients' compliance.

Dr. Weikang Tao, Vice President of Qilu and President of the Global Innovative R&D System, remarked: " Qilu is enthusiastically building a leading pipeline of innovative drugs, continually powering forward in therapeutic areas including cardio vasculature to meet unfulfilled clinical needs and enhance our product offerings in various domains. Ribo stands as a leader in development of oligonucleotide therapeutics in China. Collaborating with Ribo, leveraging the innovation to benefit our broad patient across China, is extremely gratifying. We are eager to combine strengths with Ribo in the field of oligonucleotides and expedite the market introduction of this promising new drug to capitalize on the opportunity in the Chinese market and realize our shared vision for a win-win cooperation."

Dr. Zicai Liang, Founder and CEO of Ribo, commented: "Ribo boasts a competitive and rich global pipeline in cardiovascular and metabolic research. The collaboration with Qilu, whose capabilities in drug translation and commercialization are exceptional, gives us confidence that our joint efforts will dramatically quicken the development and commercialization of RBD7022, bringing novel oligonucleotide therapeutic approaches to Chinese patients in the near future."