Henlius, XtalPi sign deals to expand abroad as Chinese drug companies ‘go out’ for growth

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Shanghai Henlius struck a deal in Saudi Arabia while XtalPi signed a partnership with Sinar Mas Multiartha in Indonesia

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Fosun’s Shanghai Henlius, Tecent-backed XtalPi ink partnership deals with Asian partners. Photo: Shanghai Henlius

Eric Ng

Published: 3:40pm, 7 Nov 2024Updated: 7:01pm, 11 Nov 2024

Two Chinese technology firms involved in the development of pharmaceutical drugs have clinched partnership agreements in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as the industry increasingly looks beyond China’s shores with its cutting edge technology in search of growth opportunities.

Fosun Group’s Shanghai Henlius Biotech subsidiary struck a deal with the Fakeeh family’s Al Tiryaq Al-Khalawi Medical Company (SVAX) to set up two ventures in Saudi Arabia to produce and market pharmaceuticals, according to an announcement at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

QuantumPharm, a drug discoverer powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that has been renamed XtalPi, signed a partnership with Sinar Mas Multiartha to use quantum physics, AI and robotics to spur the research and development of innovative products, including drugs and new materials in Indonesia.

“The collaboration [with SVAX] is a key part of Henlius’ globalisation blueprint, which will accelerate our business development in key markets and augment our international competitiveness,” said the company’s CEO Zhu Jun.

Shanghai Henlius Biotech’s chairman Zhang Wenjie (fourth left), SVAX’s founder Professor Mazen M. Hassanain (fourth right) and the Fakeeh Family Enterprises’ president Ammar Fakeeh (third right) at a signing ceremony by the two companies in Shanghai. Photo: Handout

The ventures underscore the trend by mainland companies across a range of industries that are expanding offshore to survive the gruelling competition at home. Pharmaceuticals is the latest industry to look overseas to “go out”, joining e-commerce, AI, and electric vehicle assemblers.

Henlius’ ventures with SVAX will produce and commercialise pharmaceuticals, using the Saudi company’s expertise in drug registration, market entry and marketing to increase the supply of affordable therapies in the region commonly known as Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (Menat).