GSK and Zhifei revise and extend strategic vaccine collaboration in China
- Shingrix collaboration extended to 2034
- Expanded exclusive rights to explore collaboration with Zhifei on Arexvy
- Creates sustainable, long-term collaboration to bring innovative vaccines to more than 500 million people in China
GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products, Ltd. (Zhifei) to revise the terms on which Zhifei will commercialise GSK’s shingles vaccine, Shingrix, in mainland China. The revised agreement extends the original 3-year period (2024-2026) during which Zhifei has exclusive rights to import, distribute and co-promote the vaccine in mainland China for an additional 8 years through to 2034, with revised expected volumes. Under the revised agreement, Zhifei also agrees to engage exclusively with GSK to explore a potential collaboration, with an initial term of 10 years, on the commercialisation of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine in mainland China, subject to regulatory approval of the vaccine.
Zhifei is the largest Chinese vaccine company by revenue, has an extensive network which covers more than 30,000 vaccination points across the country, and a strong track record of driving access to innovative vaccines in China.
Luke Miels, Chief Commercial Officer, GSK, said: “This revised agreement with Zhifei puts our collaboration on a sustainable footing, managing challenges in the macro environment in the near-term, and helping us to reach even more Chinese people with our innovative adult vaccines over the long-term.”
Financial Considerations
This agreement amends the agreement previously announced in October 2023. Subject to the terms of the revised agreement, the parties expect Zhifei will purchase volumes of Shingrix, phased over time, with a potential total value to GSK of £2.3bn (at current exchange rates) over the 6-year period 2024-2029. Previously contracted minimum purchase levels no longer apply.