Pfizer announced it has entered into an exclusive global collaboration and license agreement with Chongqing Yao Pharmaceutical Company (Yao Pharma), a subsidiary of Fosun Pharma, for the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of YP05002, Yao’s oral small-molecule glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.¹

YP05002 is a small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist currently in Phase I development for chronic weight management.

“We look forward to contributing our expertise and resources to continue the development of this investigational GLP-1 small molecule which complements and strengthens our growing portfolio of novel candidates for treating obesity and its adjacent diseases,” said Chris Boshoff, M.D., Ph.D., chief scientific officer and president of research & development at Pfizer. “Cardiometabolic research is a strategic priority for Pfizer that has the potential to be a key driver of growth for our business.”

Yao Pharma independently researched and developed the licensed small-molecule GLP-1 agonists with proprietary intellectual property rights, intended for the treatment of metabolic diseases.¹

The treatment’s potential indications including:

• Chronic weight management
• Type 2 diabetes,
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis

What are the terms of the collaboration and license agreement?

Per the terms of the agreement, Yao Pharma will be expected to complete its ongoing Phase I clinical trial for YP05002 along with granting Pfizer an exclusive license to further develop, manufacture, and commercialize YP05002 worldwide, along with any products containing such oral small molecule GLP-1R agonists as an active ingredient.¹ Yao Pharma is also set to receive an upfront payment of $150 million and will be granted eligibility to receive milestone payments tied to certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones worth upwards of $1.935 billion along with tiered royalties on sales, if approved.¹

"The partnership with Pfizer marks the international recognition of Yao pharma's R&D capabilities. We firmly believe that only through openness and collaboration can the value of innovation be maximized," Mr. Liu Qiang, chairman of Yao Pharma, stated, "Leveraging Pfizer's exceptional global development experience and commercialization network, along with Yao Pharma's profound expertise in small molecule R&D and manufacturing, our shared goal is to enable this innovative drug candidate to be developed and commercialized in order to benefit patients worldwide more quickly and broadly."

Following the closing of the agreement, Pfizer is expected to hold combination studies of YP05002 with PF-07976016, Pfizer’s glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor antagonist current undergoing Phase II development.¹

Fosun Pharma’s chairman makes statement about the collaboration agreement

"The global collaboration with Pfizer is another significant milestone in Fosun Pharma's strategy of innovation and internationalization." Mr. Chen Yuqing, chairman of Fosun Pharma, said, "Fosun Pharma is committed to addressing unmet clinical needs. We look forward to working with Pfizer to expedite the global development and commercialization of YP05002, with the goal of working toward addressing the challenges of obesity and metabolic diseases for patients in need."

Sources

1. Pfizer Enters into Exclusive Collaboration and License Agreement with Yao Pharma Pfizer December 9, 2025 https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209536063/en/Pfizer-Enters-into-Exclusive-Collaboration-and-License-Agreement-with-YaoPharma
2. Fosun Pharma's Subsidiary Yao Pharma and Pfizer Enter into Exclusive Collaboration and License Agreement Fosun Pharma December 9, 2025 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fosun-pharmas-subsidiary-yao-pharma-and-pfizer-enter-into-exclusive-collaboration-and-license-agreement-302636496.html