BIOPHYTIS and a Consortium of Investors including RONGHUI RENHE Life Technology Join Forces to Finance and Launch First-Ever Phase 3 Trial in Sarcopenia
Creation of a joint venture in Hong Kong
Injection of US$20 million by the consortium of Asian investors
Start of clinical operations in early 2026
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed today between Biophytis, a
pioneering biotechnology company focused on developing transformative therapies that impact
longevity, and a consortium of investors including but not limited to Ronghui Renhe Life Technology, a diversified Chinese conglomerate primarily focused on pharmaceutical retail and healthcare products. This preliminary agreement, which sets the framework under which the parties intend to negotiate definitive agreements, paves the way for the creation of a joint venture headquartered in Hong Kong, dedicated to financing and initiating the world’s first Phase 3 clinical trial in sarcopenia, using Biophytis’ drug candidate, BIO101.
The joint venture aims to bring together complementary strengths: advanced research and innovation from Europe, world-class biopharmaceutical development and regulatory expertise from China, and strong regional financing capabilities from Hong Kong.
The joint venture will be responsible for developing and exclusively commercializing BIO101 in China, Japan, and Korea. The consortium of investors is expected to invest up to US$20 million over the next two years to fund the Phase 3 clinical trial in sarcopenia. It is also anticipated that Biophytis will eithertransfer ownership or grant an exclusive license to the joint venture for certain patents related toBIO101, registered or to be registered in China, Korea, and Japan.
This study is expected to include up to 932 patients in Europe and Asia, including China and Japan.
Its completion would bring hope for treatment to the tens of millions of patients suffering from this degenerative disease.
“This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our mission to combat aging-related decline,” said
Biophytis CEO, Stanislas Veillet. “Together with our esteemed investors, we are embarking on a historic journey to bring BIO101 to the final phase of clinical development, with the potential to significantly improve mobility for older adults globally.”
“Together with Biophytis and our valued partners, we are excited to embark on this groundbreaking journey to advance sarcopenia treatment, reflecting our shared dedication to patient wellbeing and medical progress.” Said Mr Ding Xing, Chairman, Ronghui Renhe Group
The signing of the final agreements – including a shareholders’ agreement and patent transfer or
license agreements – as well as the establishment of the joint venture, are expected by the end of
2025, with operations scheduled to begin in early 2026.
Further details on the joint venture, including its governance structure and development timelines, will be announced in the coming months.