Lilly, Junshi to Co-Develop COVID Antibody Therapies

Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE: LLY) and Junshi Biosciences in
China are partnering to develop therapeutic antibodies for potential
prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Lilly says it will receive an
exclusive license to perform clinical development, manufacturing and
distribution of products outside of China.

Junshi Biosciences, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in discovery,
development and commercialization of novel therapies, will maintain all
rights in greater China. Lilly says the biosciences company launched one of
the industry’s first research and development efforts focused on discovering
therapies to combat COVID-19 from the beginning of the outbreak.

“Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have been working diligently to join the
fight against the pandemic. Entering into this agreement with Lilly empowers
us to accelerate the clinical development of Junshi SARS-CoV-2 antibodies
globally,” said Dr. Ning Li, Junshi Biosciences’ chief executive officer.
“At the same time, by leveraging Lilly’s global presence and capabilities,
we have the potential to reach broader COVID-19 patient populations in a
wider range of countries and regions.”

The companies say they are planning to submit an Investigational New Drug
application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“As the number of global cases continues to grow, there is an urgent need to
study multiple complementary approaches to address this disease,” stated Dr.
Daniel Skovronsky, Lilly’s chief scientific officer and president of Lilly
Research Laboratories.

Photo Courtesy of Eli Lilly