Hanmi Financial Partners with Gilead to Transform Oral Drug Delivery with Encequidar
- Hanmi Pharm partners with Gilead Sciences for exclusive rights to develop Encequidar, enhancing oral drug delivery systems.
- The collaboration validates Hanmi's R&D capabilities and aims to improve patient adherence to medications.
- Hanmi's partnership with Gilead strengthens its market position and commitment to global access to innovative treatments.
Hanmi Pharm Partners with Gilead Sciences to Revolutionize Oral Drug Delivery
On September 29, 2025, Hanmi Pharm announces a strategic global licensing agreement with Gilead Sciences, Inc. and Health Hope Pharma (HHP) that grants Gilead exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Encequidar, a novel P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor. This agreement leverages Hanmi’s proprietary Orascovery™ platform, which specializes in converting injectable medications into oral formulations. The collaboration not only allows Gilead to explore Encequidar’s applications within virology but also positions Hanmi and HHP as crucial contributors, providing drug supply and technical expertise throughout the development process.
This partnership is pivotal for both Hanmi and HHP, highlighting the innovative potential of Encequidar in oral drug delivery. Dr. Dennis Lam, founder of HHP, articulates the groundbreaking nature of this agreement, suggesting that Encequidar could play a transformative role across multiple medical fields. The collaboration underscores the increasing importance of oral formulations in improving patient adherence and access to medications. Jae-Hyun Park, CEO of Hanmi Pharm, expresses that this deal validates Hanmi’s research and development capabilities and opens new avenues for growth through partnerships with global leaders in the biopharmaceutical sector.
Historically, Hanmi out-licensed Encequidar and another oral anticancer drug, Oraxol, to Athenex in 2011. Following Athenex's insolvency, the rights transitioned to HHP, which is currently conducting clinical trials for Oraxol in multiple regions, including the U.S., Hong Kong SAR, and New Zealand. With plans for sequential launches across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. starting in June 2025, this renewed collaboration with Gilead represents a significant advancement in the realm of oral drug delivery systems, offering prospects for enhanced patient outcomes and broader access to vital therapies.
In a landscape increasingly focused on innovative therapeutic solutions, this collaboration stands as a testament to the potential of strategic partnerships in the biopharmaceutical industry. The agreement not only strengthens Hanmi's position within the market but also emphasizes the company’s commitment to expanding global access to innovative treatments. As the biopharmaceutical field continues to evolve, such collaborations are essential for driving forward progress in patient care and medication accessibility.