Simcere secures exclusive Greater China rights for deuterated remdesivir

On December 3, 2025, Simcere Pharmaceutical Group entered an exclusive license agreement with Vigonvita Life Science Co., Ltd. for new indications of deuterated remdesivir hydrobromide. This grants Simcere exclusive rights in Greater China for treating respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections. The collaboration aims to bolster Simcere's product deployment in the anti-infection sector.

Deuterated remdesivir hydrobromide is an oral nucleoside antiviral with broad-spectrum activity against RNA viruses. A phase 2 clinical trial in China for RSV infection in infants and young children aged 1–24 months showed favorable antiviral efficacy and a good safety profile, leading to the dry suspension formulation receiving Breakthrough Therapy drug designation from the NMPA.

Previously, the tablet formulation of deuterated remdesivir hydrobromide was fully approved in China for mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adult patients. Vigonvita, established in 2013, focuses on novel drug development in neuropsychiatry, reproductive health, and viral infection.