Almirall Opens Shanghai Innovation Hub to Expand Dermatology Research Partnerships and Strengthen Presence in China

Almirall Opens Shanghai Innovation Hub to Expand Dermatology Research Partnerships and Strengthen Presence in China

(IN BRIEF) Almirall has opened new offices in Shanghai to strengthen its collaboration with Chinese partners and expand innovation in medical dermatology. The new Shanghai presence will support research partnerships, business development and technology collaborations that complement the company’s main R&D operations in Barcelona. A key example is Almirall’s partnership with Simcere Pharmaceutical Group to develop an interleukin-2 mutant fusion protein targeting alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis, which has progressed to Phase II clinical trials in China and the United States. Almirall is also expanding its commercial presence in China through partnerships with Cutia and Sinomune to market dermatology treatments including topical finasteride and sarecycline. The initiative reflects Almirall’s strategy of combining strong internal research capabilities with global collaborations to advance innovative dermatology therapies.

(PRESS RELEASE) BARCELONA, 13-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Almirall, the Barcelona-based biopharmaceutical company focused on medical dermatology, has inaugurated new offices in the Jing’an district of Shanghai, China, marking an important step in strengthening its global innovation network and expanding partnerships within the Chinese life sciences ecosystem. The new entity, Almirall Shanghai Pharmaceutical Consulting Co. Ltd, is designed to support scientific collaboration, business development and innovation in dermatology by linking the company’s in-house research capabilities with emerging technologies and research partners in China.

To mark the opening, Almirall hosted an institutional event in Shanghai titled Advancing innovation in dermatology with partnerships in China, bringing together leaders from the pharmaceutical industry, representatives from Chinese and Spanish institutions, and current and potential partners from across the life sciences sector. The event focused on exploring new opportunities for collaboration that can accelerate innovation in dermatological therapies and help bring new treatment options to patients worldwide.

The expansion of Almirall’s presence in China comes as the country continues to strengthen its role as a major hub for pharmaceutical innovation and licensing activity. Through its Shanghai base, Almirall aims to identify and collaborate with Chinese companies developing promising technologies that complement the company’s research capabilities in dermatology. These partnerships are expected to support the global development and commercialization of innovative therapies.

A key example of this approach is Almirall’s collaboration with Simcere Pharmaceutical Group, launched in 2022. The partnership focuses on the development of an interleukin-2 mutant fusion protein (IL-2muFc), a novel therapy initially targeting alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis. Since the partnership began, both companies have worked closely to advance the clinical development of the therapy, which has now progressed into Phase II clinical trials in both China and the United States.

While expanding its international partnerships, Almirall continues to maintain a strong focus on its core research and development activities in Spain. The company’s main R&D center in Sant Feliu de Llobregat near Barcelona remains the primary hub for pipeline development and scientific innovation.

Carlos Gallardo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Almirall, highlighted that the company’s strategy combines the commercialization of a broad dermatology portfolio with continued investment in innovation. The establishment of the Shanghai office reflects the company’s collaborative approach and its recognition of China’s growing potential in life sciences. By combining research efforts in Barcelona with partnerships in China, Almirall aims to expand its innovation capabilities and accelerate the development of new dermatological treatments.

Representatives from Simcere also welcomed the expansion. Zhou Gaobo, Chief Investment Officer of Simcere Pharmaceutical Group, noted that Almirall’s growing presence in China strengthens cooperation between the two companies and supports their shared objective of advancing innovative treatments for autoimmune diseases.

The collaboration also reflects broader cooperation between Spain and China in the pharmaceutical sector. In 2025, the two countries marked the 20th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership, and the recently adopted Action Plan for Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2025–2028) identifies the pharmaceutical industry as an important area for collaboration.

Almirall’s research pipeline in medical dermatology continues to expand, supported by sustained investment in innovation. Over the past decade, the company has invested more than €1 billion in dermatology research and development, and in 2025 it allocated approximately 12.5% of its net sales to R&D.

The company’s pipeline currently includes several clinical development programs targeting dermatological conditions. Among them are three proof-of-concept and Phase II studies, including an anti-IL-1RAP monoclonal antibody being investigated for hidradenitis suppurativa, and the IL-2muFc fusion protein being developed with Simcere for autoimmune dermatological diseases. Additional programs, including an anti-IL-21 monoclonal antibody, are expected to enter Phase II or proof-of-concept studies within the coming year.

About Almirall

Almirall is a global pharmaceutical company dedicated to medical dermatology. We closely collaborate with leading scientists, healthcare professionals, and patients to deliver our purpose: to transform the patients’ world by helping them realize their hopes and dreams for a healthy life. We are at the forefront of science to deliver ground-breaking, differentiated medical dermatology innovations that address patients’ needs.

Almirall, founded in 1944 and headquartered in Barcelona, is publicly traded on the Spanish Stock Exchange (ticker: ALM, total revenue in 2025: €1114.5MM, over 2100 employees globally. Almirall products help to improve the lives of patients every day and are available in over 100 countries.

About Simcere

Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited（2096.HK) is a pharmaceutical company driven by innovation and focusing on four therapeutic areas including Neuroscience, Oncology, Autoimmune Diseases and Anti-infection. We proactively explore areas with significant unmet needs, and our mission is For patients, for life. Driven by our in-house R&D efforts and synergistic innovation, Simcere has established strategic cooperation partnerships with many innovative companies and research institutes. Learn more at www.simcere.com

For more information, please visit www.almirall.com

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This document includes only summary information and is not intended to be exhaustive. The facts, figures, and opinions contained in this document, in addition to the historical ones, are “forward-looking statements.” These statements are based on the information currently available and the best estimates and assumptions that the Company considers reasonable. These statements involve risks and uncertainties beyond the control of the Company. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from those declared by such forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, goals, or estimates contained in this document to reflect any changes in the assumptions, events, or circumstances on which such forward-looking statements are based, unless required by the applicable law.

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SOURCE: Almirall