Almirall Strengthens China Innovation Strategy with New Biopharma Collaboration Focused on Dermatology Treatments

Almirall Strengthens China Innovation Strategy with New Biopharma Collaboration Focused on Dermatology Treatments

(IN BRIEF) Almirall has signed a collaboration and licensing agreement with Shanghai Huaota Biopharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, to develop a monoclonal antibody candidate for multiple indications including medical dermatology, with Huaota leading early research and initial clinical development to proof-of-concept while Almirall retains global rights outside China, under a deal potentially worth up to USD 340 million including milestones and royalties, as the partnership strengthens Almirall’s expanding R&D and commercial presence in China alongside existing collaborations with Simcere, Cutia, and Sinomune, reinforcing its long-term strategy to grow its biologics pipeline and leadership in dermatology through continued investment and global innovation.

(PRESS RELEASE) BARCELONA, 27-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Almirall, the Barcelona-based biopharmaceutical company focused on medical dermatology, has entered into a collaboration and licensing agreement with Shanghai Huaota Biopharmaceutical Co Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, to advance the development of a monoclonal antibody candidate targeting multiple therapeutic indications, including medical dermatology.

Under the terms of the partnership, Huaota will take responsibility for early-stage research and initial clinical development, progressing the program to clinical proof-of-concept using its biologics research platform. Almirall will retain global development and commercialization rights outside China, while Huaota will oversee development and commercialization activities within China.

The agreement includes potential cumulative payments from Almirall to Huaota of up to USD 340 million, comprising upfront payments, development and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties on future net sales. In parallel, Huaota will pay royalties to Almirall based on potential product sales within the Chinese market.

Karl Ziegelbauer stated that the collaboration supports the company’s strategy to expand its biologics pipeline and address unmet needs in medical dermatology. He highlighted Huaota’s strengths in biologics discovery as complementary to Almirall’s clinical development and commercialization expertise, positioning the partnership to advance innovative treatment options.

The agreement further reinforces Almirall’s growing presence in China, where it has recently established offices dedicated to identifying and advancing promising local R&D opportunities. These operations act as a hub for partnerships aimed at accelerating innovation in dermatology on a global scale.

Almirall has already built a network of collaborations in China, including a partnership with Simcere focused on advancing a preclinical candidate for autoimmune diseases. The company has also entered into commercialisation agreements with Cutia for its topical finasteride treatment for androgenetic alopecia, and with Sinomune for the commercialization of sarecycline, which has recently received regulatory approval in China for acne treatment.

Through sustained investment in research and development, Almirall continues to strengthen its position in medical dermatology. Over the past decade, the company has invested more than €1 billion in R&D, with approximately 12.5% of its net sales allocated to research activities in 2025. Its portfolio of dermatological treatments is currently available in more than 100 countries.

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.

Almirall Media Relations

General Media enquiries
corporate.communication@almirall.com
T+ 34 932 913 000

Corporate Communications:
corporate.communication@almirall.com
Phone: +34 93 291 35 08

Investor Relations:
investors@almirall.com
Phone: (+34) 93 291 30 87

SOURCE: Almirall