HELP Therapeutics, a global leader in regenerative medicine, and China Resources Sanjiu Pharmaceutical Company, one of China's largest pharmaceutical companies, have announced a strategic partnership to co-develop and commercialize the investigational cell therapy HiCM-188 in Mainland China.

HiCM-188 is the world's first iPSC-derived regenerative therapy for advanced heart failure to receive IND clearance in both China and the United States. The candidate is currently in Phase II clinical trials in China and Phase I/II trials in the U.S., Singapore, and Thailand. HiCM-188 has shown robust safety and efficacy across more than five years of long-term follow-up. Heart failure remains a major unmet medical need, with its prevalence increasing at double-digit rates along with population ages. Heart transplantation remains the last resort for advanced heart failure patients, but donor deficiency limits clinical application. HiCM-188 presents a promising alternative and could be a potential game changer for this unmet medical need.

"This co-development agreement with China Resources Sanjiu marks a significant milestone for HELP Therapeutics," said Dr. Eugene Wang, Founder and CEO of HELP Therapeutics. "Their exceptional clinical network, innovation mindset, and commercial capabilities will accelerate the availability of our therapies to patients and contribute to the growth of China's cell therapy industry."

"Cell therapy represents the future of life sciences, offering immense clinical potential for aging-related and refractory diseases," remarked Mr. Qiu Huawei, Chairman of China Resources Sanjiu. "Our partnership with HELP Therapeutics strengthens our commitment to cell therapy innovation. HELP's globally leading iPSC platform and defined clinical pipeline make them an ideal partner. Together, we aim to bring new hope to heart failure patients."

Professor Junbo Ge, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, lauded the collaboration as a milestone in China's Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) landscape. He noted that HELP Therapeutics' focus on heart failure addresses a critical clinical need and bridges the gap between heart transplantation and targeted myocardial repair. "This partnership has the potential to reshape treatment paradigms for patients worldwide," he said.