Merz Therapeutics GmbH and Jiangxi Kvvit Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. have entered into an exclusive licensing and collaboration agreement to develop and commercialize INBRIJA® (levodopa inhalation powder) in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, aiming to expand treatment options for people living with Parkinson’s disease who experience intermittent motor fluctuations, commonly known as “OFF episodes.”
The agreement gives Jiangxi Kvvit Pharmaceutical exclusive rights to lead development, regulatory activities, and commercialization of INBRIJA within the licensed territory, while Merz Therapeutics will continue to supply the product and oversee global product quality and selected regulatory responsibilities.
INBRIJA is an inhaled formulation of levodopa designed for the intermittent treatment of OFF episodes in adults with Parkinson’s disease who are already receiving treatment with levodopa and a dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor. OFF episodes occur when the effects of Parkinson’s medication wear off between doses, causing symptoms such as slowed movement, stiffness, tremors, and difficulty with motor control to re-emerge. Managing these unpredictable fluctuations remains a significant challenge in Parkinson’s care, particularly in advanced stages of the disease.
Although INBRIJA is available in certain global markets, the therapy has not yet been approved in mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macao. Any future commercialization in the region will depend on successful clinical development and regulatory review by health authorities.
Under the terms of the collaboration, Merz Therapeutics will act as the Overseas Holder of the Drug Registration Certificate, maintaining responsibility for product quality and selected global regulatory activities. Kvvit will assume the role of Domestic Responsible Person and will finance local clinical development programs, regulatory submissions, and commercialization activities in accordance with a jointly agreed China Development Plan.
The partnership reflects growing interest among multinational pharmaceutical companies in expanding access to neurological therapies in China and neighboring regions, where aging populations and increasing disease prevalence are driving demand for innovative treatments for chronic neurodegenerative disorders.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition affecting movement and motor coordination. While levodopa-based therapies remain the cornerstone of treatment, many patients eventually experience motor fluctuations in which symptoms return before the next scheduled dose, significantly affecting daily quality of life. Treatments that can rapidly address OFF periods are viewed as important additions to long-term disease management strategies.
Andrea von der Lippe, president of international markets at Merz Therapeutics, said the company is pleased to partner with Kvvit to potentially bring INBRIJA to patients across Greater China. She noted that Kvvit’s local development expertise and commercialization capabilities, combined with Merz’s experience with the product, create a strong foundation for expanding access to an additional treatment option for people experiencing OFF episodes.
Yang Lizhen, vice president of Jiangxi Kvvit Pharmaceutical, said the collaboration aligns with the company’s goal of bringing innovative neurological treatments to patients in China. He added that Kvvit plans to work closely with healthcare professionals to support appropriate clinical use of INBRIJA if approved.
Financial terms of the agreement include an upfront payment to Merz Therapeutics, along with development and commercial milestone payments. The deal also includes tiered supply and royalty arrangements tied to commercial performance in the licensed territory.
If approved, INBRIJA could offer Parkinson’s patients in Greater China a non-invasive, fast-acting treatment option aimed at helping manage debilitating motor fluctuations that often disrupt everyday functioning.