In July 2025, Xgene Pharmaceutical Inc. and its affiliates ("Xgene Pharma") announced an exclusive licensing collaboration with Concord Acquisition (HK) Limited and its affiliates ("NeuroGen") for the XG005, an innovative non-opioid analgesic. Under the agreement, NeuroGen is granted exclusive rights of development, registration, manufacturing, and commercialization of XG005 in Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau. Xgene Pharma will be eligible to receive an upfront payment, development and sales-based milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on net sales.
XG005 is an innovative oral, non-opioid analgesic discovered and developed by Xgene Pharma with full proprietary intellectual property. XG005 has demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful results in a completed Phase II/III study for bunionectomy pain in the U.S., with marked reductions in pain intensity over 48 hours versus placebo. Notably, 43% of patients required no rescue medication, and 74% avoided any opioid use. In a completed Phase IIb study in Chinese osteoarthritis patients, XG005 showed statistically significant improvements in pain, joint function, and stiffness compared to placebo—outcomes not previously observed in approved osteoarthritis treatments. A Phase III trial in abdominal surgery pain is expected to initiate in the U.S. in 2025, with plans to submit an NDA afterwards.
Han Kun acted as legal counsel to Xgene Pharma in this exclusive licensing transaction, providing comprehensive legal services. This project is supported by a legal team comprising Yang (Aaron) Gu, Yuzhen (Matt) Zhang and Lingyu Sheng, which was deeply involved in all key stages of the transaction, including deal structuring as well as the revision and negotiation of the agreement. With expertise across life sciences and healthcare transaction, negotiation and regulatory, the Han Kun team delivered comprehensive legal support to the clients, demonstrating Han Kun's outstanding capabilities in handling licensing transactions in the life sciences and healthcare sector.
About Xgene Pharma
Founded in 2016, Xgene Pharma is led by a world-class R&D team and clinical experts. The company develops novel dual-targeted conjugate molecules using proprietary technologies to address unmet clinical needs through multi-modal mechanisms, delivering high-efficacy and low-toxicity therapies. Beyond XG005, the company's pipeline includes XG004, an innovative transdermal analgesic for peripheral and inflammatory pain, which has completed Phase Ib/IIa trials and demonstrated strong safety and efficacy. Another asset, XG2002, a TRPM8 ion channel inhibitor, has potential across a range of neuropathic pain indications and has completed single ascending dose studies in healthy volunteers. Xgene is committed to scientific rigor and global collaboration to translate cutting-edge science into breakthrough treatments that improve human health and well-being.
Han Kun's Life Sciences and Healthcare Practice
Han Kun is widely recognized and well-known for its practice in life sciences and healthcare. In relevant practice areas, we have been continuously ranked as a first-tier law firm by authoritative legal ranking agencies, including Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, China Business Law Journal, Asialaw Profiles, etc. Han Kun is committed to providing clients with comprehensive legal services in life sciences and healthcare sector, including private equity and venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, onshore and offshore capital market, pharmaceutical license in/out and asset sale/purchase transactions, intellectual property, data protection, compliance and regulatory, and dispute resolution. Han Kun has a dedicated life sciences and healthcare team led by multiple partners and comprised of tens of specialist attorneys. Our partners on the team all have served a broad range of both domestic and foreign clients and developed a deep understanding of industry regulatory requirements and commercial course of dealings. Our associates on the team are graduates from top law schools both in China and abroad, all fluent in Chinese and English and equipped with excellent legal writing skills. Han Kun is well aware of the importance of professional legal services for life sciences and healthcare companies, especially those facing complex legal issues and therefore requiring special legal support. Clients value our teamwork as we fully leverage the expertise and experience of our professionals, all experts in their respective fields. Our goal is always to provide clients with thorough and practical solutions and high-quality legal services.
