On October 30, 2025, Everest Medicines (HKEX: 1952) announced that it had reached an agreement with Visara, Inc. ("Visara"), a subsidiary of NovaBridge Biosciences (NASDAQ: NBP). Under the agreement, Everest Medicines is granted exclusive rights to clinically develop, manufacture, commercialize VIS-101 in Greater China, Singapore, South Korea, and several Southeast Asian countries. In accordance with the agreement, Everest Medicines will make an upfront payment of $7 million, potential development and sales milestone payments of up to $89 million, plus potential royalties based on net sales. NovaBridge Biosciences had previously acquired the global rights to VIS-101 through Visara and completed the closing of the transaction.
VIS-101 is a novel bifunctional biologic targeting VEGF-A and ANG-2, designed to provide enhanced potency and longer-lasting therapeutic benefits compared to the existing first-generation treatments for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). VIS-101 has completed initial safety and dose-escalation studies in both the United States and China and is currently completing a randomized, dose-ranging phase 2 study in China. The program is expected to be phase 3-ready by 2026.
Han Kun acted as legal counsel to Everest Medicines in this transaction and provided comprehensive legal services throughout the process. The team was led by Yang (Aaron) Gu, comprising Fengqi (Franky) Yu and Lingyu Sheng, and was deeply involved in key stages of the transaction, including the drafting and revision of the agreement. Jing (Gilbert) Shen from Han Kun tax team provided support on tax-related matters. This project highlights Han Kun's outstanding capabilities in handling complex deals in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.
About Everest Medicines
Everest Medicines (HKEX: 1952.HK) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing transformative pharmaceutical products and vaccines that address critical unmet medical needs for global patients. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record of high-quality discovery, clinical development, regulatory affairs, CMC, business development, operations, and commercialization both in China and with leading global pharmaceutical companies. Everest Medicines has built a portfolio of potentially global first-in-class or best-in-class drug combinations. The company's core therapeutic areas include renal diseases, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and ophthalmic diseases. For more information, please visit the company's website: www.everestmedicines.com.
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.
