Innovent Biologics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines for the treatment of oncology, autoimmune, cardiovascular and metabolic, ophthalmology, and other major diseases, and Eli Lilly and Company, have jointly announced a Distribution and Promotion Agreement in Mainland China regarding Lilly’s non-covalent (reversible) Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib, 100 mg & 50 mg tablets).
 
According to the agreement:
 

• Innovent will be responsible for the importation, marketing, distribution and promotion of Jaypirca;
• Lilly will be responsible for the R&D and post-market medical affairs of Jaypirca.

 
Jaypirca, a selective kinase inhibitor, uses a non-covalent binding mechanism to restore BTK inhibition in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients previously treated with a covalent BTK inhibitor like ibrutinib or acalabrutinib. This effectively meets the clinical needs of these patients. Approved by the U.S. FDA in January 2023, Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib) is the first approved non-covalent (reversible) BTK inhibitor. In October 2024, it gained approval from China’s NMPA as monotherapy for adult patients with relapsed or refractory MCL after at least two types of systemic therapy, including a BTK inhibitor.
 
Lilly is conducting comprehensive global Phase 3 development programs (including in China), in first-line and relapse or refractory patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), and BTK inhibitor-naïve relapse or refractory MCL, to explore monotherapy or combination therapy.
 
Under the agreement, Innovent holds the sole commercialization rights for Jaypirca in Mainland China, overseeing importation, marketing, distribution and promotion. Lilly will be responsible for R&D and post-market medical affairs. Leveraging Innovent’s established hematology oncology commercial team and Lilly’s deep expertise in drug development and scientific insights in the therapeutic area, the partnership is committed to broadening access to innovative treatments and improving outcomes for cancer patients in Mainland China.
 
Dr. Michael Yu, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Innovent, stated: “Building on our long-term strategic collaboration with Lilly, we are proud to expand our collaboration through this agreement. Jaypirca, the world’s first and only approved non-covalent (reversible) BTK inhibitor, represents a breakthrough treatment option for patients who have previously received BTK inhibitors.”
 
Huzur Devletsah, President and General Manager of Lilly China, added, “Lilly is thrilled to appoint Innovent for the distribution and promotion of Jaypirca marking a pivotal moment in hematologic cancer treatment for Lilly. This agreement allows us to rapidly increase patient access in Mainland China by drawing on Innovent’s robust market presence and our extensive R&D expertise. Together, we are poised to deliver innovative therapies and support the ‘Healthy China 2030’ initiative, continuing our commitment: ‘In China, For China.’”