TOKYO, JAPAN and SHANGHAI, CHINA - Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 4519) and Alebund Pharmaceuticals (Hong Kong) Limited, announced that they have entered into an option and license agreement regarding Chugai's EOS789, an investigational agent under development for hyperphosphatemia.

EOS789 is an oral inhibitor of phosphate transporters, NaPi-IIb, PiT-1, PiT-2, which was discovered by Chugai and studied in Phase I clinical trial. After entering into the agreement, Alebund plans to conduct an early stage efficacy clinical trial to further evaluate EOS789. If Alebund exercises the option, Chugai will grant Alebund an exclusive license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize EOS789 for all indications worldwide including Japan.

'We are delighted to conclude an option and license agreement for EOS789 with Alebund, given their expertise in renal diseases and drug development experience with hyperphosphatemia,' said Dr. Osamu Okuda, Chugai's President and CEO. 'EOS789 is designed to suppress absorption of phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract by inhibiting multiple phosphate transporters and to reduce concentration of phosphate in the blood. I hope that the collaboration with Alebund will lead to prove the concept of EOS789 and to accelerate its development, making this potential treatment available for patients as soon as possible.'

Dr. Gavin Xia, Co-Founder and CEO of Alebund, said, 'Hyperphosphatemia is a significant problem in dialysis patients and many of them cannot adequately maintain serum phosphate level despite current treatment. Alebund has been developing a new generation of phosphate binder with lower daily dose and better GI compliance than current standard-of-care. EOS789, through a unique mechanism to treat hyperphosphatemia, provides a novel approach to address this serious indication. The addition of EOS789 to our existing pipeline will provide a total solution and more comprehensive offering for dialysis patients with hyperphosphatemia.'

Chugai will receive an upfront payment for this agreement. In addition, if Alebund exercises the above option, Chugai will receive a payment, as well as milestone payments based on achievement of certain predetermined milestones, and royalty payment after successful launch as an approved pharmaceutical product.

About hyperphosphatemia

Hyperphosphatemia is a disease with elevated serum phosphate concentration and commonly observed in chronic kidney disease. Continued high levels of phosphate in the blood induce vascular calcification and increase the risk of myocardial and cerebral infarction. In addition, corresponding increases in parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion and bone resorption often result in decreased bone strength.

About Chugai

Chugai Pharmaceutical is one of Japan's leading research-based pharmaceutical companies with strengths in biotechnology products. Chugai, based in Tokyo, specializes in prescription pharmaceuticals and is listed on the 1st section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. As an important member of the Roche Group, Chugai is actively involved in R&D activities in Japan and abroad. Specifically, Chugai is working to develop innovative products which may satisfy the unmet medical needs.

About Alebund

Alebund was founded in Shanghai in early 2018, incubated by a group of industry leaders in the field of nephrology. Alebund is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company and is dedicated to the discovery and development of novel therapies and to providing better clinical solutions to patients with kidney diseases and related chronic conditions. Alebund has built a diversified and balanced pipeline of drug candidates targeting a range of renal diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD)/dialysis complications, IgA nephropathy, diabetic kidney disease, and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Alebund's pipeline comprises both small-molecule and biologic assets.

Contact:

Media

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Corporate Communications Dept.

Media Relations Group

T: +81-3-3273-0881

E: pr@chugai-pharm.co.jp

Investor Relations Group

T: +81-3-3273-0554

E: ir@chugai-pharm.co.jp

Alebund

Alebund Pharmaceuticals (Hong Kong) Limited

External Communication Department

T: +86-21-60836212

E: communication@alebund.com

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