Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited and Almirall, S.A. announced that they have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement for Simcere's IL-2 mutant fusion protein (IL-2 mu-Fc) autoimmune drug candidate, SIM0278. Under the agreement, Almirall will be granted an exclusive right to develop and commercialise SIM0278 for all indications outside of the Greater China region (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan). Simcere will retain all rights to develop and commercialise SIM0278 within Greater China.

Within the terms of the agreement, Simcere will receive a $15 million upfront payment, and up to $492 million in development and commercial milestone payments considering successful achievements in several indications, with an important part as sales milestones, as well as up to low double-digit tiered royalties based upon future global sales.