The Board of directors of Grand Pharmaceutical Group Limited announced that the Group has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement for product introduction with LianBio Development (HK) Limited and Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. After the relevant conditions are met, the Group will acquire the exclusive development, production and commercialization rights in Greater China Region (Mainland China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, Macau Special Administrative Region of China, and Taiwan Region, the "Licensed Region") for TP-03, a global innovative ophthalmic preparation for the potential treatment of Demodex blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Disease ("MGD") in patients with Demodex mites with an upfront payment of USD15 million and a certain amount of registration milestone fees. This strategic cooperation will deepen the strategic plan of the Group's products in the field of ophthalmology. TP-03 is a non-competitive antagonist selective for gamma-aminobutyric acid-gated chloride channels ("GABA-Cl").

By selectively inhibiting GABA-Cl in Demodex mites, TP-03 paralyzes and kills the mites, which are the root cause of Demodex blephARitis. In addition, TP-03 is highly lipophilic, which promotes its absorption into the oils of eyelash follicles where mites reside. TP-03 has completed two pivotal clinical studies in the United States, collectively involving more than 800 patients with Demodex blephar inflammation.

TP-03 is a common ophthalmic disease that is characterized by eyelid margin inflammation. Demodex blepharis is a chronic inflammatory reaction caused by Demodex infestation of the eyelid margin, which accounts for over two-thirds of all blepharitis cases, mainly involving the eyelid skin, eyelash follicles and glands, and meibomian glands. Its typical clinical manifestations include eye itching, foreign body sensation, dry eyes, eyelid congestion, scales, and cuff-like secretions at the base of the eyelashes.

In severe cases, it can cause conjunctival and corneal complications, and the disease may be contagious to a certain extent. In addition, Demodex mites are also a risk factor for MGD. MGD patients with Demodex mite often present with inflammation of the eyelid margin and blurred vision, and can result in blockage and/or decreased production of meibum liquid.

If left untreated, it can lead to permanent changes to the tear film and progressive gland loss. According to statistics, there are currently more than 40 million patients with Demodex blePHaritis and more than 70 million patients with MGD in China, indicating a large potential patient population. Currently, there are no drugs that have been commercialized and approved for Demodex blephar hepatitis in China.

There is an urgent clinical need for a safe treatment of the eye.