AstraZeneca has strengthened its weight management pipeline through a major strategic collaboration with CSPC Pharmaceuticals, aimed at advancing a portfolio of next-generation therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Under the agreement, the companies will work across eight programmes, initially progressing four assets that leverage CSPC’s AI-driven peptide drug discovery capabilities and its proprietary LiquidGel once-monthly injectable dosing platform.
AstraZeneca will receive exclusive global rights outside of China to CSPC’s once-monthly injectable weight management portfolio.
The collaboration includes SYH2082, a clinical-ready long-acting GLP-1 receptor/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GLP1R/GIPR) agonist expected to enter Phase I development, alongside three preclinical programmes using differentiated mechanisms intended to deliver extended therapeutic benefit for people living with obesity and weight-related conditions.
Sharon Barr, Executive Vice President and Head of BioPharmaceuticals R&D at AstraZeneca, said the agreement supports the company’s ambition to build a scalable and sustainable obesity portfolio.
"This strategic collaboration advances our weight management portfolio by delivering novel assets which complement our existing programmes."
"It will provide access to CSPC’s proprietary AI-enabled peptide capabilities and platform technology, which have the potential to transform the treatment of obesity, helping to address adherence and convenience as key barriers to long-term therapeutic success."
"This is an important step in creating a portfolio of simple, scalable and sustainable options that can help people with obesity and weight-related complications live better, healthier lives."
CSPC Chairman Dongchen Cai added: "We are very excited to further expand and strengthen our strategic partnership with AstraZeneca into the area of weight management."
"Obesity and related comorbidities represent a significant health challenge but also an opportunity."
"We hope this win-win collaboration will deliver the next generation of treatments that build upon the emerging science, using our technology platforms and AstraZeneca’s complementary capabilities and reach, to realise global health benefits for people in need of improved weight management."
Beyond the initial programmes, AstraZeneca will have the option to pursue additional metabolic assets using CSPC’s LiquidGel once-monthly dosing platform, with rights to deploy the technology across its internal pipeline.
The sustained-release formulation is designed to support patient preference for less frequent dosing and improve adherence.
The deal complements AstraZeneca’s broader weight management strategy, which spans multiple mechanisms and modalities.
Its pipeline includes elecoglipron, an oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, AZD6234, a weekly injectable selective amylin receptor agonist and AZD9550, a weekly injectable dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist, alongside several preclinical candidates.
Financially, CSPC will receive an upfront payment of $1.2bn, with eligibility for up to $3.5bn in development and regulatory milestones, as well as additional commercial milestones and tiered royalties.
The transaction is expected to close in Q2 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
CSPC will lead early development through Phase I, after which AstraZeneca will assume responsibility for development and commercialisation outside China, while CSPC retains rights in mainland China and select territories.