Madrigal Secures Major Deal to Battle Liver Disease

A Chinese biotech company in Suzhou has granted an American firm worldwide rights to develop and sell six new RNA medicines targeting a serious liver condition.

• Upfront payment: $60 million
• Potential total value: nearly $4.5 billion if key development, approval and sales milestones are met
• Profit sharing: Chinese partner will receive a share of future product sales

The collaboration focuses on therapies for metabolic dysfunction‑associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a disease that can progress to liver scarring, organ failure, cancer and early death if untreated.

Key takeaways

• Accelerated development: International partnership speeds the journey from lab discovery to patient‑ready treatments.
• RNA medicine importance: Highlights RNA‑based therapies’ growing role in addressing complex metabolic disorders.
• Financial roadmap: Both companies benefit from a clear path to success, potentially delivering new options worldwide.