Zai Lab Ltd. and Pfizer Collaborate to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance in China

Zai Lab Partners with Pfizer to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in China

Zai Lab Ltd. announces a pivotal strategic collaboration with Pfizer to commercialize XACDURO® (sulbactam-durlobactam) in mainland China. This partnership marks a significant step in addressing the critical health challenge posed by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), a dangerous pathogen identified by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as a major threat to public health. Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer's affiliates will manage specific commercialization efforts related to XACDURO® until November 2028, with provisions for early termination or extension of the agreement.

XACDURO® stands out as the only antibacterial agent specifically designed to treat infections caused by CRAB. The drug has already obtained approval in both the U.S. and China for adult patients suffering from hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia linked to Acinetobacter baumannii. The urgency of this treatment is underscored by alarming statistics: carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii accounted for significant mortality rates in antimicrobial resistance cases, particularly in China, where it led to approximately 300,000 reported isolates in 2022 alone. The resistance rate for carbapenem antibiotics in this pathogen has now reached around 74%, emphasizing the dire need for effective alternatives.

Zai Lab’s commitment to expediting access to XACDURO® for patients in mainland China reflects its broader mission to enhance therapeutic options in a landscape where effective treatments for CRAB infections are sorely lacking. Josh Smiley, Zai Lab's President and COO, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration in expanding the arsenal against bacterial infections that present significant risks to public health. The partnership with Pfizer is poised to facilitate a more rapid deployment of this essential therapy, which addresses a pressing healthcare need in a region grappling with high rates of antibiotic resistance.

In addition to the collaboration on XACDURO®, Zai Lab continues to focus on its pipeline of innovative therapies aimed at addressing serious medical conditions. The company's efforts in forging strategic partnerships align with its goal of improving patient outcomes and expanding access to critical treatments. This collaboration with Pfizer not only bolsters Zai Lab's position in the pharmaceutical landscape but also underscores the urgent need for effective solutions in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.