UK medical research charity MRC Technology has joined forces with Yabao Pharmaceutical Co in China to develop new treatments for Parkinson’s disease.

Under the exclusive license agreement the groups will work together to discover, develop and commercialise innovative compounds targeting a specific kinase involved in neurodegeneration. 

Terms of the deal state that Yabao will receive exclusive rights in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, while MRC Technology will hold rights in all other markets. Financial details were kept under wraps.

“We are pleased to combine our expertise in early drug discovery and innovation with the significant resources that Yabao Pharmaceutical Co can bring to developing ground breaking new medicines,” said Michael Dalrymple, Director of Business Development at the UK group, commenting on the alliance.