Everest Inks Billion-RMB Deal for Revolutionary Kidney Disease Drug

SHANGHAI, China – February 04, 2026 – In a strategic move set to reshape the treatment landscape for kidney disease complications in Asia, Everest Medicines has secured exclusive rights to a groundbreaking new therapy in a deal potentially worth over RMB 1.2 billion. The biopharmaceutical company announced an exclusive license agreement with Shaanxi Micot Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd. to commercialize MT1013, a first-in-class drug for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), a common and severe complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The agreement involves a significant upfront payment of RMB 200 million from Everest to Micot, with an additional RMB 1,040 million in potential milestone payments. This partnership grants Everest the rights to bring MT1013 to patients in China and the Asia-Pacific region, excluding Japan, tapping into a vast and rapidly growing patient population.

A Strategic Play in a Growing Market

This licensing agreement is a calculated expansion of Everest Medicines' already formidable presence in the Asian nephrology market. The company, which has built a leading position in autoimmune-related kidney disorders, is now broadening its focus to encompass a wider spectrum of chronic kidney diseases and their complications. The deal strategically complements Everest's existing renal pipeline, which includes treatments for conditions like IgA nephropathy, and leverages its established commercial infrastructure across the region.

The market opportunity is immense. SHPT is a direct consequence of failing kidneys, leading to hormonal imbalances that wreak havoc on the body's calcium and phosphate levels, causing severe bone disease and dramatically increasing the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. With the global prevalence of CKD projected to exceed 1.2 billion by 2030, the number of patients suffering from SHPT is expected to climb to nearly 190 million. The SHPT market in China alone is forecast to reach a staggering RMB 14.1 billion by 2035, underscoring the urgent and growing unmet medical need.

"As the global burden of chronic kidney disease continues to rise, addressing patients' unmet needs remains a top priority," said Mr. Yifang Wu, Chairman of the Board of Everest Medicines. "Through this partnership, we aim to leverage our expertise in autoimmune-related kidney disorders while broadening our renal portfolio to include additional diseases, including glomerulonephritis and complications associated with dialysis."

Redefining Treatment with Dual-Action Science

At the heart of the deal is the innovative science behind MT1013. Developed by Micot's advanced peptide technology platform, MT1013 is the world's first dual-targeting receptor agonist polypeptide. Unlike current therapies that typically focus on a single mechanism, MT1013 uniquely targets two distinct pathways simultaneously.

First, it activates the Calcium-Sensing Receptor (CaSR), similar to existing calcimimetic drugs like cinacalcet and etelcalcetide, to control the overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH). However, MT1013 goes a crucial step further by also targeting the Osteogenic Growth Peptide (OGP) receptor. This second mechanism actively promotes bone formation and repair, representing a paradigm shift in treatment. Instead of merely inhibiting bone resorption, MT1013 is designed to help rebuild and strengthen the skeletal system, addressing one of the most debilitating consequences of SHPT.

Phase II clinical data, presented during a prestigious Late-Breaking session at the 2025 American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Annual Meeting, demonstrated the drug's powerful potential. In head-to-head comparisons, MT1013 showed advantages over the existing therapy etelcalcetide, achieving higher rates of simultaneous control over PTH, serum calcium, and phosphate levels. Furthermore, patients treated with MT1013 showed greater reductions in the cardiovascular risk marker FGF-23 and, over 52 weeks, experienced significant improvements in bone mineral density and other bone health markers, providing strong clinical evidence for its unique dual-target benefits.

A New Horizon for Kidney Disease Patients

For the millions of patients on dialysis, SHPT is a constant and dangerous companion that diminishes quality of life and shortens lifespans. The promise of MT1013 extends beyond managing lab values; it offers the potential for tangible improvements in patient well-being, including a lower risk of painful fractures and life-threatening cardiovascular events.

Confidence in the drug's potential is high, as it has already advanced into a large-scale, confirmatory Phase III clinical trial in China. The study, which is enrolling 424 patients across more than 100 sites, pits MT1013 against cinacalcet, a current standard of care, setting a high bar for success. With over half of the target enrollment already achieved, the trial is progressing rapidly, moving the therapy one step closer to the patients who need it most.

This final-stage trial will provide the definitive evidence needed for regulatory approval and will be closely watched by clinicians and patients alike as a potential turning point in the management of CKD complications.

A Synergy of Innovation and Commercial Might

The partnership represents a powerful synergy between two specialized companies. Micot, founded in 2007, has established itself as a premier R&D platform for peptide drugs, credited with pioneering the bispecific peptide concept. With seven innovative drug candidates in clinical trials, Micot brings a validated track record of scientific innovation to the table.

"MT1013 is a pivotal achievement of our peptide technology platform and a key milestone in our commitment to advancing innovative therapies for chronic diseases," stated Dr. Bing Wang, Founder, Chairman, and President of Micot. "Everest's deep expertise in nephrology and established commercialization capabilities make it an ideal partner to bring MT1013 to patients in China and beyond."

Everest Medicines provides the commercial engine and regional expertise necessary to navigate the complex Asian market and ensure a successful launch. The company's recent activities, including securing approval for Nefegan in Singapore and entering a strategic commercialization agreement with Hasten Biopharmaceutical, demonstrate a robust and expanding commercial foundation.

With the Phase III trial for MT1013 well underway, this collaboration is poised to accelerate the journey of a promising new medicine from the laboratory to the clinic. If successful, the partnership between Everest and Micot will not only deliver a significant new therapeutic option for a vast and underserved patient population but also set a new standard of care for managing the severe complications of chronic kidney disease.