Merck partners with Chinese firm for $2 billion deal to develop heart disease drug HRS-5346.

Merck has signed a deal worth up to $2 billion with Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals to develop and sell an experimental heart disease drug, HRS-5346. This drug aims to prevent cholesterol and protein buildup in the blood, reducing cardiovascular risks. Hengrui Pharma will receive $200 million upfront and could earn up to $1.77 billion more in milestones and royalties if the drug is approved. The deal excludes the Greater China region and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.