AbbVie has entered into a global licensing agreement with China-based Haisco Pharmaceutical valued at up to $715 million, aiming to strengthen its presence in pain therapeutics. The Haisco deal grants AbbVie exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize multiple investigational compounds worldwide, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. These assets, spanning preclinical through Phase I development, are expected to be integrated into AbbVie’s neuroscience pipeline as the company targets areas with significant unmet medical need.
The portfolio involved in the Haisco deal remains undisclosed, though it encompasses a range of early-stage candidates focused on pain-related indications. By combining Haisco’s research capabilities with AbbVie’s global development and commercialization infrastructure, both companies intend to accelerate the progression of these therapies into international markets. “This collaboration is highly aligned with our international development strategy and is expected to generate sustainable value and long-term returns,” said Dr. Pangke Yan, chief executive officer of Haisco. “By partnering with a global biopharmaceutical leader such as AbbVie, Haisco aims to accelerate the global development of innovative pain therapies and deliver high-quality treatment options to patients worldwide.”
Financially, the agreement includes a $30 million upfront payment to Haisco, alongside potential milestone payments reaching $715 million tied to development, regulatory, and commercial achievements. Haisco will also receive tiered royalties on global net sales. The structure reflects a conventional risk-sharing framework, with AbbVie assuming responsibility for late-stage development and commercialization while securing access to emerging innovation from China’s biopharmaceutical sector.
Alongside this licensing move, AbbVie continues to invest in its manufacturing capabilities, announcing plans to build two new API facilities at its North Chicago campus. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, with operations expected by 2029 and approximately 300 new roles to be created. “This milestone demonstrates further progress against our $100 billion commitment to U.S. R&D and capital investments over the next decade,” said Robert A. Michael, chairman and chief executive officer of AbbVie. “By strengthening our U.S. manufacturing capabilities, we are well-positioned to support our investment in innovation and enhance our ability to deliver next-generation medicines to patients.” Together, the partnership and infrastructure expansion signal a dual approach focused on pipeline growth and long-term commercialization readiness.
