NANJING, China, June 16, 2025 — HELP Therapeutics, a world-leading regenerative medicine company, and China Resources Sanjiu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a major pharmaceutical firm in China, have announced a strategic collaboration to jointly develop and market HiCM-188, an experimental cell therapy.

Heart failure is a significant medical challenge with a rapidly increasing prevalence. In China, approximately 12 million adults are affected, with almost 3 million new cases annually. The five-year survival rate is similar to many cancers. Heart transplantation is the only proven treatment for patients in the terminal stage, but very few receive a suitable donor heart in time. Cell therapy offers a potential alternative and could revolutionize treatment for this growing patient group.

HiCM-188 is the first iPSC-derived regenerative therapy for heart failure globally to receive Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance in both China and the United States. It is currently undergoing Phase II clinical trials in China and Phase I/II trials in the U.S., Singapore, and Thailand. HiCM-188 has demonstrated strong safety and effectiveness over a five-year follow-up period.

“This co-development agreement with China Resources Sanjiu is a major achievement for HELP Therapeutics,” stated Dr. Wang Jiaxian, Founder and CEO of HELP Therapeutics. “Their extensive clinical network, innovative approach, and commercial strengths will help us make our therapies available to patients more quickly and contribute to the expansion of China’s cell therapy sector.”

“Cell therapy is the future of life sciences, offering substantial clinical potential for age-related and difficult-to-treat diseases,” commented Mr. Qiu Huawei, Chairman of China Resources Sanjiu. “Through our subsidiary, Tasly Pharmaceuticals, we have already entered the MSC cell therapy field. Our partnership with HELP Therapeutics further reinforces our dedication to cell therapy innovation. HELP’s world-leading iPSC platform and well-defined clinical pipeline make them an ideal partner. Together, we aim to bring renewed hope to individuals suffering from heart failure.”

Professor Junbo Ge, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, praised the collaboration as a landmark event in China’s Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) industry. He emphasized that HELP Therapeutics’ focus on heart failure addresses a crucial clinical need and bridges the gap between heart transplantation and targeted myocardial repair. “This partnership could transform treatment approaches for patients around the world,” he added.

About HELP Therapeutics
HELP Therapeutics is a global leader in regenerative medicine, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for heart failure and other serious conditions. Utilizing a state-of-the-art iPSC platform and a comprehensive clinical pipeline, HELP is committed to improving patient outcomes through advanced cell therapies.

SOURCE HELP THERAPEUTICS

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