Suzhou-based CStone Pharmaceuticals (HKEX: 2616) announced on November 4, 2026, that it has entered into a clinical collaboration agreement with Kimia Therapeutics, Inc., a Berkeley, California-based biopharmaceutical company, to advance the clinical development of a potential first-in-class asset targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway critical for solid tumor cell survival.

A Co-Development Model Spanning Two Continents

Under the agreement, CStone will lead the clinical development in mainland China and Australia, while Kimia retains responsibility for discovery-stage and product-related contributions.

CStone, an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on research and development of therapies for oncology, immunology, inflammation, and other key disease areas, described the deal as further evidence of international recognition of its clinical development and regulatory expertise. The company also framed the arrangement as advancing its strategy of disciplined external innovation and global expansion.

Division of Responsibilities

Under the collaboration, CStone will lead the Phase I clinical development of the asset in mainland China and Australia, applying what the company describes as its full-spectrum oncology clinical development and regulatory capabilities.

Kimia will contribute the clinical supply of the asset, along with scientific guidance, product-related regulatory oversight, and other agreed development support, reflecting what the parties characterize as a co-development model built on complementary strengths.

Financially, Kimia will reimburse CStone for the applicable clinical development costs. CStone is eligible to receive milestone payments plus royalties on global net sales of the asset during the applicable royalty term, in accordance with the agreement. The company stated that this structure creates a clear pathway for CStone to participate in the global commercial value of a first-in-class asset.

The Asset and the Planned Study

The asset at the center of the collaboration targets the DNA damage response pathway, which CStone described as critical for solid tumor cell survival.

The planned Phase I study will include both dose-escalation and expansion components, evaluating the asset in biomarker-selected patient populations as an initial proof-of-concept. The study is designed to define the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and early activity of the asset.

According to Kimia, the asset was discovered by the company by leveraging AI and medicinal chemistry integration. Kimia is advancing small-molecule medicines with its integrated ATLAS platform, which the company describes as a transformative approach to AI-driven drug discovery.

The ATLAS platform combines nanogram-scale parallel synthesis, direct-to-biology screening and machine learning. Kimia is a portfolio company of The Column Group (TCG), a life sciences investment firm focused on building and investing in biotechnology companies from early-stage scientific innovation through clinical development and strategic transactions.

Leadership Perspectives

Dr. Jason Yang, Chief Executive Officer, President of R&D, and Executive Director of CStone, said the company is pleased to collaborate with Kimia to advance the innovative, first-in-class oncology asset.

He noted that the collaboration establishes a scalable framework with the potential to support additional programs with Kimia and other TCG portfolio companies, connecting promising innovation with a clear path to efficient and robust clinical development.

Dr. Yang added that the deal structure aligns the parties' shared commitment to the asset's development and long-term success while providing CStone with the opportunity to participate in the value it creates globally. He described the repeatable model as an important avenue to broaden CStone's participation in global innovation and create long-term value for its shareholders.

Stig Hansen, CEO of Kimia Therapeutics, said the company is delighted to work with CStone to advance the clinical development of the potential first-in-class asset discovered by Kimia through its AI and medicinal chemistry integration. He stated that CStone's expertise in oncology clinical development will be valuable as Kimia evaluates its lead asset in Phase I proof-of-concept studies in biomarker-selected patient populations.

Proven Track Record Cited as a Foundation

CStone pointed to its record of four approved innovative drugs and 21 new drug application approvals across nine indications as demonstrating its oncology clinical development and regulatory expertise across multiple markets.

The company said this track record is paired in the collaboration with Kimia's AI-enabled drug discovery approach underpinned by the proprietary ATLAS platform.

A Framework Built to Extend Beyond One Asset

Beyond the immediate program, the collaboration establishes what CStone described as a scalable framework that may be extended to other promising assets over time.

The company said the arrangement creates a repeatable model through which CStone can contribute its clinical development expertise to advancing innovative therapies, generate value through milestone payments and royalties, and expand its international development footprint.

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