# Rovadicitinib is an oral drug that simultaneously targets inflammation and tissue scarring.

*biotech · news · 2026-03-03 · Reuters*

## Key points

- Sino Biopharmaceutical's unit will grant Sanofi exclusive global rights for rovadicitinib.
- Sanofi will pay an upfront fee of $135 million for rovadicitinib rights.
- Potential milestone payments to Sino Biopharmaceutical could reach up to $1.40 billion.
- Rovadicitinib targets both inflammation and tissue scarring as a dual-action oral drug.
- The licence agreement requires regulatory clearances before completion.

Under the agreement, Sino Biopharmaceutical's subsidiary ​Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group will grant ​Sanofi an exclusive worldwide licence to develop, manufacture and commercialise rovadicitinib, receiving an upfront payment ​of $135 million. Sign up here. The company is also ​eligible to receive potential development, regulatory and sales ‌milestone ⁠payments of up to $1.40 billion. Rovadicitinib is an oral drug that simultaneously targets inflammation and tissue scarring, two hallmarks ​of ​the diseases ⁠it is designed to treat. It belongs to a class ​of drugs known as JAK/ROCK ​inhibitors, ⁠which work by blocking enzymes that drive both processes. The deal is subject ⁠to ​customary closing conditions, including ​regulatory clearances, Sino Biopharmaceutical said. Reporting by Shivangi Lahiri ​in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid

**Companies:** Sanofi, Sino Biopharmaceutical
**Countries:** China, France, India

[Read the full story on Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/sino-biopharm-unit-licenses-blood-cancer-drug-sanofi-up-153-bln-2026-03-03/)

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