Almirall enters collaboration with CrystalO for the discovery and development of novel small molecules in medical dermatology

Almirall has entered a collaboration and licensing agreement with Chinese company CrystalO for the discovery and development of novel small molecules in medical dermatology.

The agreement builds on Almirall’s broader innovation strategy to identify innovative local R&D programmes that complement its in-house capabilities. It also reflects the company’s continued commitment to advancing differentiated treatments in areas of high unmet medical need in dermatology through strategic partnerships and scientific collaboration.

Under the terms of the agreement, CrystalO will be responsible for candidate discovery, optimisation, IND-enabling studies and early clinical development, with the aim of delivering clinical proof of concept (POC). Almirall will hold exclusive rights outside mainland China and will lead subsequent global development, manufacturing and commercialisation activities.

Commenting on the collaboration, Karl Ziegelbauer, Chief Scientific Officer at Almirall, said: “This collaboration with CrystalO marks another important step in advancing our innovation strategy in China and further reinforces our strong R&D pipeline in medical dermatology. We look forward to the potential this discovery partnership holds for delivering meaningful benefits to patients living with skin conditions worldwide.”

Dr. Zhang Jin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CrystalO, added: "We are honored to enter into a strategic collaboration with Almirall, a leading company with a strong global reputation in dermatology. This collaboration is a strong recognition of CrystalO's technology platform and R&D capabilities in ion channel drug discovery. We look forward to working closely with the Almirall team, fully leveraging the strengths of both parties, accelerating the development of innovative medicines, and bringing benefits to patients worldwide as early as possible".