Zhifei Biological: Adjusting strategic cooperation with Merck & Co., exclusively代理ing the 9-valent HPV vaccine, 5-valent rotavirus vaccine, and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine until the end of 2028.

LightningPacketLoss · 2026-04-06T15:40:12+00:00

Zhifei Biotech and Merck & Co. have signed a new strategic cooperation agreement, canceling fixed purchase amounts and switching to adjusting procurement volumes based on market demand. The new agreement covers the 9-valent HPV, 5-valent rotavirus, and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines, with a validity period until 2028. This reduces Zhifei Biotech's inventory pressure, increases flexibility, and supports public health goals.

LightningPacketLoss

2026-04-06 15:40:12

Abstract generation in progress

Recently, Zhifei Bio released an announcement stating that it has officially signed an updated strategic cooperation agreement with global pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. for a major adjustment to the vaccine distribution model under their long-term cooperation. According to the announcement, the new agreement will eliminate the previously agreed minimum guaranteed purchase amount and instead dynamically adjust the purchase volume based on actual market demand, while continuing to retain Zhifei Bio’s exclusive distribution and promotion rights for multiple core vaccines from Merck & Co. in Mainland China.

The adjustment involves three major products from Merck & Co.: the 9-valent HPV vaccine, the 5-valent rotavirus vaccine, and the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, all of which are key products in China’s public health and immunization field. The new agreement is valid until December 31, 2028. The parties may negotiate an extension, further solidifying the cooperation relationship.

The announcement shows that the biggest change in the updated agreement lies in doing away with rigid procurement constraints: it will no longer set a fixed base procurement amount, and instead will adopt a market-oriented, flexible procurement mechanism. Each procurement period’s quantity will be determined through consultation between the two parties based on market demand, vaccination conditions, inventory levels, and other factors. This adjustment will significantly reduce Zhifei Bio’s inventory preparation pressure and capital occupancy, improve operational flexibility, and lower business risks arising from market fluctuations.

After the implementation of the new agreement, Zhifei Bio will continue to carry out the full lifecycle operations for the above-mentioned vaccines in Mainland China, and will work with Merck & Co. to advance vaccine education, standardized immunization, and public health program rollout, providing support to accelerate the achievement of public health goals such as eliminating cervical cancer.

(Editor: Yang Yan, Lin Chen)

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