Almirall Partners with CrystalO to Develop AI-Driven Ion Channel Small Molecules for Dermatology
核心洞察
Almirall and Shenzhen CrystalO Biopharma announced a collaboration to discover and develop novel small-molecule drugs targeting ion channels for skin diseases.
CrystalO will leverage its AI- and structure-based drug discovery platform to advance candidates through proof-of-concept clinical testing, while Almirall leads global development and commercialization outside mainland China.
CrystalO receives an upfront payment and is eligible for milestone payments and tiered royalties on global sales, with reciprocal royalties to Almirall on sales in mainland China.
Almirall, S.A., a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to medical dermatology based in Barcelona, has entered into a collaboration and licensing agreement with Shenzhen CrystalO Biopharma Technology Co., Ltd. (搜索) to jointly discover and develop innovative small-molecule drug candidates targeting ion channels for skin diseases. The partnership, announced on August 10, 2026, combines CrystalO's scientific expertise in ion channel biology with Almirall's established capabilities in medical dermatology research, clinical development, and global commercialization.
"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," said Dr. Karl Ziegelbauer, Chief Scientific Officer at Almirall.
Strategic Division of Responsibilities
Under the terms of the agreement, CrystalO will lead the early-stage development activities, deploying its AI- and structure-based drug discovery platform to conduct candidate compound discovery, optimization, IND-enabling studies, and early clinical development through proof of concept (POC). Almirall will hold exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the resulting compounds and products in global markets outside mainland China, while CrystalO retains rights within mainland China.
Dr. Zhang Jin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CrystalO, stated: "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 prominent 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."
Financial Terms
CrystalO will receive an upfront payment from Almirall and is eligible to receive success-based payments tied to research, development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties based on future net sales of the product. In a reciprocal arrangement, CrystalO will pay Almirall tiered royalties based on future sales of the product in mainland China.
CrystalO's Scientific Foundation
Shenzhen CrystalO Biopharma Technology Co., Ltd. (搜索) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of innovative ion channel medicines. Its core team is led by high-level overseas talent, including Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine and ion channel pioneer Erwin Neher, who serves as Chief Scientific Advisor, alongside PhDs from leading research institutions and pharmaceutical companies including Harvard University. The company has built capabilities in highly stable ion channel antigens and antibodies, structural determination, structure- and AI-based drug discovery, and pharmacology.
Almirall's Commitment to Dermatology R&D
Almirall has invested more than €1 billion into R&D in medical dermatology over the last 10 years, and in 2025 the company continued to invest approximately 12.5% of net sales in R&D. The company, founded in 1944 and headquartered in Barcelona, reported total revenue of €1,114.5 million in 2025 and employs over 2,100 people globally. Almirall products are available in over 100 countries.
The agreement further expands Almirall's innovation footprint in China, aligning with the company's strategy to combine its capabilities in medical dermatology R&D, clinical development, and global commercialization with innovative assets and modalities developed in China.