Almirall has inaugurated new offices in the Jing’an district in Shanghai, China, to further opportunities for innovation in medical dermatology. To be known as Almirall Shanghai Pharmaceutical Consulting Co., the offices combine Almirall’s in-house R&D capabilities with collaborations in China.

Almirall says that in the pharma sector, China is accelerating its life sciences capabilities and licensing deals at this time. Concurrently, Almirall is expanding its leadership in medical dermatology by leveraging its R&D and commercial expertise.

Advancements in Medical Dermatology

The company has already demonstrated a successful partnership in China, with Simcere, dating back to 2022. This collaboration developed an interleukin 2 mutant fusion protein (IL-2muFc), which initially targeted alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis. The IL-2muFc protein is one of three currently ongoing proof-of-concept/Phase II studies in Almirall’s pipeline. Since 2022, Almirall and Simcere have worked together to advance its clinical development.

More broadly, this collaboration reflects 20 years of a comprehensive strategic partnership between Spain, where Almirall is based, and China. Adding to that, the Action Plan on Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2025–2028) specifically prioritizes the pharmaceutical sector.

Advantages for Almirall in China

Carlos Gallardo, Almirall Chairman and CEO, said the company is combining commercialization of its dermatology portfolio while focusing on innovation.

“The successful collaboration we have with Simcere in alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis is a blueprint for this,” Gallardo said. “The complementary work in China will allow us to broaden our innovation potential through new partnerships.”

While partnering in China, Almirall will also continue investing in in-house R&D capabilities focused on its R&D center in Barcelona. The company additionally says more pipeline programs are expected to progress into Phase II studies in the next 12 months.