Clinical-stage biotechnology company Biophytis SA (Euronext Growth Paris:ALBPS) (OTC:BPTSY) said on Monday that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a consortium of investors, including Ronghui Renhe Life Technology, to create a joint venture in Hong Kong for the development of BIO101.

The joint venture will finance and initiate the world's first Phase 3 clinical trial in sarcopenia, with clinical operations expected to start in early 2026.

Under the plans, the consortium will invest up to USD20m over two years to support the trial, which will include up to 932 patients across Europe and Asia, including China and Japan. Biophytis will transfer or license relevant patents for BIO101 in China, Korea, and Japan to the joint venture, which will also hold exclusive commercialisation rights in these markets.

The collaboration combines Biophytis's European research expertise with Chinese biopharmaceutical development and Hong Kong-based financing capabilities. Final agreements, including the shareholders' agreement and patent arrangements, are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.