Onconic Therapeutics, Jeil Pharmaceutical’s drug-development subsidiary, said Chinese partner Livzon Pharmaceutical has dosed the first patient in a Phase 3 trial of Jaqubo injectable, whose active ingredient is zastaprazan, for peptic ulcer bleeding. Onconic has invoiced or claimed a $1 million development milestone under their agreement. The injectable program broadens zastaprazan beyond the oral formulation being reviewed in China for erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease and complements a separate Phase 3 program for Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. The companies’ 2023 exclusive technology-transfer agreement covers China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan and is valued at $127.5 million, including a $15 million upfront payment. Onconic has also received a $5 million milestone linked to the oral product’s China Phase 3 completion and marketing application, plus $1 million when the H. pylori program entered Phase 3. China’s regulatory decision on the oral formulation remains the key near-term factor for commercialization, sales milestones and royalties.