HighTide Therapeutics (HKG:2511) said its wholly owned subsidiary, Shenzhen HighTide Biopharmaceutical, has launched a research collaboration with the Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology under the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, according to a Tuesday Hong Kong bourse filing.

The project will study the company's lead drug candidate, HTD1801, for type 2 diabetes with chronic kidney disease.

Shares of HighTide gained 2% in Wednesday late-afternoon trade.

The collaboration will assess HTD1801's multi-indication potential, targeting improvements in blood glucose, kidney and liver function, lipids, cardiovascular health, body weight, and inflammation.