(Yicai Global) Sept. 20 -- Advanced Aesthetic Technologies, an American leader in aesthetic gel implant technology, has teamed up with China National Biotec Group to bring its Algeness-branded natural dermal fillers to China.

CNBG, a subsidiary of China National Pharmaceutical Group, will take a major but non-controlling stake in AAT as part of the deal, the Massachusetts-based partner said in a statement yesterday. It did not disclose how large a stake CNBG would acquire or how much it would pay.

In turn, CNBG's unit Lanzhou Biotechnique Development will help acquire Chinese approval for the distribution of Algeness products on the mainland. These products include fully resorbable injectable gel implants that can shape and volumize the face -- they already hold the CE mark and are distributed in more than 30 countries worldwide, though AAT is still trying to get approval from the US Food and Drug Administration.

CNBG's parent, also known as Sinopharm, is China's biggest pharmaceutical and healthcare group. Lanzhou Biotechnique Development manufactures botulinum toxin A in China and commands a 77 percent share of the market.

Editor: James Boynton