SHANGHAI & CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688) today announced that members of the Company's senior management team will participate in the 44thAnnual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. PST / 6:00 p.m. EST. A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the Investor Relations page of Zai Lab's website at ir.zailaboratory.com/webcasts-presentations, and an archived replay will be available for up to 30 days followi ...

Core Insights - Biotech companies experienced significant gains in after-hours trading, driven by investor interest despite limited news catalysts [1] Company Updates - GH Research PLC (GHRS) saw the largest increase, rising 22.36% to $16.20 ahead of a key update on its Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for GH001 with the FDA, scheduled for January 5, 2026 [2] - Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (PHAT) increased by 5.03% to $16.50, with the rise attributed to investor positioning rather than new announcements [3] - Forte Biosciences, Inc. (FBRX) gained 3.56%, closing at $24.45, continuing its upward trend in the biotech sector without any new updates [3] - OKYO Pharma Limited (OKYO) advanced 5.38% to $2.35, influenced by prior disclosures regarding share acquisitions by its Executive Chairman [4] - Zai Lab Limited (ZLAB) rose 5.60% to $18.30, reflecting ongoing investor interest in international biotech firms [5] - LifeMD, Inc. (LFMD) added 3.15% to $3.60, with no corporate updates released [5] - Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc. (HOWL) climbed 3.58% to $0.67, indicating speculative interest in smaller-cap biotech stocks [6] - Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (CRVS) increased by 7.24% to $7.85, extending its upward momentum without any new announcements [6]

Core Viewpoint - The approval of Nemonapride Chloride (brand name: Kaijiele) by the National Medical Products Administration marks the first new mechanism treatment for schizophrenia in over 70 years, providing a significant advancement in the management of this chronic mental illness [1][2]. Group 1: Drug Approval and Mechanism - Nemonapride Chloride has been approved for the treatment of adult schizophrenia, representing a novel therapeutic option with a unique mechanism of action [1]. - Unlike existing antipsychotic medications that primarily target dopamine or serotonin receptors, Nemonapride Chloride acts as a combination of M1/M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist and antagonist, which may lead to improved efficacy and reduced side effects [2]. Group 2: Clinical Significance - The drug has shown effectiveness in improving positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia while avoiding common side effects associated with traditional antipsychotics, such as weight gain and extrapyramidal symptoms [2]. - The inclusion of Nemonapride Chloride in the "Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Schizophrenia (2025 Edition)" as an innovative therapy highlights its significance in clinical practice [2].

Core Viewpoint - Zai Ding Pharmaceutical (ZLAB.US) shares rose over 7% to $18.84, following the approval of a new drug for schizophrenia treatment by the National Medical Products Administration of China, marking a significant breakthrough in the field [1] Company Summary - Zai Ding Pharmaceutical announced the approval of its new drug, Nemonapride Chloride Capsules (Kai Jie Le), for the treatment of adult schizophrenia [1] - This drug represents the first new treatment mechanism for schizophrenia approved in over 70 years, indicating a fundamental advancement in schizophrenia therapy [1] Market Reaction - Following the announcement, Zai Ding Pharmaceutical's stock price increased by 7% in the U.S. market and 6.24% in the Hong Kong market [1]

Core Viewpoint - Zai Ding Pharmaceutical (ZLAB.US) shares rose over 7% to $18.84 following the approval of a new drug application for Nemonapride Chloride Capsules (Kai Jie Le) by the National Medical Products Administration of China, marking a significant breakthrough in the treatment of schizophrenia with a novel mechanism of action [1] Company Summary - Zai Ding Pharmaceutical's stock price increased by more than 7% to $18.84 as of the latest update [1] - The company's Hong Kong stock also saw a rise of 6.24% on the same day [1] - The newly approved drug is the first schizophrenia treatment with a new mechanism in over 70 years, representing a fundamental breakthrough in the field [1]

Core Viewpoint - Zai Ding Pharma's stock surged over 6% in Hong Kong, leading to a 4.4% pre-market increase in the US, following the approval of a new drug for schizophrenia treatment by the Chinese National Medical Products Administration, marking a significant breakthrough in the field [1] Group 1: Company Performance - Zai Ding Pharma's closing price was $17.480, with a pre-market price of $18.250, reflecting an increase of $0.770 or 4.41% [2] - The stock reached a high of $18.095 and a low of $17.370 during trading, with a total trading volume of 60.72 million [2] - The company's total market capitalization stands at $1.933 billion, with a total share count of 111 million [2] Group 2: Drug Approval Impact - The newly approved drug, Norepinephrine Chloride Capsule (Kai Jie Le), is the first schizophrenia treatment with a novel mechanism of action approved in over 70 years, representing a fundamental breakthrough in treatment options [1]

Core Viewpoint - Zai Ding Pharmaceutical (09688) has received approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the new drug application of Nemonapride Chloride Capsules (Kai Jie Le), marking a significant breakthrough in the treatment of schizophrenia with a novel mechanism of action, the first in over 70 years [1] Group 1: Company Developments - Zai Ding Pharmaceutical's stock rose over 4% in early trading, currently up 3.45% at HKD 14.1, with a trading volume of HKD 59.19 million [1] - The approval of Nemonapride Chloride Capsules is based on data from Phase I pharmacokinetic studies and Phase III clinical trials conducted in China, as well as three global EMERGENT clinical studies [1] Group 2: Industry Impact - The approval of this new schizophrenia treatment represents a fundamental breakthrough in the field, potentially changing the landscape of schizophrenia therapies [1] - Zai Ding Pharmaceutical acquired exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Nemonapride Chloride Capsules in Greater China from Karuna Therapeutics for USD 187 million in November 2021 [1]

Core Insights - Zai Lab Limited has received approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for COBENFY® (xanomeline and trospium chloride), marking the first new schizophrenia therapy with a novel mechanism in over 70 years [1][3] - COBENFY selectively activates M1 and M4 receptors in the brain, providing a new approach to treating schizophrenia beyond traditional dopamine-blocking antipsychotics [1][3] Company Overview - Zai Lab is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative products for significant unmet medical needs in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and infectious diseases [9] - The company holds an exclusive license from Karuna Therapeutics, Inc. to develop, manufacture, and commercialize COBENFY in Greater China [6] Industry Context - Schizophrenia affects approximately 8 million adults in mainland China, with many patients experiencing inadequate symptom improvement and intolerable side effects from existing antipsychotic therapies [3][8] - The recent "China Schizophrenia Prevention and Treatment Guidelines (2025 Edition)" includes COBENFY as a novel treatment, indicating its recognition in national-level guidelines [4] Product Details - COBENFY is a combination of an oral M1/M4-preferring muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist and a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, designed to improve treatment outcomes for psychiatric conditions [5] - The therapy has shown comprehensive improvement across positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms while avoiding common adverse effects associated with traditional antipsychotics [3][5]

Group 1: Company Announcements - Multiple A-share listed companies disclosed shareholding changes on December 18, with Dazhong Mining, Sichuan Road and Bridge, and Tibet Pharmaceutical announcing share increases [1][8] - Companies including Lidasin, WuXi AppTec, Feilong Co., Ruichen Environmental Protection, Lihu Lake Co., Junshi Biosciences, Yidong Electronics, Huahai Chengke, Boshuo Technology, Allianz Ruishi, and Dazhong Mining reported share reductions [1][8] Group 2: Macroeconomic and Market Analysis - Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova stated that the launch of the Hainan Free Trade Port is an innovative move that will lay the foundation for Hainan's successful development and expand business opportunities for both domestic and foreign individuals [2][9] - The establishment of the Hainan Free Trade Port and other pilot free trade zones is seen as an effective measure to promote foreign trade, improve trade structure, and achieve trade diversification [2][9] Group 3: Market Performance and Related Assets - U.S. stock indices closed higher on Thursday, with the Dow Jones up 0.14%, Nasdaq up 1.38%, and S&P 500 up 0.79% [3][10] - Notable performances in tech stocks included Amazon and Meta rising over 2%, while Tesla increased by over 3% [3][10] - The Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index rose over 1%, with significant gains in stocks such as Canadian Solar up 6.07% and Zai Lab up 4.56% [3][10] Group 4: Commodity and Price Forecasts - Goldman Sachs predicts that by 2026, the average price of Brent crude oil and West Texas Intermediate crude oil will drop to $56 and $52 per barrel, respectively, and iron ore prices will decline by 15% to $88 per ton [3][10] - The firm maintains a forecast for copper prices to reach $15,000 by 2035 and recommends a long position in copper and a short position in aluminum [3][10] Group 5: Institutional Views and Market Analysis - Goldman Sachs holds an optimistic view on gold prices, predicting a 14% increase to $4,900 per ounce by December 2026, with potential upside risks to this forecast [4][11] Group 6: Funding and Liquidity Trends - Following the recent interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, several banks, including Jiangsu Bank and HSBC (China), have lowered their U.S. dollar deposit product rates [5][12] - Jiangsu Bank reported a decrease of 0.05 percentage points in its latest U.S. dollar deposit rates for 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year terms, which were previously 4.45%, 4.35%, and 4.25% respectively [5][12] Group 7: Regulatory Dynamics and Company Risk Events - European Central Bank officials indicated that the interest rate reduction cycle is likely over, with deposit rates expected to remain at 2% unless significant shocks occur [6][13] - ECB President Lagarde emphasized the uncertainty in the current economic environment, stating that no guidance could be provided and all options should be retained [6][13]

Market Performance - The three major US stock indices closed lower, with the Dow Jones down 0.47% at 47,885.97 points, the S&P 500 down 1.16% at 6,721.43 points, and the Nasdaq down 1.81% at 22,693.32 points [1] - Major tech stocks collectively declined, with Tesla down over 4%, Nvidia down nearly 4%, Google down over 3%, Apple and Facebook down over 1%, Amazon down 0.58%, and Microsoft down 0.06% [1] - Most Chinese concept stocks fell, with Century Internet down over 3%, NIO down over 3%, Li Auto down over 3%, Pony.ai down nearly 3%, and Global Data down over 3%. However, Wanwu Xingsheng rose nearly 3%, Zai Ding Pharmaceutical rose over 1%, and Yum China rose nearly 1% [1] - European stock indices had mixed results, with Germany's DAX down 0.02% at 24,072.25 points, France's CAC40 down 0.25% at 8,086.05 points, and the UK's FTSE 100 up 0.92% at 9,774.32 points [1] Commodity Prices - US oil futures rose by 2.92% to $56.74 per barrel, while Brent crude oil futures increased by 2.85% to $60.60 per barrel [1] - International precious metal futures generally rose, with COMEX gold futures up 0.90% at $4,371.40 per ounce and COMEX silver futures up 4.92% at $66.44 per ounce [1] - London base metals saw an overall increase, with LME tin up 3.05% at $42,275.00 per ton, LME copper up 1.30% at $11,742.50 per ton, LME aluminum up 1.03% at $2,906.00 per ton, LME zinc up 0.99% at $3,071.50 per ton, LME lead up 0.98% at $1,961.00 per ton, and LME nickel up 0.72% at $14,365.00 per ton [1] Bond Yields - US Treasury yields were mixed, with the 2-year yield up 0.43 basis points at 3.483%, the 3-year yield unchanged at 3.528%, the 5-year yield up 0.36 basis points at 3.698%, the 10-year yield up 1.36 basis points at 4.153%, and the 30-year yield up 1.72 basis points at 4.827% [1] - European bond yields mostly increased, with the UK 10-year yield down 4.4 basis points at 4.473%, France's 10-year yield up 2.4 basis points at 3.570%, Germany's 10-year yield up 1.9 basis points at 2.861%, Italy's 10-year yield up 2.4 basis points at 3.566%, and Spain's 10-year yield up 1.8 basis points at 3.296% [1]