Zhong Guo Jing Ying Bao·2025-06-28 02:17Core Viewpoint - Rongchang Biopharmaceutical's significant licensing agreement with Vor Bio, valued at up to $4.23 billion, led to an unexpected 18.36% drop in its stock price, raising concerns about the market's perception of the deal [2]. Group 1: Licensing Agreement Details - On June 25, Rongchang Biopharmaceutical announced a licensing agreement with Vor Bio, granting exclusive rights to develop and commercialize the drug Tai Tasi Pi outside of Greater China [2]. - The agreement includes an upfront payment of $125 million, which consists of a $45 million initial payment and $80 million in warrants, along with potential milestone payments of up to $4.1 billion and sales royalties in the high single to double-digit percentage range [2]. Group 2: Product and Financial Performance - Tai Tasi Pi, Rongchang's core innovative drug, received conditional approval in March 2021 and is currently approved for indications such as myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis [3]. - In 2024, Rongchang's revenue reached 1.717 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 58.54%, although it reported a net loss of 1.468 billion yuan [4]. - The significant revenue growth is attributed to increased sales of Tai Tasi Pi and another product, with R&D expenses amounting to 1.54 billion yuan, representing 89.69% of total revenue [4]. Group 3: Vor Bio Company Concerns - Vor Bio has not generated any revenue since its inception and reported net losses of $118 million and $117 million for 2023 and 2024, respectively, with a cumulative deficit of $457 million as of December 31, 2024 [5]. - The company announced significant layoffs, planning to cut 147 full-time employees, approximately 95% of its workforce, and to gradually shut down its clinical and manufacturing operations [5]. - Vor Bio also experienced major management changes, including the departure of its CFO, Chief Scientific Officer, and head of technical operations [6].