Ge Long Hui·2025-09-02 09:38Core Viewpoint - The innovative drug sector has led the market this year, with the Hang Seng Innovative Drug ETF (159316) rising over 86% since April 9 [1][4]. Fund Inflows - In the last 60 days, the Hang Seng Innovative Drug ETF (159316) has seen a net inflow of 1.547 billion yuan, bringing its latest scale to 1.968 billion yuan [3]. Breakthroughs - The strong performance of the innovative drug sector is attributed to a series of favorable developments, particularly in international markets. A significant boost occurred on September 1 when Hengrui Medicine announced conditional approval from the National Medical Products Administration for its self-developed innovative drug, SHR2554, for treating relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma [4][5]. - SHR2554 represents a major breakthrough as China's first self-developed EZH2 inhibitor, indicating a shift from "Me-too" drugs to genuine innovation, showcasing China's capability to compete in global markets [5][6]. Incremental Growth - From January to July this year, Chinese innovative drug companies licensed out nearly 80 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of over 160%. Several companies have announced large licensing agreements, indicating a growing trend in international collaborations [7][9]. - The innovative drug industry in China is characterized by increasing foundational innovation capabilities, expanding market size, and improving international market share. The number of self-developed innovative drugs surpassed that of the U.S. in 2020, with 592 drugs in development by 2021, accounting for 22% of the global total [9][11]. Qualitative Changes - The Hang Seng Innovative Drug Index has rebounded significantly after a steep decline, with a 73% drop from its peak in June 2021 to July 2024, followed by a doubling in value over the past year [13][14]. - Several companies have reported profitability for the first time, with notable net profits from companies like BeiGene and Innovent Biologics, indicating a shift towards sustainable revenue sources [15][16]. - The innovative drug sector is transitioning from a phase of heavy R&D investment to one of realizing results, supported by valuation recovery, earnings growth, accelerated international expansion, and favorable policies [18]. Conclusion - The innovative drug sector is expected to continue benefiting from multiple catalysts, including upcoming international conferences and potential interest rate cuts, which could enhance global liquidity and favorably impact the sector [18].