“小核酸第一股”圣诺医药首席执行官回应华熙生物入股

Core Viewpoint - Saint Nor Pharmaceutical has secured a significant investment from Huaxi Biotechnology, which will become its second-largest shareholder, indicating a strategic partnership aimed at advancing its clinical pipeline and enhancing its market position in the biopharmaceutical sector [1][3][14]. Group 1: Investment Details - Huaxi Biotechnology plans to subscribe to 11.56828 million shares of Saint Nor Pharmaceutical at HKD 12 per share, totaling approximately HKD 139 million [1]. - In addition to Huaxi, three other investors have subscribed to a total of 5.7841 million shares, raising a total of HKD 208.2 million for Saint Nor Pharmaceutical [2]. - Following the announcement, Saint Nor's stock price surged, closing at HKD 18.38 on September 8, a 22.78% increase, and further rising to HKD 20.62 on September 9, marking a 12.19% increase [2]. Group 2: Company Performance and Strategy - As of mid-2023, Saint Nor Pharmaceutical reported no product sales revenue and incurred a loss of approximately USD 3.4 million, with cash and cash equivalents of USD 6.872 million [6]. - The company has been undergoing management changes, with a new CEO appointed in late 2022, indicating a shift in leadership strategy [6]. - Saint Nor aims to utilize the new funding primarily for advancing its clinical products and delivery systems, with a focus on its aesthetic medicine pipeline in collaboration with Huaxi [3][4]. Group 3: Huaxi Biotechnology's Position - Huaxi Biotechnology has experienced a decline in revenue from its core functional skincare segment, with a reported revenue drop of 19.57% year-on-year in the first half of 2023 [8]. - The company is diversifying its investments, having established several funds focused on life sciences and medical innovations, and this investment in Saint Nor marks its first foray into innovative drug development [10][14]. - Huaxi is particularly interested in the small nucleic acid drug sector, which is gaining recognition for its potential in treating various diseases [10][11]. Group 4: Future Prospects - Saint Nor's lead product, STP705, is in advanced clinical trials for indications including targeted fat reduction and skin malignancies, which aligns with Huaxi's expertise in aesthetic medicine [11][13]. - The partnership is expected to enhance Saint Nor's credibility in the capital market, while also allowing Huaxi to transition from a component supplier to a more integrated biopharmaceutical platform [14].