Tai Mei Ti A P P·2025-10-09 15:15Core Viewpoint - The recent licensing agreement between Nuo Cheng Jian Hua and Zenas has led to a significant market reaction, with Nuo Cheng Jian Hua's stock dropping while Zenas's stock surged, indicating a divergence in market sentiment regarding the deal's value and potential [1][2]. Summary by Sections Licensing Agreement Details - Nuo Cheng Jian Hua has licensed its BTK inhibitor, Oubutini, for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases to Zenas, receiving an upfront payment of $100 million, milestone payments, and 7 million shares of Zenas stock, with a total potential deal value exceeding $2 billion [1][2]. - The upfront payment and stock value combined amount to $280 million, which is considered reasonable compared to industry standards, where the average upfront payment ratio is around 8% [3]. Market Reaction and Sentiment - The market's cautious sentiment towards the deal stems from two main concerns: the upfront payment not meeting expectations and the perceived lack of recognition of Zenas as a partner [2][5]. - Nuo Cheng Jian Hua's stock fell by 6.24% in A-shares and 11.64% in Hong Kong shares, while Zenas's stock rose by 24.22% following the announcement [1]. Strategic Considerations - Nuo Cheng Jian Hua had previously engaged with multinational corporations (MNCs) but ultimately chose Zenas due to smoother communication and Zenas's strong clinical development capabilities, particularly in the field of multiple sclerosis [5][10]. - Zenas, founded in 2019 and listed on NASDAQ in 2024, currently has no commercial products but has a promising pipeline, including a dual-function monoclonal antibody that complements Oubutini [7][8]. Industry Context - The collaboration reflects a shift in the global innovation drug landscape from one-time licensing deals to deeper collaborative models, where local pharmaceutical companies can retain equity in new ventures [12]. - Nuo Cheng Jian Hua's previous partnership with Biogen ended after about 18 months, highlighting the challenges in securing long-term collaborations in the industry [11]. Future Outlook - The partnership aims to advance the development of Oubutini in treating primary and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, with significant market opportunities projected in the U.S. alone [8]. - The success of this collaboration will depend on Zenas's ability to progress its pipeline and the overall market performance of its shares [12].