Core Viewpoint - The company, Weili Zhibo, has successfully positioned itself in the T-cell engager (TCE) segment of the biotech industry, which is less mainstream compared to antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), and aims to create real value in innovative drugs rather than chasing trends [5][6][7]. Company Overview - Weili Zhibo completed its IPO on July 25, 2023, becoming the first TCE-focused company listed in China, with significant market interest reflected in a subscription rate of 3494.8 times for retail investors and 40.8 times for institutional investors [5][6]. - The company has a pipeline of six innovative drug candidates, with the closest to market being LBL-024, targeting advanced neuroendocrine carcinoma, expected to submit for approval in Q3 2026 [10][12]. Market Positioning - The TCE technology is gaining traction in the immunotherapy space, particularly for blood cancers, but remains less recognized than ADCs. The company believes that TCEs and ADCs serve different purposes and can coexist in the market [7][8]. - The first TCE drug to surpass $1 billion in sales is Amgen's Blincyto, which highlights the potential of this segment despite the challenges faced by other companies in the field [8]. Clinical Development - Weili Zhibo's LBL-034 has shown promising clinical trial results, achieving a 90% objective response rate in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, outperforming the only approved competitor [9][10]. - The company plans to expand its focus from niche indications like neuroendocrine carcinoma to larger cancer types, including small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, to create a broad-spectrum oncology portfolio [12][14]. Financial Strategy - The company currently has approximately 2 billion RMB in funds, sufficient to support its R&D plans for the next 4 to 5 years without immediate need for additional financing [16][17]. - Weili Zhibo has engaged in a global licensing agreement with Dianthus Therapeutics, which could yield up to $38 million in upfront payments and over $1 billion in total deal value, indicating a strategic focus on business development [16]. Industry Outlook - The innovative drug market is experiencing a shift towards rational investment, with companies focusing on clinical data and development pipelines rather than speculative trends [6][18]. - The domestic market for innovative drugs in China is expected to grow significantly over the next decade, providing a supportive environment for companies like Weili Zhibo, even amid international challenges [17].
港股创新药的调整期真的来了？对话维立志博董事长康小强：不会把注意力集中在“追风”上