Core Insights - Merck's PD-1 monoclonal antibody, Keytruda, has achieved global sales exceeding $20 billion in both 2023 and 2024, solidifying its position as the leading drug in the lung cancer market [1] Industry Overview - Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer globally, with 2.4 million new cases each year, and China reporting significantly higher new cases than other countries [3] - The rise of targeted and immunotherapy treatments has transformed the treatment landscape for lung cancer, with new therapies such as ADCs, bispecific antibodies, and tumor vaccines expanding treatment options [3] Competitive Landscape - A race is underway among pharmaceutical companies to establish the next generation of immunotherapy leaders in lung cancer, with companies like Junshi Biosciences, Kintor Pharmaceutical, and Innovent Biologics actively competing [2][3] - Junshi Biosciences has reported promising results for its PD-L1 ADC, HLX43, showing an objective response rate (ORR) of 33.3% in squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and 48.6% in non-squamous patients [2] - Kintor Pharmaceutical's PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, Ivoris, is currently undergoing eight pivotal phase III clinical trials [5] - Innovent Biologics has announced a collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceutical to co-develop a new generation of immunotherapy, IBI363, which targets PD-1 and IL-2α [6] Clinical Development - Junshi Biosciences plans to initiate at least eight phase III clinical trials for HLX43 in the lung cancer space, with additional studies planned for cervical cancer, esophageal squamous cancer, and colorectal cancer [2][7] - The cost of each global phase III clinical trial is estimated to be around $200 million, presenting a significant financial challenge for companies [7] Financial Performance - Junshi Biosciences reported revenue of 2.82 billion yuan in the first half of the year, a year-on-year increase of 2.7%, with net profit remaining stable at 390 million yuan [7]