Core Viewpoint - The A-share and Hong Kong stock markets for the pharmaceutical sector have shown a strong recovery at the beginning of 2026, marked by a "five consecutive days of gains" trend, driven by supportive policies, payment innovations, and explosive growth in overseas markets [2][4][6]. Group 1: Market Performance - As of the latest close, the A-share innovative drug ETF (159992) closed at 0.897 CNY per share, up 1.7%, with a daily trading volume of 845 million CNY, and a year-to-date increase of 7.94% [2]. - The Hong Kong innovative drug ETF (159570) closed at 0.553 HKD per share, up 0.91%, with a trading volume of 572 million HKD, and a year-to-date increase of 11.04% [4]. - Notable stocks such as Weikang Pharmaceutical, Frontier Biologics-U, and Hongbo Pharmaceutical achieved daily price limits, indicating strong market sentiment [2][4]. Group 2: Policy Support - The turnaround in market sentiment is attributed to a combination of policy support, payment innovations, and explosive growth in overseas markets [6]. - The new medical insurance directory and the first commercial insurance innovative drug directory were launched simultaneously, further supporting the innovative drug sector [6]. - Local policies have also been strengthened, with the Guangzhou government announcing plans to accelerate the strategic layout of innovative drugs, focusing on monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and blood products [8]. Group 3: Regulatory Improvements - The approval process for innovative drugs has entered a fast track, with the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) enhancing support for innovative drugs with new mechanisms and targets [8]. - The NMPA has optimized the review and approval processes for urgently needed foreign drugs, aiming to shorten the listing cycle for innovative drugs [8]. - As of early 2026, several significant drugs have been approved, setting a positive tone for the industry's development [9]. Group 4: Supply Chain and Production - In 2025, a record 76 innovative drugs were approved for listing, with over one-third in the oncology treatment field, indicating a strong focus on cancer research [10]. - The majority of approved drugs were domestically developed, with a domestic rate of 85.53%, highlighting the strength of local innovation [12]. Group 5: Payment Innovations - A multi-tiered payment system has been established to address the "payment difficulty" that has historically hindered the development of innovative drugs in China [14]. - The new medical insurance directory includes 114 drugs, with an 88% success rate for inclusion, and 80% of innovative drugs entering the directory within two years of listing [16]. - The introduction of a commercial insurance directory for high-value innovative drugs enhances patient access and secures profitability for companies [16]. Group 6: International Expansion - The overseas market for Chinese innovative drugs has seen explosive growth, with total overseas authorization transaction amounts reaching 1356.55 billion USD in 2025, significantly up from 519 billion USD in 2024 [17]. - The focus on antibody drugs and ADCs has attracted attention from overseas pharmaceutical companies, with a shift towards later-stage clinical authorizations [17]. - The growth in overseas business not only provides substantial upfront payments but also benefits the entire industry chain, including contract research organizations (CROs) [17][18].