Frontier Biotechnologies(SH:688221) Bei Jing Shang Bao·2026-02-24 12:33Core Insights - The pharmaceutical industry in China is experiencing a surge in business development (BD) activities, particularly in the innovative drug sector, with significant transactions occurring in early 2026 [1][4][10] - Companies like Frontier Biotech and Hengrui Medicine have recently announced exclusive licensing agreements with multinational corporations, indicating a trend of collaboration aimed at global market access [1][4][5] BD Transaction Heat - In 2025, the total value of innovative drug licensing transactions in China reached $135.655 billion, with 157 deals reported [4] - In the first quarter of 2026, the total value of licensing transactions has already reached $33.28 billion, surpassing the highest quarterly figure from 2025 [4] - Hengrui Medicine's agreement with Solstice Oncology includes upfront payments exceeding $105 million and potential milestone payments of up to $1.1 billion [4] - Frontier Biotech's deal with GSK involves an upfront payment of $40 million and potential milestone payments totaling up to $950 million [5] Focus on Small Nucleic Acids - Frontier Biotech's recent licensing agreement highlights the growing interest in small nucleic acid drugs, which are seen as a promising third category of therapeutics alongside small molecules and antibody drugs [7][8] - The company is focusing on chronic disease treatments, with pipelines covering various conditions, indicating a strategic emphasis on innovative drug development [7] - The small nucleic acid sector has seen multiple transactions recently, reflecting its status as a key area for BD activities [7] Domestic Transactions on the Rise - There has been a notable increase in BD collaborations among domestic pharmaceutical companies, moving beyond simple "going global" narratives [9][10] - Recent domestic deals include collaborations between companies like Zhongsheng Pharmaceutical and Qilu Pharmaceutical, as well as partnerships involving Jichuan Pharmaceutical and Kangfang [9] - The focus of domestic BD is on resource sharing and risk mitigation, allowing companies with R&D strengths to partner with those possessing commercialization capabilities [10]