创新药企“卖青苗”？不，是卖风险

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the recent significant events in China's innovative drug industry, including the licensing agreement between 3SBio and Pfizer for the PD-1/VEGF dual antibody SSGJ-707, and the breakthroughs in treating multiple solid tumors showcased at the 2025 ASCO conference, emphasizing the global competitiveness of Chinese innovative drugs. However, it also addresses the concerns regarding the "selling seedlings" phenomenon, which refers to the early-stage transfer of innovative drug developments to large foreign pharmaceutical companies, indicating a strategic choice under dual pressures and a sign of industry maturity [1][2][3]. Group 1 - The "selling seedlings" phenomenon reflects the survival wisdom of innovative drug companies amid a financing "winter," where the decline in domestic financing scales has made capital hesitant to invest in long-cycle, high-risk projects. The flow of "risk contracts" through business development (BD) transactions has become a crucial lifeline, providing immediate cash flow and international experience for Chinese pharmaceutical companies [2][3]. - The core challenge facing China's innovative drug industry is the imbalance between investment and return, with the average cost of developing a new drug ranging from $1 billion to $3 billion. To achieve profitability, annual sales must reach $200 million to $400 million during the exclusive market period, necessitating a focused approach to drug development [2][3]. - Innovative drug companies possess a dynamic "risk investment portfolio," where the high failure rates of drug pipelines necessitate external business development transactions to manage risks effectively. By transferring some pipeline risks to multinational giants, companies can secure immediate cash and future milestone payments [3][4]. Group 2 - Selling parts of the pipeline is a strategic focus for resource-limited small and medium-sized biotech companies, allowing them to concentrate on the most promising core projects rather than spreading resources too thinly. For multinational pharmaceutical companies, acquiring pipelines is a way to exchange capital for time and secure future potential blockbuster products [4]. - The essence of innovative drug BD transactions lies in managing scientific uncertainties and efficiently pricing and circulating risk assets. When Chinese pharmaceutical companies view their pipelines as valuable risk assets rather than mere commodities, they can optimize resource allocation and enhance industry operational efficiency [4]. - Understanding and managing risk is crucial for the success of China's innovative drug industry in the global market, enabling companies to navigate challenges and ultimately achieve sustainable growth [4].