Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing trend of licensing out (BD) transactions in the Chinese innovative pharmaceutical sector, with significant collaborations between local companies and global pharmaceutical giants, indicating a shift in the global perception of Chinese pharmaceuticals [1][3][12]. Group 1: Licensing Out Transactions - Recently, Heng Rui Medicine announced a licensing agreement with Merck (MSD) for its Lp(a) oral small molecule project, granting Merck exclusive rights for development and commercialization outside Greater China [1]. - In the first two months of 2025, there were 16 BD projects from Chinese innovative drug companies, covering areas from oncology to autoimmune diseases [3][4]. - The total amount of BD transactions in 2023 exceeded IPO financing amounts, with a significant increase in the first three quarters of 2024, reaching nearly 8.5 times the financing in primary and secondary markets [5]. Group 2: Role of VC/PE in BD - VC/PE firms are acting as "enablers" for innovative drug companies, helping them connect with overseas demands and expand into international markets [4][5]. - Many investment institutions are not only investing in projects but also assisting drug companies in BD, as the current financing environment poses challenges for both primary and secondary market fundraising [4][5]. - The involvement of VC/PE in BD is seen as a way to enhance the potential for investment exits, although it does not fully resolve the challenges of exiting investments in innovative drug companies [11][12]. Group 3: Buyers in BD Transactions - The primary buyers in BD transactions are multinational pharmaceutical giants like AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Pfizer, as well as local Chinese pharmaceutical companies looking to enhance their innovation capabilities [7][8]. - Multinational companies face a "patent cliff" with significant cash flow reductions, prompting them to seek innovative drug pipelines through BD transactions [7]. - Chinese innovative drug companies are increasingly attracting attention from overseas funds, particularly for first-in-class opportunities, indicating a growing interest in the Chinese market [8]. Group 4: Financial Impact of BD - BD transactions provide substantial short-term cash flow for drug companies, often exceeding the amounts raised through IPOs [10][11]. - Companies like HeYue Medicine reported significant revenue increases attributed to BD agreements, showcasing the financial benefits of such collaborations [10]. - The article notes that while BD transactions can provide immediate funding, they also help mitigate the risks associated with international clinical trials by leveraging the expertise of established biopharma companies [11].