Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent developments of Vili Biotech, a company focused on T-cell engagers (TCE), highlighting its market positioning, clinical advancements, and strategic decisions in the competitive biotech landscape [2][3]. Group 1: Company Overview - Vili Biotech completed its IPO in July 2023, becoming the first TCE-focused company listed in Hong Kong, with a market capitalization of approximately HKD 11.34 billion [2]. - The company has positioned itself in the less mainstream TCE sector, which connects T-cells to cancer cells, despite the associated risks such as cytokine storms and neurotoxicity [2][4]. Group 2: Market Performance - Vili Biotech's stock saw a significant increase of 127% shortly after its IPO, with retail subscriptions reaching a record 3,494.8 times, indicating strong market interest [3]. - The company aims to avoid the "overnight success" narrative, focusing instead on long-term development and the quality of its research pipeline [3]. Group 3: TCE Technology Insights - TCEs are gaining traction in the immunotherapy field, particularly for blood cancers, but are less recognized compared to antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) [4]. - The first TCE drug to surpass USD 1 billion in sales is Amgen's Blincyto, which targets leukemia, with projected sales exceeding USD 1.2 billion in 2024 [4]. Group 4: Clinical Development - Vili Biotech has six innovative drug candidates in clinical stages, with LBL-024 being the closest to market, targeting advanced neuroendocrine carcinoma [7]. - The company employs a "small to large" clinical strategy, starting with niche indications and expanding to broader cancer types [8]. Group 5: Financial Strategy - The company currently has around RMB 2 billion in funds, sufficient to support its R&D plans for the next 4 to 5 years, with no immediate plans for additional financing [10]. - Vili Biotech emphasizes the importance of financial preparedness in the cyclical biotech industry, having adjusted its fundraising strategy during a downturn in 2021 [10].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent developments and market positioning of Weili Zhibo, a biotech company that has recently gone public in Hong Kong, focusing on T-cell engagers (TCE) as a novel cancer treatment approach, amidst a competitive landscape in the innovative drug sector [1][4]. Company Overview - Weili Zhibo completed its IPO in July 2023, becoming the first TCE-focused company listed in China [1]. - The company has gained significant market attention, with retail subscriptions reaching a record 3,494.8 times during its IPO [4]. - The CEO, Kang Xiaoqiang, emphasizes a long-term development strategy over quick fame, focusing on the company's research pipeline and clinical data [4][5]. TCE Technology - TCEs are positioned as a promising alternative to antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), with the potential to activate T-cells against cancer cells [3][5]. - The first TCE drug to surpass $1 billion in sales is Amgen's Blincyto, which targets leukemia [5]. - TCEs have advantages in terms of lower antigen expression requirements and longer duration of action compared to ADCs [5]. Clinical Development - Weili Zhibo has six innovative drug candidates in clinical stages, with LBL-024 being the closest to market, targeting advanced neuroendocrine carcinoma [8][9]. - The clinical strategy involves starting with niche indications and expanding to larger cancer types, aiming for a broad-spectrum anti-cancer approach [9]. - The company plans to showcase two new blood cancer drugs at the 2025 ASH annual meeting, indicating strong clinical data [6][7]. Market Strategy - The company has opted for a "small first, then large" strategy to address unmet clinical needs in less competitive areas [9]. - Weili Zhibo has secured a global licensing agreement with Dianthus Therapeutics, potentially generating over $10 billion in total transaction value [10]. - The CEO remains cautious about market volatility and emphasizes the importance of having sufficient funds to support R&D for the next 4-5 years [10][11].