Core Insights - Bayer has officially signed an agreement to sell its antibiotic Avelox to Sequoia China, marking a strategic shift in the pharmaceutical giant's portfolio [1] - The transaction is valued between €160 million and €260 million, focusing on Avelox's intellectual property, global brand ownership, and commercial rights [1] - This sale is part of Bayer's broader strategy to streamline its global product line and concentrate on core areas of expertise [1][3] Sales Performance - Avelox achieved global sales of $122 million in 2000, peaking at $1.034 billion in 2007, but has seen a dramatic decline since the expiration of its patent around 2014 [2] - By 2021, Avelox's global sales dropped to $7.2 million, and by 2023, it fell below €100 million [2] - In China, Avelox's sales have also declined significantly due to the national drug procurement policy, which led to an average price drop of over 90% [2] Market Dynamics - Bayer's market share for Avelox has decreased, with original research drugs accounting for less than 10% of the market by 2022, while domestic generics dominate [3] - Avelox's contribution to Bayer's total revenue of approximately €48 billion in 2023 is negligible, accounting for less than 1% [3] - Bayer's overall revenue faced a decline of 2.2% in 2024, with challenges in the Chinese market contributing to the decision to divest Avelox [3] Industry Trends - Major pharmaceutical companies like Novartis, GSK, and Pfizer have previously divested mature product lines facing generic competition, indicating a trend in the industry [4] - The sale of mature products presents opportunities for Chinese capital and pharmaceutical companies to acquire established brands and accelerate international expansion [5] - As multinational pharmaceutical companies continue to adjust their strategies, more mature products like Avelox are expected to be divested, with Chinese firms likely to be key buyers [5]

Group 1 - BMS is selling a 60% stake in its China joint venture, Shanghai BMS, to an affiliate of Hillhouse Capital, with the deal expected to close in early 2026 [1][4] - The divested assets include several products manufactured and sold exclusively in mainland China, such as Baraclude, Bufferin, and Theragran [1][4] - This divestiture is part of BMS's strategy to focus resources on core areas and optimize its business layout [1][4] Group 2 - Shanghai BMS was established in 1982 as the first Sino-American joint venture pharmaceutical company in China, predating other joint ventures like Xi'an Janssen and MSD [3] - The trend of foreign pharmaceutical companies exiting joint ventures in China is increasing, as the policy environment allows for wholly-owned operations [3][6] - Shanghai BMS has faced declining performance due to intensified competition and price reductions from centralized procurement, leading to a strategic decision to sell its business [4][6] Group 3 - In 2016, Shanghai BMS reported a record revenue of 4.72 billion yuan, but recent years have seen a decline in performance due to competition and pricing pressures [4] - The divestiture aligns with BMS's broader transformation plan, as the company reported a 2.48% year-over-year revenue decline in its latest financial report [4]