Core Viewpoint - The article discusses allegations against Juzi Biotechnology regarding the authenticity of its recombinant collagen products, leading to a significant drop in its stock price and market value [1][2][4][8]. Group 1: Allegations and Responses - Beauty influencer "Big Mouth Doctor" accused Juzi Biotechnology of serious fraud, claiming that its recombinant collagen serum could not be detected as advertised, with a reported collagen content of only 0.0177% [1][8][9]. - Juzi Biotechnology's brand, Kefu Mei, firmly denied these allegations, stating that their product tests showed collagen content exceeding 0.1%, and they have engaged third-party testing agencies for further verification [4][12]. Group 2: Financial Impact - Following the allegations, Juzi Biotechnology's stock opened down over 8% and closed with a decline of 4.04%, resulting in a market capitalization below 800 billion HKD [2]. - The company has experienced rapid revenue growth, with a reported revenue increase from 9 billion to 55 billion CNY from 2019 to 2024, and a net profit rise from 5.5 billion to 20.6 billion CNY during the same period [15][16]. Group 3: Company Background and Market Position - Juzi Biotechnology, led by Fan Daidi, a vice president of Northwest University, is a leader in the recombinant collagen sector, with a product range that includes functional skincare, medical dressings, and medical devices [14][16]. - The company has established a strong market presence, with its products available in 1,700 public hospitals, 3,000 private hospitals and clinics, and 6,000 cosmetic specialty stores [14]. Group 4: Industry Context - The recombinant collagen and medical beauty sectors are characterized by high profit margins, with Juzi Biotechnology boasting a gross margin of 82% [16]. - The industry has seen significant interest and investment, with Juzi Biotechnology's IPO in 2022 raising 584 million HKD and subsequent financing rounds in 2024 raising over 16 billion HKD [16].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent controversy surrounding Juzi Biotechnology, particularly allegations of false advertising regarding its collagen products, leading to a significant drop in its stock price and market value [1][3][6]. Group 1: Allegations and Company Response - A beauty influencer, "Big Mouth Doctor," accused Juzi Biotechnology of selling a collagen product with insufficient collagen content, claiming it was only 0.0177%, which is below the required 0.1% for non-trace ingredients [3][6]. - Juzi Biotechnology's brand, Kefu Mei, issued a statement denying these allegations, asserting that their tests showed collagen content exceeding 0.1% and that they would conduct further third-party tests to verify this [6]. Group 2: Company Background and Market Position - Juzi Biotechnology, led by its actual controller, Fan Daidi, is a leader in the recombinant collagen field in China, with a product range that includes functional skincare, medical dressings, and medical devices [7]. - The company has seen rapid growth, with revenue increasing from 0.9 billion to 5.5 billion from 2019 to 2024, and net profit rising from 0.55 billion to 2.06 billion during the same period [8]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Market Dynamics - In 2024, Kefu Mei generated 4.54 billion, a year-on-year increase of 62.9%, while another brand, Keli Jin, achieved 0.84 billion, up 36.3% [8]. - Juzi Biotechnology's gross margin is reported at 82%, significantly higher than many comparable companies in the industry, which typically range from 70% to 90% [8]. Group 4: Recent Financing Activities - Despite strong financial performance, Juzi Biotechnology has engaged in multiple financing rounds, including an IPO in 2022 that raised 0.584 billion and a recent placement in 2024 that raised 1.641 billion [9].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the criticism from Huaxi Biological towards several brokerage firms for their misleading research reports that promote the idea of hyaluronic acid being outdated compared to recombinant collagen protein, which Huaxi believes misleads the market and damages the reputation of the hyaluronic acid industry [1][4][5]. Group 1: Criticism of Brokerage Reports - Huaxi Biological accuses brokerage firms such as Western Securities, Anxin Securities, and Xinda Securities of publishing misleading conclusions that favor recombinant collagen over hyaluronic acid [1][4][5]. - Specific examples of misleading statements include claims that recombinant collagen has more biological features and safety advantages compared to hyaluronic acid [4][5]. - Huaxi Biological emphasizes that both hyaluronic acid and collagen are essential components of the extracellular matrix and should not be compared in a misleading manner [5][12]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The article highlights the contrasting performance of Huaxi Biological and Juzhi Biological, with Huaxi experiencing a decline in revenue and market value while Juzhi shows significant growth [10][11]. - Huaxi Biological's revenue and net profit for 2024 are projected to be 5.371 billion and 174 million respectively, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 11.61% and 70.59% [10]. - In contrast, Juzhi Biological is expected to achieve a revenue of 5.539 billion and a net profit of 2.062 billion in 2024, marking a year-on-year growth of 57.07% and 42.06% [11]. Group 3: Industry Response - Following Huaxi Biological's statements, two industry associations issued a joint initiative advocating for scientific integrity and ethical marketing practices in the beauty and medical aesthetics sectors [8]. - Huaxi Biological claims to have received apologies from some brokerage firms and has reported the misleading content to regulatory authorities [6][12]. - The company asserts that the rise of the "outdated hyaluronic acid" narrative is a result of speculative capital creating a false narrative to shift focus towards new investment themes [13][14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the conflict between Huaxi Biological and several securities firms regarding the comparison of hyaluronic acid and recombinant collagen protein, with Huaxi asserting that the notion of hyaluronic acid being outdated is a misleading narrative driven by "restless capital" [2][11]. Summary by Sections Company Background - Huaxi Biological, once a darling of the capital market, saw its stock peak at 313.1 yuan and market capitalization exceed 150 billion yuan, but has since experienced a significant decline, with its stock price dropping to 52.61 yuan and market cap to 25.3 billion yuan as of May 21 [3][12]. Market Dynamics - The rise of recombinant collagen protein companies like Juzhi Biological and Jinbo Biological has shifted capital focus, with these companies achieving record highs in stock prices [4][14]. - Huaxi Biological's performance has been declining, particularly in its functional skincare segment, while the recombinant collagen protein sector is experiencing rapid growth [4][20]. Securities Firms' Reports - Huaxi Biological criticized reports from nine securities firms that favor recombinant collagen over hyaluronic acid, claiming these reports mislead the market [6][9]. - Specific reports from Huatai Securities, Guojin Securities, and others highlighted the advantages of recombinant collagen, such as its biological features and safety, which Huaxi disputes [7][8]. Industry Trends - The market for recombinant collagen products in China is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 44.93%, reaching 58.57 billion yuan by 2025 [12]. - Huaxi Biological's sales of hyaluronic acid accounted for 44% of the global market in 2021, but its revenue has been declining due to challenges in its functional skincare business [12][17]. Financial Performance - Huaxi Biological's revenue and net profit have been declining, with 2023 revenue at 6.08 billion yuan and a net profit of 593 million yuan, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 4.45% and 38.97%, respectively [17][18]. - The company's functional skincare revenue peaked in 2022 but has since dropped, leading to overall performance issues [17][19]. Strategic Response - In response to declining performance, Huaxi Biological is restructuring its management and focusing on core competencies, including a shift in branding and operational strategies [19][20]. - The company has also made acquisitions to enter the collagen market, although its recent acquisition has not yet proven profitable [20]. Competitive Landscape - The article notes that both hyaluronic acid and recombinant collagen have their respective advantages, with hyaluronic acid still holding a competitive edge in certain applications despite market challenges [21].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the conflict between Huaxi Biological and several brokerage firms regarding the comparison of hyaluronic acid and recombinant collagen protein, with Huaxi asserting that the notion of hyaluronic acid being outdated is a misleading narrative driven by "restless capital" [1][9]. Group 1: Company Performance - Huaxi Biological's stock price peaked at 313.1 yuan with a market value exceeding 150 billion yuan, but as of May 21, it has plummeted to 52.61 yuan, with a market value of only 25.3 billion yuan, representing a loss of over 120 billion yuan in market capitalization [2][10]. - The company's revenue for 2023 and 2024 was 6.076 billion yuan and 5.371 billion yuan, respectively, showing a year-on-year decline of 4.45% and 11.61% [14]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders for the same years was 593 million yuan and 174 million yuan, reflecting a significant decline of 38.97% and 70.59% [14]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The market is witnessing a shift in focus from hyaluronic acid to recombinant collagen protein, with companies like Juzhi Biological and Jinbo Biological experiencing significant stock price increases and strong revenue growth [12][17]. - The recombinant collagen protein market in China is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 44.93%, reaching 58.57 billion yuan by 2025 [9]. Group 3: Industry Comparison - Huaxi Biological argues that the claims made by brokerage reports regarding the superiority of recombinant collagen protein over hyaluronic acid are misleading and lack scientific backing [5][18]. - Both hyaluronic acid and recombinant collagen protein have their respective advantages in different applications, with hyaluronic acid still holding competitive strength due to its established market presence [18]. Group 4: Company Strategy - In response to declining performance, Huaxi Biological is restructuring its management and focusing on core competencies, including a renewed emphasis on its strengths in hyaluronic acid [16]. - The company has also made strategic acquisitions, such as a 51% stake in Beijing Yierkang Biological Engineering, to enter the animal-derived collagen protein market, although this subsidiary reported losses in 2024 [17].

Core Viewpoint - Huaxi Biological (688363.SZ) criticizes certain brokerage reports for misleading the market regarding the hyaluronic acid (HA) industry, claiming that these reports promote the idea that HA is outdated and misrepresent its value compared to recombinant collagen [1][2][5] Group 1: Criticism of Brokerage Reports - Huaxi Biological specifically names brokerages such as Western Securities, Anxin Securities, and Xinda Securities, accusing them of publishing misleading conclusions that favor recombinant collagen over hyaluronic acid [1][2][4] - The company argues that these reports distort scientific facts and mislead consumers, damaging the trust in the Chinese biotechnology and medical aesthetics industry [1][6] - Huaxi Biological emphasizes the importance of maintaining a fair competitive environment and the integrity of scientific information in the industry [1][6] Group 2: Market Dynamics and Competition - The criticism from Huaxi Biological is seen as a response to the rising competition from Juzhi Biological (02367.HK), which focuses on recombinant collagen and has been gaining market traction [1][8][12] - Huaxi Biological's performance has been declining, with projected revenues and net profits for 2024 showing significant decreases compared to previous years, while Juzhi Biological has experienced substantial growth [10][12] - The company highlights that the narrative of HA being outdated is a construct of "restless capital" aiming to shift focus to new market trends, which undermines the established value of HA [13][14] Group 3: Industry Support and Response - Following Huaxi Biological's statements, two industry associations, the China Fragrance and Cosmetic Industry Association and the China Aesthetic Medicine Association, issued a joint initiative advocating for scientific integrity and ethical marketing practices [7] - Huaxi Biological reports that many institutions have retracted erroneous reports and some have issued apologies, indicating a recognition of the misleading nature of the previous analyses [6][12] - The company maintains ongoing communication with brokerage firms regarding the accuracy of research reports and their implications for the industry [6][12]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the conflict between Huaxi Biological and several brokerage firms regarding the comparison of hyaluronic acid and recombinant collagen protein, with Huaxi asserting that the notion of hyaluronic acid being outdated is misleading and driven by "restless capital" [1][7]. Company Overview - Huaxi Biological specializes in hyaluronic acid-related products and has faced significant stock price and market capitalization declines since reaching a peak in July 2021, with its stock price dropping from 313.1 yuan to 52.61 yuan as of May 21, 2023, resulting in a market cap reduction from over 1500 billion yuan to 253 billion yuan [2][8]. - The company has reported continuous revenue declines, with revenues of 60.76 billion yuan and 53.71 billion yuan for 2023 and 2024, respectively, representing year-on-year decreases of 4.45% and 11.61% [10]. Industry Dynamics - The market has seen a shift in focus towards recombinant collagen protein, with companies like Juzhi Biological and Jinbo Biological experiencing significant stock price increases and revenue growth, contrasting with Huaxi's struggles [2][13]. - The recombinant collagen protein market in China is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 44.93%, reaching 585.7 billion yuan by 2025 [7]. Performance Comparison - Juzhi Biological's revenues for 2022, 2023, and 2024 were 23.75 billion yuan, 35.26 billion yuan, and 55.39 billion yuan, respectively, with year-on-year growth rates around 50% [13]. - Jinbo Biological's revenues during the same period were 3.9 billion yuan, 7.8 billion yuan, and 14.43 billion yuan, with growth rates of 67.15%, 99.97%, and 84.92% [13]. Regulatory and Market Response - Huaxi Biological has reported the brokerage firms to the China Securities Regulatory Commission for allegedly misleading reports that could distort market perceptions [1][3]. - The company has emphasized the need for a healthy industry ecosystem and has engaged with industry associations to advocate for a return to scientific principles in the market [5][7].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing debate regarding the relevance of hyaluronic acid (HA), with Huaxi Biotech refuting claims that HA is outdated and emphasizing its continued importance in life sciences research [1][2]. Group 1: Market Perspective - Huaxi Biotech directly addresses nine brokerage firms that have published reports suggesting that hyaluronic acid is becoming obsolete, labeling this perspective as a product of "restless capital" creating a false narrative [1]. - The company argues that the rise of the "outdated hyaluronic acid" theory is fundamentally a misrepresentation of a substance that has been central to life sciences for millions of years [1]. Group 2: Research and Development - Since the discovery of HA, the number of related studies has been increasing annually, with a significant surge post-2010, where over 60% of research focuses on cutting-edge areas such as immunity, metabolism, and cell differentiation [1]. - Huaxi Biotech's breakthrough enzyme cutting technology in 2011 has significantly advanced research on hyaluronic acid in fields like cancer, aging, and immunity [1]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The company expresses its commitment to leveraging its foundation in the sugar biology industry to explore deeper realms of life sciences, asserting that hyaluronic acid will always be their starting point [2]. - Huaxi Biotech emphasizes the importance of protecting the industry built over generations and is open to discussions on optimizing scientific and industrial ecosystems [2].

Group 1 - The article emphasizes that the collagen protein concept has gained attention in the capital market since 2022, overshadowing the hyaluronic acid industry, which has been misrepresented in various research reports [1] - It highlights that misleading conclusions comparing collagen protein to hyaluronic acid have been widely circulated, damaging the market foundation of a competitive Chinese industry [1] - The rise of the "outdated hyaluronic acid" narrative is described as a phenomenon driven by "impatient capital," which attempts to divert focus from the necessary evolution of the industry [1] Group 2 - The article points out that while hyaluronic acid is being simplistically labeled as just a "moisturizer," there is a significant increase in research surrounding it, with approximately 47,000 published papers from 2000 to 2024 [2] - Over 60% of the research on hyaluronic acid focuses on advanced fields in life sciences, including immunity, metabolism, cell differentiation, cancer research, and signaling mechanisms [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rebuttal by Huaxi Biological regarding the "outdated hyaluronic acid theory," claiming it is a narrative constructed by "restless capital" to divert attention from the necessary evolution of China's industry [1][4]. Group 1: Industry Context - Huaxi Biological argues that the rise of the "outdated hyaluronic acid theory" is a result of misleading narratives that have emerged in recent years, portraying hyaluronic acid as inferior to other substances [3][4]. - The company highlights that since 2022, the capital market has shifted its focus to the concept of recombinant collagen, which has been promoted through misleading comparative studies against the hyaluronic acid industry [3][4]. Group 2: Company Performance - Huaxi Biological has experienced a significant decline in net profit and stock price, with its market value dropping from over 140 billion yuan in 2021 to just 24.3 billion yuan currently [7]. - In contrast, competitors like Juzhi Biological, which went public in Hong Kong in 2022, have seen both their performance and stock price rise, with a current market value of 90.9 billion HKD [8]. - Another competitor, Jinbo Biological, listed on the Beijing Stock Exchange, has also seen its stock price double in recent months, reaching a market value of 42.5 billion yuan [9].