Core Viewpoint - He Mei Pharmaceutical is urgently seeking an IPO after 23 years of product development, with its first drug Mufemilast recently approved, amidst a highly competitive market for psoriasis treatments [1][6]. Company Overview - Founded in 2002, He Mei Pharmaceutical has raised over 1.2 billion RMB and incurred losses exceeding 1.1 billion RMB, achieving a valuation of 3.9 billion RMB despite having no products on the market [1][5]. - The company has been heavily reliant on external financing, completing six rounds of funding from 2021 to the end of 2024, with a post-investment valuation reaching 3.9 billion RMB after the E round [5]. Product Development - The development of Mufemilast has taken 16 years, starting from preclinical research in 2009 to receiving approval for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in September 2025 [3]. - Research and development expenses for Mufemilast accounted for 60% of the total R&D costs, with losses reported at 156.4 million RMB for 2023 and projected losses of 123.4 million RMB for 2024 [3][4]. Market Competition - The psoriasis drug market in China is projected to grow from 18.2 billion RMB in 2024 to 48.3 billion RMB by 2028, with 18 approved targeted therapies already available, including 13 biologics [6][7]. - He Mei Pharmaceutical faces intense competition from established players like Novartis and Eli Lilly, which have already captured significant market shares with their products [6][7]. Pricing Strategy - He Mei Pharmaceutical plans to price Mufemilast between 52,700 RMB and 119,900 RMB annually, positioning it above some small molecule competitors but below the price of established biologics [8]. - The higher pricing strategy may hinder Mufemilast's competitiveness in a market where patients are sensitive to treatment costs, especially for chronic conditions requiring long-term medication [8][9]. Commercialization Challenges - The commercialization of Mufemilast is expected to be slow due to the need for long-term academic promotion and building trust among healthcare professionals [9]. - Even with successful market entry, Mufemilast is unlikely to generate significant revenue quickly, making it difficult for He Mei Pharmaceutical to reverse its overall loss situation [9].