Core Viewpoint - The integration of chemical and biological synthesis is essential for achieving efficient chemical bond activation, cleavage, and reorganization, emphasizing the collaborative potential of both methods [2][4]. Group 1: Chemical and Biological Synthesis - The core goal of chemical-biological synergy is to enhance efficiency and reduce costs by leveraging the strengths of both chemical and biological synthesis methods [2][4]. - Chemical synthesis will not be completely replaced by biological synthesis; instead, the focus is on how to complement each other to create lower-cost and higher-value pathways [4][5]. Group 2: Case Studies and Applications - Examples include the production of artemisinin, where biological synthesis converts sugars to artemisinic acid, while chemical methods enhance production efficiency through hydrogenation and oxidation [6]. - Collaborative efforts in various fields, such as polymer materials and drug development, have shown significant results, indicating a broad application prospect for chemical-biological synergy [6]. Group 3: Advances in Catalysis - Biomimetic catalysis is a key area where chemists learn from biologists, with future developments focusing on the diversity of catalytic systems and synergistic catalytic functions [7]. - Breakthroughs in artificial enzymes and non-natural reactions have been achieved by combining chemical catalysts with protein systems, providing new pathways for complex molecule synthesis [8]. Group 4: Innovations in Synthetic Biology - Combinatorial biosynthesis through genome recombination and editing generates non-natural products, with chemical methods playing a crucial role in precursor provision and subsequent modifications [9]. - The synthesis of nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates faces challenges, but advancements are being made in functionalization and long DNA synthesis [11][12][13]. Group 5: Future Outlook and Technological Integration - AI and big data are poised to play significant roles in promoting the integration of chemical and biological synthesis, accelerating genome mining, molecular design, and synthesis pathway optimization [14]. - The deep-sea scientific program exemplifies the potential for protein and enzyme modification in extreme environments, showcasing innovative research directions [15]. Group 6: Policy and Support for Research - A call for national-level top-level design to promote interdisciplinary research in chemical-biological synergy, particularly supporting young researchers in fields like medicine, materials, energy, and carbon neutrality [16].

Core Viewpoint - International Medicine (000516.SZ) is facing challenges in achieving profitability despite expanding its business directions and increasing service volumes in its hospitals [1][5][18] Financial Performance - In 2024, International Medicine reported revenue of 4.815 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 4.28%, but a net loss of 254 million yuan, although this represented a 31.01% reduction in losses compared to the previous year [2] - The first quarter of 2025 showed a slight increase in net loss to 106 million yuan, indicating a worsening trend in profitability [2] - The company has experienced continuous negative net profit for seven consecutive years, accumulating losses exceeding 3.8 billion yuan [9] Hospital Operations - The Xi'an Gaoxin Hospital and Xi'an International Medicine Center Hospital are key revenue contributors, with the latter being crucial for the company's overall profitability [6][7] - In 2024, the Xi'an Gaoxin Hospital achieved revenue of 1.525 billion yuan, a 2.68% increase, while the Xi'an International Medicine Center Hospital reported revenue of 3.274 billion yuan, a 7.60% increase, but still incurred a net loss of 165 million yuan [6] Service Volume Growth - The outpatient service volume at Xi'an Gaoxin Hospital reached 1.1545 million visits in 2024, a 0.30% increase, while inpatient services grew by 1.8% to 66,000 [3] - The Xi'an International Medicine Center Hospital (including the North Campus) saw outpatient service volume rise to 1.4182 million visits, an 18.88% increase [4] Strategic Initiatives - The company is exploring new business directions, including partnerships in gene testing and stem cell research, with a focus on clinical applications [8] - Collaborations with tech firms like Huawei and Mindray aim to integrate AI and big data into healthcare services, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and service quality [9] Competitive Landscape - The entry of new competitors in the market, such as Mingji Hospital, poses additional challenges for International Medicine, which must navigate a crowded field of healthcare providers [11][18] - The rapid expansion of new hospitals in Xi'an further intensifies competition, with six new tertiary hospitals established since 2023 [16][17]