Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of NewCo transactions in China's innovative pharmaceutical sector, highlighting a shift where Chinese investment firms, such as Sequoia China, are becoming buyers in these deals, leveraging China's clinical efficiency and cost advantages to enhance the global market value of targeted drugs [1][3][6]. Group 1: NewCo Transactions Overview - NewCo transactions have seen a significant increase in China, with 14 similar deals occurring since the beginning of 2024, primarily involving both large and small pharmaceutical companies [2][6]. - The first NewCo transaction led by a Chinese fund involved a $10 million upfront payment to Lepu Biopharma, marking a notable shift in the buyer landscape from predominantly foreign funds to domestic investors [2][4][6]. Group 2: Investment Strategy and Market Impact - Sequoia China's investment strategy focuses on identifying differentiated assets, particularly in the T-cell engager (TCE) space, which has limited competition in solid tumors compared to blood cancers [6][7]. - The transaction structure allows Lepu Biopharma to retain a 10% stake in the new company, Excalipoint, and potentially earn up to $848 million in milestone payments and sales royalties, indicating a strategic approach to funding and asset management [7][10]. Group 3: Clinical Development and Cost Efficiency - The new company will conduct Phase I clinical trials in China, utilizing local resources to expedite development, contrasting with previous models that prioritized overseas clinical trials [12][13]. - The cost of conducting clinical trials in China is significantly lower than in the U.S., with estimates suggesting a cost difference of five to seven times, which enhances the feasibility of early-stage drug development [13]. Group 4: Management and Operational Considerations - The success of NewCo transactions relies heavily on the experience of the management team, with a focus on ensuring seamless integration of core technologies and research strategies [9][10]. - The article emphasizes the importance of strong relationships with potential buyers and understanding their pipeline needs, which is crucial for the successful exit of NewCo assets [16]. Group 5: Market Perception and Future Outlook - Despite some skepticism regarding the low upfront payments typical of NewCo deals, they remain a vital funding avenue for innovative pharmaceutical companies facing financial pressures [17]. - The article suggests that as the market for innovative drugs recovers, more NewCo transactions are likely to emerge, providing opportunities for companies to secure funding while maintaining involvement in their drug pipelines [17].

经济观察报 记者 张英 "大药企里，部分药物因战略调整或官僚主义而被搁置。小药企则不得不将所有资源集中在一两款药品上，即便其他备选药物再好也顾不上。"10年前，一位 30岁的印度裔美国人如此点评欧美药企的状态。 这位名叫维韦克·拉马斯瓦米（Vivek Ramaswamy）的年轻人想从那些被忽视的药物中挖掘出价值。他以低价买入这类在研药物，再组建新公司进一步地研 发投入，得到不错的试验数据后，他将药物或公司转手卖向大型药企以获得大额回报。 拉马斯瓦米因此成为亿万富翁。他的赚钱方法在中国被广泛地称为"NewCo"，即New Company（新公司）的缩写。2024年至今，在资本寒冬下，中国创新药 行业已密集发生了14笔类似交易。 在这些NewCo交易中，卖方既有恒瑞医药（600276.SH/01276.HK）这样的大公司，也有荃信生物（02509.HK）这样的小型创新药企。买方起初以美国基金 为主，不过现在，行业正在悄然起变化。 8月初，乐普生物（02157.HK）达成一笔首付款1000万美元的交易，其股价连涨了三个交易日。但少有人注意，这是第一笔由红杉中国等中国投资机构作为 买方的NewCo交易。 红杉中国董事 ...

Core Insights - The Chinese innovative drug sector has gained global recognition, with the Hang Seng Medical ETF rising over 90% and the Hong Kong Stock Connect Innovative Drug Index increasing by 130% this year, indicating a shift to the first tier of global pharmaceutical capabilities [1] - There is a trend where investors are actively engaging in business development (BD) transactions rather than waiting for IPOs, with international capital looking to invest in domestic biopharmaceutical firms to explore promising drug development projects [1][2] - The investment model has evolved, focusing on direct investments in drug development projects and supply chain management, leading to opportunities for domestic general partners (GPs) to raise USD funds and enter international supply chains [1][2] Investment Trends - BD transactions have become mainstream in the industry, particularly large deals exceeding USD 1 billion related to overseas licensing of drug pipelines [2] - For instance, the collaboration between 3SBio and Pfizer involves a potential total transaction amount exceeding USD 6 billion, with an upfront payment of USD 1.25 billion [2] - The total value of BD transactions in the first half of the year surpassed USD 60 billion, highlighting the significance of this investment approach [2] Target Investment Institutions - International limited partners (LPs) are seeking three types of domestic GPs for investment in innovative drug projects: 1. GPs that invest in U.S. biopharmaceutical companies, primarily to introduce Chinese drug projects [3] 2. GPs that invest in foreign companies with Chinese drug authorizations [3] 3. GPs that lead investments in newly established domestic companies (NewCos) focused on overseas sales of Chinese drugs [3] NewCo as a Strategy - Establishing NewCos allows domestic GPs to enhance their bargaining power in international collaborations by determining their share of profits and selecting international teams for management [5][6] - NewCos can be established at a low valuation, enabling domestic GPs to leverage investments while providing accountability to domestic LPs [6] - However, the effectiveness of this model depends on the specific terms of agreements, particularly regarding profit-sharing and distribution [6] Challenges and Market Alignment - Despite the potential advantages of NewCos, challenges remain, particularly in aligning drug development with international market demands [7][8] - Domestic GPs need to better understand U.S. market needs and integrate into the drug project initiation phase to facilitate marketization and internationalization [8] - The use of AI technology is being explored to match Chinese drug projects with international buyer demands, enhancing the likelihood of successful collaborations [8][9] Investment Focus Areas - International LPs are also interested in investing in AI pharmaceutical companies, platforms that incubate multiple projects, and specific types of research and development projects [9] - The emphasis on supply chain management capabilities is crucial for the success of these investments, reflecting a shift in biopharmaceutical investment strategies [9]

Group 1: Market Performance - The Hong Kong pharmaceutical sector has seen a dramatic increase, with over 10 innovative drug companies achieving a maximum rise of over 200% in 2023, including a notable 30% single-day surge for Sanofi due to a $1.25 billion upfront deal with Pfizer [1][2] - More than 30 healthcare companies have submitted applications for listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with two-thirds focusing on innovative drug development [1] Group 2: Investment Trends - In 2024, the Chinese health technology industry is expected to see a significant increase in License-out transactions, with total upfront payments exceeding $3 billion, surpassing the total financing amount for innovative drugs that year [3] - The first quarter of 2025 saw License-out transaction totals reach $36.9 billion, marking a 222% year-on-year increase, with major buyers including Pfizer and Roche [3] Group 3: Strategic Shifts - Health technology companies are advised to enhance their overseas strategies by establishing R&D institutions abroad and adopting various models such as License-out and NewCo to mitigate risks and improve funding [4][5] - The License-out model allows companies to transfer commercialization risks to partners while quickly recouping funds, making it a popular choice among innovative drug companies [5] Group 4: R&D Investment - A-share pharmaceutical companies have a low R&D investment ratio, with only 5.1% in 2023, indicating a need for increased investment in innovation [6] - Recent regulatory changes, including the reintroduction of listing standards for unprofitable biotech firms, aim to support high-quality technology enterprises and enhance the capital market's appeal [7][10] Group 5: Future Opportunities - The health technology sector is predicted to experience significant growth in AI pharmaceuticals, precision medicine, and surgical robotics over the next 3-5 years, with AI healthcare leading in financing events [12][15] - The AI healthcare market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 43% from 2024 to 2032, potentially reaching a market size of $491 billion by 2032 [15]

Core Insights - The Chinese innovative drug industry is demonstrating its R&D capabilities through significant License-out transactions, despite the primary market facing a downturn in investment activities [1] - The industry is entering a phase of differentiation, where leading companies with clinical data, global vision, and financing capabilities are emerging, while many others struggle for survival and growth [1] Role of Venture Capital in Innovative Drug Ecosystem - Market-oriented venture capital plays a crucial role in supporting the innovative drug industry, acting as a provider of funds, igniter, booster, and navigator [2] - Venture capital firms offer valuable experience and guidance in areas such as equity structure, team composition, and financing strategies, helping entrepreneurs avoid pitfalls [3] Changes in Funding Sources - The dominance of state-owned limited partners (LPs) in the primary market has increased, leading to a decline in the proportion of market-oriented funds, which affects the market orientation of venture capital institutions [4] Capitalization Pathways and Market Changes - The innovative drug industry in China has seen significant growth over the past decade, with a peak in investment in 2021, followed by a noticeable decline in the last three years [6] - The current primary market is experiencing structural differentiation, with companies capable of License-out or NewCo transactions achieving better development opportunities [7] Exit Strategies for Venture Capital Institutions - Common exit strategies for venture capital in the innovative drug sector include listings on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, License-out transactions, and NewCo formations [8] Discussion on License-out Transactions - License-out transactions are viewed as a vital path for startups to validate and realize their value, with the market adjusting to these dynamics [9]