Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the interleukin industry Core Insights - The interleukin family consists of various cytokines that play significant roles in immune regulation, inflammation, and cancer, with many related drugs and clinical pipelines in development [4][5] - The IL-12 and IL-23 cytokines are crucial in immune modulation and have become important therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and Crohn's disease [9][10] - The market for IL-4Rα drugs in allergic diseases is expanding, with two main drugs approved in China for treating allergic asthma and other conditions [16] - IL-1β inhibitors are gaining traction in gout treatment, with a notable increase in patient numbers projected for high uric acid levels and gout by 2030 [23][25] - Artificial intelligence is enhancing drug development processes across various stages, significantly reducing the time required for drug discovery and optimization [31][32] Summary by Sections Interleukin Family Overview - The interleukin family includes multiple members categorized into several groups, each with distinct roles in immune response and disease [3][4] - Key interleukins such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17 are involved in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, with existing drugs and clinical pipelines targeting these cytokines [5] Market Status of IL-12/IL-23 - Several drugs targeting IL-12 and IL-23 have been approved for treating autoimmune diseases, with notable examples including Ustekinumab and Guselkumab [8][10] - The first fully human monoclonal antibody targeting IL-12/IL-23, Iroquois, is set to launch in 2025 for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis [10] IL-4 in Allergic Diseases - Two IL-4Rα drugs have been approved in China for allergic diseases, with Dupilumab included in the national medical insurance list [16] - The report outlines ongoing clinical trials for additional IL-4Rα therapies targeting various allergic conditions [17] IL-1β Inhibitors in Gout Treatment - The report highlights the increasing prevalence of high uric acid and gout, with projections indicating significant growth in patient numbers by 2030 [21][23] - The first IL-1β monoclonal antibody, Canakinumab, has been approved for gout treatment, with a projected global sales figure of $1.5 billion by 2024 [25] Role of Artificial Intelligence in Drug Development - AI is transforming drug discovery by streamlining processes and improving efficiency, reducing the time for lead compound optimization from approximately 65 months to 30 months [32] - The integration of AI in drug development enhances the accuracy of personalized medicine and accelerates the identification of effective drug candidates [31][32]

Core Viewpoint - The recent approvals of domestic gout drugs indicate a revitalization of the relatively overlooked gout treatment market, highlighting the potential for innovation in this area due to unmet clinical needs and minimal investment from multinational corporations (MNCs) [1][2][21]. Industry Overview - The global prevalence of gout is rising, yet MNCs have been conservative in their investments in this field, unlike the diabetes sector, which has seen multiple successful drug launches [3][4]. - The market for gout medications is projected to reach approximately $3.3 billion by 2024, significantly smaller than the diabetes drug market, which is expected to exceed $100 billion [3][4]. Clinical Demand - There is a pressing clinical need for effective gout treatments, as many patients experience poor adherence to existing therapies, with over half stopping medication within six months of achieving target uric acid levels [3][4]. - Current treatments have significant safety concerns, leading to a high demand for new therapies that can address these issues [5][6][9]. Recent Developments - The approval of Fuxin Qibai monoclonal antibody marks a significant milestone as the first domestically developed IL-1β inhibitor for acute gouty arthritis, offering a long-acting treatment option [11][12]. - Fuxin Qibai has demonstrated rapid pain relief and a significant reduction in the risk of recurrence, with no serious adverse events reported [12][13]. Market Dynamics - The domestic market for gout treatments is characterized by a lack of MNC involvement, creating opportunities for local companies to establish a foothold and innovate [14][21]. - Several domestic pipelines are advancing, focusing on safety and efficacy, with multiple candidates in late-stage clinical trials [16][20]. Competitive Landscape - The URAT1 inhibitor segment is particularly competitive, with numerous domestic candidates showing promising safety profiles and efficacy [16][18]. - Companies like Hengrui and Yipin Hong are making significant progress with their URAT1 inhibitors, with Hengrui's SHR4640 showing superior results in clinical trials compared to existing treatments [18][20]. Future Outlook - The domestic gout treatment market is expected to grow as companies leverage unmet clinical needs and safety concerns of existing therapies to introduce innovative solutions [21]. - The increasing prevalence of hyperuricemia and gout in China, with an estimated 26 million gout patients, presents a substantial market opportunity for domestic pharmaceutical companies [21].

Core Viewpoint - Changchun High-tech, once known as "Northeast Medicine King," has faced a significant decline, with its market value evaporating by 160 billion yuan and stock prices plummeting by 84%. However, the approval of a new gout drug, "Jinbeixin," and plans for a Hong Kong IPO have sparked hopes for a turnaround [1][3]. Group 1: R&D and IPO Strategy - Over the past three years, Changchun High-tech has invested more than 6 billion yuan in R&D, with the R&D expense ratio soaring to nearly 20% in 2024. The company has increased its workforce by 2,518 employees, primarily in R&D and self-immune drug promotion [3]. - The company announced the preparation for an H-share listing on July 1, aiming to open up overseas financing channels to alleviate the financial pressure from its 6 billion yuan R&D "black hole" [3]. - Despite the low liquidity in the Hong Kong market, the policy allowing unprofitable innovative drug companies to list provides a lifeline for Changchun High-tech [3]. Group 2: New Drug Approval and Market Challenges - The National Medical Products Administration approved the new drug "Jinbeixin" for acute gouty arthritis, offering new hope for Changchun High-tech. Clinical data shows that it can significantly reduce pain and recurrence risk for patients [6]. - However, the market path for Jinbeixin is fraught with challenges, including competition from domestic rivals and pricing pressures. The expected price of Jinbeixin is 2,000 yuan per injection, which may deter patients if it is not included in medical insurance [7]. Group 3: Diversification Attempts and Lessons Learned - Jinbeixin is not the first attempt at diversification for Changchun High-tech. The company's shingles vaccine, launched in 2022, initially showed promise but saw a revenue drop from 1.82 billion yuan in 2023 to 1.23 billion yuan in 2024, with a 53% decline in net profit [8]. - The decline in the shingles vaccine's market share was attributed to its lower efficacy compared to competitors' products, highlighting the challenges of diversification [8]. Group 4: Decline of Growth Hormone and Future Outlook - The company's growth hormone product, which once held a 75% market share, has seen its revenue significantly impacted by price reductions due to national medical procurement policies, leading to a 43% drop in net profit in 2024 [9]. - Looking ahead, Changchun High-tech has 24 products in clinical stages across various fields, including oncology and reproductive health, indicating potential for future growth if successful in diversifying its product offerings [10].