Core Insights - Merck is deepening its collaboration with Chinese pharmaceutical companies, exemplified by a nearly $2 billion deal with Hengrui Medicine for exclusive rights to a drug outside of China [1][2] - The partnership with Hengrui Medicine involves HRS-5346, an oral small molecule Lp(a) inhibitor currently in Phase II clinical trials in China, which aims to address cardiovascular disease risk factors [2][4] - Merck's collaborations with local companies reflect the growing innovation capabilities of China's pharmaceutical industry, with a notable increase in drug development pipelines [3][5] Group 1 - Merck has established a significant presence in China over the past 30 years, with global revenues exceeding $64 billion, and is actively expanding its market influence through local partnerships [1][4] - The collaboration with Hengrui Medicine is part of a broader trend, as Merck has also signed a global exclusive licensing agreement with Hansoh Pharmaceutical for HS-10535, another investigational drug [3][6] - The Chinese pharmaceutical market has seen rapid growth, with a 15.1% increase in drug pipelines, positioning China as the second-largest pharmaceutical R&D market globally [5][6] Group 2 - Merck's China R&D Center, established in 2011, is one of the largest among multinational pharmaceutical companies in China, supporting both local and global operations [7] - The company has a "three-pronged" business model in China, encompassing R&D, manufacturing, and commercial operations, with factories in Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Tianjin [8] - Merck plans to introduce over 40 new products and indications to the Chinese market in the next five years, reflecting its commitment to meeting local healthcare needs [8][9]