Core Insights - The report maintains a positive outlook on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, with a focus on raw material prices as of July 2025 [1][3] Hormonal Drug Price Situation - In July 2025, prices for hormonal drugs such as progesterone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, saponin, dexamethasone sodium phosphate, hydrocortisone, and acetate hydrocortisone remained stable month-on-month. Year-on-year, progesterone prices remained unchanged, while medroxyprogesterone acetate, saponin, dexamethasone sodium phosphate, hydrocortisone, acetate hydrocortisone, and saponin saw declines of 1.85%, 3.23%, 84.22%, 14.04%, 12.15%, and 5.66% respectively [6][10] Antibiotic Intermediate Price Situation - In July 2025, prices for antibiotic intermediates such as 4-AA remained stable month-on-month, while 7-ADCA, 7-ACA, 6-APA, and penicillin industrial salt saw decreases of 1.92%, 2.08%, 8.33%, and 7.89% respectively. Year-on-year, 7-ADCA, 7-ACA, 6-APA, 4-AA, and penicillin industrial salt prices fell by 1.92%, 4.08%, 45.00%, 13.92%, and 41.67% respectively [10][11] β-Lactam Antibiotic Price Situation - In July 2025, prices for β-lactam antibiotics such as cephalexin, ampicillin, cefotaxime sodium, and cefaclor remained stable month-on-month. However, ceftriaxone sodium, cefixime, and amoxicillin saw declines of 1.55%, 1.37%, and 11.36% respectively. Year-on-year, cephalexin, ampicillin, ceftriaxone sodium, cefotaxime sodium, cefixime, and amoxicillin prices decreased by 1.82%, 2.22%, 9.29%, 3.40%, 12.20%, and 35.00% respectively, while cefaclor saw an increase of 6.12% [15][17] Cardiovascular Drug Price Situation - In July 2025, prices for cardiovascular raw materials such as valsartan, irbesartan, telmisartan, lisinopril, enalapril maleate, and atorvastatin calcium remained stable month-on-month. Year-on-year, valsartan prices decreased by 1.54%, while the other drugs remained unchanged [19][20]

Core Viewpoint - The antitrust case involving dexamethasone raw material has concluded, resulting in significant fines for Jiangsu Lianhuan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and its competitors, impacting their financial performance and future operations [1][2][4]. Group 1: Regulatory Actions and Financial Impact - Jiangsu Lianhuan Pharmaceutical was fined a total of 61.0382 million yuan, which represents 72.53% of its net profit for the previous year [3][4]. - The total fines imposed on the three companies involved in the price-fixing agreement amount to 326 million yuan [4]. - The fines include the confiscation of illegal gains of 17.8992 million yuan and an 8% penalty based on the company's 2023 sales [2][4]. Group 2: Financial Performance and R&D Investment - In 2024, Jiangsu Lianhuan reported a revenue of 2.16 billion yuan, a slight decrease of 0.63% year-on-year, and a net profit of 84.16 million yuan, down 37.66% from the previous year [6]. - The company has significantly increased its R&D investment, with expenses rising from 66 million yuan in 2021 to 155 million yuan in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of over 51% [7][8]. - The increase in R&D spending has pressured profit margins, leading to a decline in net profit despite revenue growth [7][8]. Group 3: Market Position and Competitive Landscape - Dexamethasone phosphate sodium is included in the treatment guidelines for severe COVID-19 patients, highlighting its importance in the pharmaceutical market [3]. - The company is shifting focus towards high-end formulations and innovative drugs, including projects targeting cancer and Alzheimer's disease [7][8]. - The innovative drug LH-1801, currently in phase III clinical trials, faces competition from several similar products already on the market [9].

Product Line and Applications - The company's intermediate product line includes five main series: Androstenedione (AD), Androstenedione (ADD), 9-Hydroxyandrostenedione (9OH-AD), 17α-hydroxy derivatives (A ring), and Dihydrotestosterone (BA), primarily used in the production of steroid drugs for various medical applications [1][2]. Quality Control and Management - The company adheres to strict quality management systems across all production stages, implementing international GMP standards to ensure product quality stability and consistency [2][3]. - In 2024, the company reported a net cash flow from operating activities of approximately ¥194.46 million, a 309.44% increase from the previous year, attributed to reduced cash payments for purchased goods and increased receipts from sales [4]. Research and Development - R&D investments have steadily increased from ¥50.21 million in 2022 to ¥58.38 million in 2024, supporting the company's industrial upgrades and performance growth [4][5]. - The company has accumulated nearly ¥400 million in R&D investments, with over 90 patents, including 25 invention patents, enhancing its competitive edge in the market [6]. Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives - The company is recognized as a national-level green factory, utilizing synthetic biology and genetic engineering technologies to improve environmental sustainability in production processes [3][5]. - Various energy-saving measures have been implemented to reduce carbon emissions, including advanced technology adoption to lower material consumption and pollution [5]. Market Position and Strategy - The global steroid hormone drug market is growing at over 10% annually, with the company positioned to capitalize on this trend, as China's steroid hormone raw material production accounts for about one-third of the global total [7][9]. - The company aims to integrate its operations across the pharmaceutical value chain, focusing on the production of intermediates, raw materials, and finished formulations [10][11]. Employee and Labor Relations - The company emphasizes employee rights protection, adhering to labor laws and establishing a comprehensive human resource management system to foster a harmonious labor relationship [11]. Future Outlook - The company plans to expand its international market presence, with overseas revenue accounting for 18.55% of total revenue in 2024, and aims to register multiple raw materials in the US and EU to facilitate exports [11].