Core Viewpoint - Bristol-Myers Squibb has signed an agreement to sell its 60% stake in the Shanghai-based joint venture SASS, marking a significant shift in its strategy to optimize its asset layout in China [1][2]. Group 1: Company Actions - The sale of the SASS factory reflects Bristol-Myers Squibb's commitment to its production strategy, which aims to balance internal resources through strong external partnerships [1]. - The SASS factory primarily operates mature products, including various medications that have seen reduced profitability due to China's centralized procurement policies [2][3]. - Bristol-Myers Squibb is focusing on innovation and plans to introduce nearly 30 innovative products or indications by 2025 as part of its "China 2030 Strategy" [3]. Group 2: Market Context - The trend of multinational pharmaceutical companies optimizing their asset layouts in China is evident, with other companies like Eli Lilly and GSK also divesting mature product lines [2]. - The Chinese government has introduced policies favoring innovative drugs, encouraging pharmaceutical companies to shift focus from mature products to innovative therapies [2][3]. - Bristol-Myers Squibb aims to enhance drug accessibility and become a leader in oncology, hematology, and immunology in China [3]. Group 3: Product Development - Bristol-Myers Squibb was the first to introduce an immunotherapy drug for cancer treatment in China, but it has struggled to gain market traction due to high costs and lack of insurance coverage [4]. - The company is working to change the development strategy for its PD-1 monoclonal antibody, aiming to include it in the national medical insurance directory [5].

Core Viewpoint - The sale of a 60% stake in the Sino-American Shanghai Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (SASS factory) by Bristol-Myers Squibb is significant as it marks a strategic shift in the company's operations in China, focusing on resource allocation and external collaboration to enhance its regional strategy and ensure long-term drug supply for patients globally [1][3]. Group 1: Company Actions - Bristol-Myers Squibb has signed an agreement to sell its 60% stake in the SASS factory, which was the first Sino-American joint venture pharmaceutical company established after China's reform and opening up in 1982 [1]. - The company aims to continue investing in the Chinese market under its "China 2030 Strategy," which includes plans to introduce nearly 30 innovative products or indications by 2025 and accelerate the introduction of more global innovations from 2026 to 2030 [4]. - The SASS factory primarily produces mature products, including various medications that have seen profit margins compressed due to China's centralized procurement policies since 2018 [3][4]. Group 2: Industry Trends - Other multinational pharmaceutical companies, such as Eli Lilly and GlaxoSmithKline, have also engaged in asset divestitures in China, focusing on mature products, indicating a broader trend in the industry [3]. - The Chinese government has implemented policies favoring innovative drugs, encouraging pharmaceutical companies to shift their focus towards innovation rather than relying on mature products [3][4]. - Bristol-Myers Squibb is adapting its strategy for its PD-1 monoclonal antibody, O drug, aiming to push for its inclusion in the national medical insurance directory to enhance market access and affordability for patients [5].