Summary of the Conference Call Company and Industry - **Company**: 博济医药 (Boji Pharmaceutical) - **Industry**: Hepatitis B treatment and research Key Points and Arguments Research and Development Progress - In 2024, Boji Pharmaceutical made significant advancements in the research for functional cure of Hepatitis B, optimizing its pipeline by terminating or pausing some projects to focus on clinical research for Hepatitis B functional cure [3][5] - The company has three core candidates in its Hepatitis B pipeline: V179, psi, and tobia_bar_antibody, which are expected to achieve higher rates of functional cure through various combinations [3][5] - The Elexxion study revealed that siRNA combined with long-acting interferon significantly improves the functional cure rate compared to long-acting interferon alone, with data showing a notable increase in Hepatitis B surface antigen clearance rates [3][8] - The 2BT study evaluated a three-drug combination therapy aimed at maximizing functional cure rates, confirming the strategy of combination therapy and guiding registration pathway decisions [3][9] Financial Status - As of December 31, 2024, the company had over 2.4 billion RMB in cash and cash equivalents, sufficient to support operations until after 2028 [3][16] - R&D expenses decreased by 38% from 400 million RMB in 2023 to 250 million RMB in 2024, reflecting a focus on pipeline optimization [3][16] Market Strategy - In China, Boji Pharmaceutical focuses on developing three Hepatitis B assets recognized as breakthrough therapies by the CDE, targeting the largest Hepatitis B patient population globally [3][7] - The company collaborates with Lear to obtain fast track and breakthrough therapy designations from the FDA for HDV treatment, as well as orphan drug designations from the EMA [3][7] Clinical Trials and Future Plans - The company plans to initiate Phase III clinical trials in 2026, aiming for optimized functional cure outcomes [3][25] - Key milestones to watch for in 2025 include data from imaging studies and ongoing clinical trials, which will inform future development and registration pathways [3][14] Unique Drug Mechanisms and Patent Protection - V179 is a recombinant protein vaccine that induces strong immune responses, while psi is an siRNA and tobia_bar_antibody is a comprehensive antibody, each with unique mechanisms [3][5][19] - The company has extensive patent protection for its Hepatitis B candidates, with B179's patent expected to last until 2040 [3][19] Long-term Strategy - Boji Pharmaceutical aims to optimize its organizational structure and control operational costs while focusing on advancing Hepatitis B projects and seeking partnerships for other potential candidates [3][18] - The company is committed to creating long-term value for shareholders by expanding treatment options and patient accessibility through innovative therapies [3][18] Commercialization Strategy - The company is considering various commercialization strategies, including partnerships and direct market expansion in key cities, to enhance its market development capabilities [3][30] - Future commercialization plans will be based on the results of Phase III clinical trials [3][29] Additional Insights - The company is actively seeking partnerships to advance non-HBV projects, including those targeting multi-drug resistant infections and HIV therapies [3][6][17] - The focus remains on Hepatitis B cure research, with a commitment to not deviate from this core mission [3][32]