Core Viewpoint - Bayer AG has agreed to sell its antibiotic drug Avelox to Sequoia China for an estimated transaction value between €160 million and €260 million, reflecting the growing investment value in off-patent branded drugs in China [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The sale includes Avelox's intellectual property, brand ownership, and global commercial rights [1]. - HSBC acted as the exclusive financial advisor for Bayer, while Shanghai Pudong Development Bank provided loan financing support to Sequoia China [1]. Group 2: Market Context - Avelox, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, was approved by the FDA in 1999 and peaked in sales in 2012, but has seen a decline since then [1]. - In 2021, Avelox's global sales were reported at $72 million, with Bayer's original brand holding a 40% market share in China despite competition from 22 local generic manufacturers [2]. Group 3: Industry Trends - The transaction highlights the investment opportunities in the market for off-patent branded drugs, as multinational pharmaceutical companies focus on innovative drug pipelines [2]. - The period from 2025 to 2029 is expected to see a new wave of patent expirations, with an estimated annual sales value of $180 billion for expiring drugs [3]. - Chinese capital is becoming a key player in the transaction of expired patent drug assets, as exemplified by Sequoia China's acquisition of Avelox [3].

Core Insights - Bayer has officially signed an agreement to sell its antibiotic Avelox to Sequoia China, marking a strategic shift in the pharmaceutical giant's portfolio [1] - The transaction is valued between €160 million and €260 million, focusing on Avelox's intellectual property, global brand ownership, and commercial rights [1] - This sale is part of Bayer's broader strategy to streamline its global product line and concentrate on core areas of expertise [1][3] Sales Performance - Avelox achieved global sales of $122 million in 2000, peaking at $1.034 billion in 2007, but has seen a dramatic decline since the expiration of its patent around 2014 [2] - By 2021, Avelox's global sales dropped to $7.2 million, and by 2023, it fell below €100 million [2] - In China, Avelox's sales have also declined significantly due to the national drug procurement policy, which led to an average price drop of over 90% [2] Market Dynamics - Bayer's market share for Avelox has decreased, with original research drugs accounting for less than 10% of the market by 2022, while domestic generics dominate [3] - Avelox's contribution to Bayer's total revenue of approximately €48 billion in 2023 is negligible, accounting for less than 1% [3] - Bayer's overall revenue faced a decline of 2.2% in 2024, with challenges in the Chinese market contributing to the decision to divest Avelox [3] Industry Trends - Major pharmaceutical companies like Novartis, GSK, and Pfizer have previously divested mature product lines facing generic competition, indicating a trend in the industry [4] - The sale of mature products presents opportunities for Chinese capital and pharmaceutical companies to acquire established brands and accelerate international expansion [5] - As multinational pharmaceutical companies continue to adjust their strategies, more mature products like Avelox are expected to be divested, with Chinese firms likely to be key buyers [5]