Core Viewpoint - Kewang Pharmaceutical Group has submitted an application for listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with CITIC Securities as the sole sponsor. The company previously submitted a listing application in June 2024. The core product, ES102, is one of the few OX40 agonists in clinical development, with no OX40 agonists approved globally as of the latest feasible date [1][6]. Company Overview - Kewang Pharmaceutical, established in 2017, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing next-generation cancer therapies globally. The company aims to innovate in immuno-oncology by targeting promising pathways and biological targets in cancer biology [6]. - The core product, ES102, is an advanced six-valent OX40 agonist designed to stimulate T cells and reverse immune suppression induced by Treg cells. It is specifically aimed at cancer patients who do not respond well to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) [6][7]. Clinical Development - Kewang has completed two Phase 1 clinical trials of ES102 in China for advanced solid tumor patients, both as a monotherapy and in combination with PD-1 inhibitors. A Phase 2 clinical trial is set to begin in April 2025, exploring the potential of ES102 in combination therapies [7]. - The company has a differentiated pipeline that includes five major assets, three of which are in clinical stages (ES014, ES104, and ES009), positioning it to capitalize on the rapidly growing oncology market [7]. Research and Development Capabilities - Kewang has established a comprehensive drug development engine that spans the entire R&D cycle, from drug discovery to clinical development. The company has developed proprietary technologies in therapeutic antibody development, including platforms like BiME®, Acebody™, and ElpiSource™ [8]. - A strategic collaboration with Partex N.V., an AI-driven drug discovery company, is set to enhance the development of new therapeutic antibodies and biologics through the ELPITEX platform [8]. Strategic Partnerships - Kewang has formed a strategic partnership with Astellas, a global biopharmaceutical company, to collaborate on a new bispecific macrophage connector project derived from the BiME® platform. This partnership could yield over $1.7 billion in milestone payments if Astellas exercises its options [9]. Financial Performance - For the year ending December 31, 2024, Kewang is projected to generate revenue of RMB 106.566 million from its collaboration with Astellas. The company has reported significant losses, with a projected loss of RMB 729.508 million for 2023 [10].