Core Insights - The ultrafiltration membrane industry is experiencing significant growth driven by increasing water quality demands and environmental awareness, with the market size in China projected to reach 6.8 billion yuan in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 9.68% [1][12]. Industry Overview - Ultrafiltration membranes are polymer separation membranes with a pore size typically ranging from 0.001 to 0.1 microns, capable of retaining particles larger than 10 nanometers while allowing water and small solutes to pass through [1][4]. - The industry has evolved through three main stages: initial exploration in the 1970s-80s, industrial breakthroughs in the 1990s-early 2000s, and rapid growth from the early 21st century to present [4][5]. Market Dynamics - The demand for ultrafiltration membranes is increasing in municipal water supply, wastewater treatment, and seawater desalination, as well as in the food and beverage and biopharmaceutical sectors [1][12]. - The urban sewage treatment capacity in China reached 234 million cubic meters per day in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 4.80%, highlighting the growing need for effective wastewater treatment solutions [10]. Industry Chain - The ultrafiltration membrane industry supply chain includes upstream raw materials (organic and inorganic materials), midstream manufacturing, and downstream applications in various sectors such as wastewater treatment, municipal water purification, and food and beverage [8]. Key Players - Major companies in the ultrafiltration membrane sector include Hainan Lifespan, Le Pure Biotechnology, and Beijing Sino, which are leveraging technological advancements to enhance their market positions [14][16]. - Hainan Lifespan has established itself as a leader with a production capacity of 30 million square meters annually, accounting for nearly half of global production [14][16]. Development Trends - The industry is witnessing technological innovations, such as Le Pure's Extreme™ PVDF membrane, which achieves a 99.9999% microbial retention rate, and advancements in membrane materials that enhance performance and sustainability [20][21]. - Market demand is shifting towards industrial wastewater treatment, municipal water supply improvements, and home water purification systems, with increasing consumer preferences for selective filtration products [21][22]. - Chinese ultrafiltration membrane companies are expanding globally, with initiatives to establish overseas production bases and participate in international standard-setting, enhancing their competitive edge [23].

Core Insights - Lecheng Bio has launched the Extreme™ PVDF sterilizing filter membrane, which boasts high purity, high flux, and low protein adsorption, achieving leading performance parameters in the market [1] - The PVDF series sterilizing filters are a key product focus for Lecheng Bio this year, with significant improvements in filtration capacity and minimal flux decline during the filtration process, enhancing production efficiency and shortening process cycles [1] - The company has also successfully developed PES hydrophobic filter membranes, with a complete range of hydrophilic and hydrophobic PES filter products already launched, and plans to introduce PES ultrafiltration membranes by the end of the year [1] Market Position - According to third-party industry research data, over 50% of disposable consumables and equipment in the biopharmaceutical R&D and production process have been domestically replaced, with Lecheng Bio holding a leading market share [1] - The domestic market share for filters is approximately 30%, while the share for culture media is around 20%, with Lecheng Bio being an early mover in these segments and maintaining a competitive advantage [1] - The company aims to introduce PVDF sterilizing and virus filter membranes into the market, alongside launching domestic virus filters for blood products and high-concentration protein solutions [2]

Core Viewpoint - LePure Biotech has achieved a significant breakthrough with its self-developed Extreme™ PVDF sterilizing filter membrane, marking a major step for domestic bioprocess companies in ensuring supply chain security [1][2]. Downstream Demand Side - Historically, the Chinese biopharmaceutical upstream market has relied heavily on imported consumables, with over 95% market share held by multinational companies. However, domestic biopharmaceutical companies are now focusing on self-reliance to mitigate risks from international supply chain fluctuations [2]. - Currently, domestic single-use consumables and equipment account for over 50% of the biopharmaceutical R&D and production process, with LePure Biotech holding a competitive advantage in market share for filters and culture media [2]. - The Extreme™ PVDF filter membrane can process 2-3 times the amount of imported competitors per unit area during constant pressure filtration tests, significantly reducing production costs and improving efficiency [2]. Upstream Process Side - The introduction of the PVDF filter membrane is expected to fundamentally improve the quality of domestic virus removal filtration materials, which have faced high technical performance requirements [4]. - LePure Biotech has also successfully developed another widely used membrane material, the PES hydrophobic filter membrane, and plans to launch a complete range of PES ultrafiltration membrane products by the end of the year [4]. - The company emphasizes the importance of foundational R&D capabilities to stabilize supply chain security, having launched the Lekrius® membrane in 2021 and the Extreme™ PVDF filter membrane this year [4][6]. Product Development Strategy - LePure Biotech adopts a strategy of "strengthening foundational R&D, deepening application R&D, and optimizing overall processes" across three categories of consumables: single-use systems, cell culture, and filtration purification [6]. - The rapid growth of the filtration business has become the company's second growth curve, with plans to continue developing various product models to meet pharmaceutical market demands [6]. Market Position and Future Outlook - LePure Biotech recognizes both the advantages and challenges of "Chinese manufacturing capabilities," noting unique strengths in technology conversion efficiency, supply chain responsiveness, and cost-effectiveness [7]. - Despite the rapid development of domestic companies in formulation development and process stability, there remains a gap compared to established international brands, necessitating longer cycles for technology validation and market cultivation [7]. - The successful self-research by LePure Biotech provides a safer and more reliable supply chain assurance for the Chinese biopharmaceutical industry, positioning the company to play a more significant role in the global biopharmaceutical supply chain as more innovative products are launched [7].