​Summit Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:SMMT) is one of the Best Growth Stocks Under $25 to Buy Right Now. On October 17, Summit Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:SMMT) announced the expansion of its Phase 3 clinical development program called HARMONi-GI3, for its candidate Ivonescimab. ​Ivonescimab is a novel biospecific antibody that combines with chemotherapy in patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer. The phase 3 trials will compare ivonescimab plus chemotherapy with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy as ...

Summit Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:SMMT) stock is trading lower on Monday. The company shared progress on its lead drug candidate and third-quarter financial results.On Sunday, Summit Therapeutics shared results from the Phase 3 HARMONi-6 trial, conducted in China by its partner, Akeso Inc.The data were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology 2025 Congress.The trial showed that Ivonescimab and chemo reduced the risk of progression or death by 40% compared with BeOne Medicines Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ONC ...

Core Insights - Ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy demonstrated a 40% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death compared to Tislelizumab plus chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of patients with squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the HARMONi-6 study [1][5][33] - The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.14 months for Ivonescimab plus chemotherapy versus 6.90 months for Tislelizumab plus chemotherapy, with a hazard ratio of 0.60 [1][5][6] - The safety profile of Ivonescimab was comparable to Tislelizumab, with similar rates of serious treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and discontinuation due to TRAEs [1][7][9] Study Overview - The HARMONi-6 trial was a Phase III, multi-center study conducted in China, evaluating Ivonescimab in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy against Tislelizumab plus chemotherapy in patients with advanced squamous NSCLC, regardless of PD-L1 expression [2][4][33] - The study was sponsored by Akeso, Inc., with all relevant data generated and analyzed by Akeso [2][4] Efficacy Results - Ivonescimab showed a statistically significant improvement in PFS, with a hazard ratio of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.46, 0.78; p<0.0001) [5][6] - The overall response rate (ORR) was 75.9% for Ivonescimab plus chemotherapy compared to 66.5% for Tislelizumab plus chemotherapy [6] - Duration of response (DoR) was also longer for Ivonescimab at 11.20 months versus 8.38 months for Tislelizumab [6] Safety Profile - The safety profile of Ivonescimab was manageable, with 3.4% of patients discontinuing due to TRAEs compared to 4.2% for Tislelizumab [9][11] - Serious TRAEs occurred in 32.3% of patients receiving Ivonescimab and 30.2% for Tislelizumab [11] - Grade 3 or higher immune-related adverse events were reported in 9.0% of Ivonescimab patients versus 10.2% for Tislelizumab [11] Future Studies - The HARMONi-3 global study will analyze squamous and non-squamous NSCLC cohorts separately, with enrollment completion expected in the first half of 2026 for the squamous cohort and the second half of 2026 for the non-squamous cohort [1][19][20] - An interim analysis for overall survival is planned for both cohorts upon reaching the prespecified number of events [19][20] Publication and Presentation - The results of the HARMONi-6 trial were published in The Lancet and presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2025 Congress [1][13][24]

Summary of China Biotech Outlook Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China biotech industry**, particularly the performance of H-share listed companies in this sector, which has seen significant growth year-to-date (YTD) [1][2][3]. Key Performance Metrics - The average H-share EV/2030e sales multiple in the China biotech space has more than **doubled from 2.0x to 4.2x** YTD, surpassing the previous peak of **3.7x** in 2021 [3][21]. - The overall market cap of H-share listed China biotech companies has expanded by **154% YTD**, compared to **34%** for the Hang Seng Index (HSI) [9][19]. Market Drivers - The valuation re-rating is attributed to the **globalization of China biotech**, with increasing recognition of domestic drug developers' innovations [3][20]. - Anticipated **Fed rate cuts** are expected to boost investor risk appetite, particularly towards growth sectors like China biotech [4][9]. Stock Performance Insights - Stock performance will depend on fundamentals such as successful commercial execution and rapid innovation development [5][19]. - Companies with near-term catalysts (e.g., Akeso, InnoCare), proof-of-concept data (e.g., Keymed), and those positioned to leverage innovation trends (e.g., Innovent, Duality) are expected to outperform [5][19]. Risks and Challenges - Potential risks include persistent valuation premiums that may deter overseas investors and geopolitical tensions that could disrupt cross-border innovation flows [6][19]. Future Outlook - The report suggests that the sector will continue to be supported by the long-term thesis of **China drug innovation** becoming increasingly globalized [6][19]. - The expectation of higher valuations based on long-term forecasts (i.e., 2035e) could lead to further re-ratings across the sector [4][19]. Company-Specific Insights - **Abbisko Cayman Ltd**: Price target raised from **HK$8.30 to HK$22.00** [7][17]. - **Akeso, Inc.**: Price target increased from **HK$87.00 to HK$215.00** [7][17]. - **Duality Biotherapeutics Inc**: Price target raised from **HK$244.00 to HK$493.00** [7][17]. - **Everest Medicines Ltd**: Price target increased from **HK$40.00 to HK$55.00** [7][17]. - **HUTCHMED (China) Ltd**: Price target decreased from **US$18.00 to US$13.75** [7][17]. Valuation Trends - The report indicates a widening discount between Chinese biotech companies with in-house drug discovery capabilities and those relying on external sources [22][25]. - The current valuation band for the China biotech sector is approximately **3x-5x EV/sales**, aligning more closely with US biopharma companies [21][25]. Conclusion - The China biotech sector is at a pivotal inflection point, driven by domestic innovation and increasing global recognition. The anticipated Fed rate cuts and ongoing globalization trends are expected to further enhance the sector's attractiveness to investors [4][19][25].

Core Viewpoint - Summit Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:SMMT) is identified as a promising stock for investment over the next three months, with a Buy rating and a price target of $40 initiated by Guggenheim [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance and Analyst Insights - The stock was previously favored when trading at $3 due to an overlooked progression-free survival readout for its drug Ivonescimab compared to Merck's Pembrolizumab in lung cancer [2]. - Currently trading at $24, the stock is still viewed positively, with expectations that successful outcomes in two first-line lung cancer trials could lead to significant price appreciation by 2027 and 2028 [2]. - Analysts project a 12-month average price target indicating a potential upside of 34.72% from current levels [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Summit Therapeutics Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative medicinal therapies aimed at enhancing the quality and duration of life [3].

2025.8 Disclaimer This presentation has been delivered to interested parties for information purposes only and upon the express understanding that such parties will use it only for the purposes set forth above, and it is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any decision to purchase securities of Akeso, Inc. (the "Company"). This presentation does not constitute or contain an offer or invitation to sell, or any solicitation of any offer to subscribe for or purchase any securities in a ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant investment by Bristol-Myers Squibb in the development of the cancer treatment drug BNT327, highlighting the rapid increase in its valuation and the potential for substantial returns in the innovative drug sector, particularly from Chinese companies [2][10]. Group 1: Drug Development and Valuation - Bristol-Myers Squibb has entered a partnership with BioNTech to develop and sell the dual-specific antibody BNT327, with an initial payment of $1.5 billion and potential total payments reaching $11.1 billion (approximately 800 billion RMB) [2]. - BNT327, originally developed by Chinese company Biotheus, was acquired by BioNTech for $1.055 billion, indicating a tenfold increase in its value within a year and a half [2]. - The dual-specific antibody targets both PD-1 and VEGF, enhancing immune response against tumors while inhibiting their blood supply, representing a significant advancement over traditional single-target therapies [6][8]. Group 2: Market Trends and Investment Opportunities - The innovative drug sector in China is experiencing a boom, with substantial investments and partnerships being formed, as evidenced by multiple large-scale deals in late 2024 [12][14]. - Notable transactions include GSK's $300 million upfront payment for a targeted therapy and other significant licensing agreements, indicating a strong market for innovative drugs [12]. - The Chinese biopharmaceutical industry is becoming increasingly attractive to global pharmaceutical companies, with a reported $45.5 billion in business development transactions in 2024, highlighting the competitive edge of Chinese drug developers [14][15].

Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Overweight" (OW) rating to Innovent, Akeso, and Kelun Biotech, indicating an expectation that these stocks will outperform the average total return of their coverage universe [4][7]. Core Insights - Innovent has shown strong investor interest, with a recent stock increase of approximately 3% following a share sale by Lilly Asia Ventures. The company achieved its first-ever non-IFRS positive profit and EBITDA in 2024, and this trend is expected to continue into 2025 and beyond. Innovent is anticipated to secure an outlicensing deal for IBI363, which holds significant value in the immuno-oncology therapy space [4]. - Akeso's share price rose by 10% on June 10, attributed to comments from its U.S. partner, Summit, regarding avoiding a cash raise and manufacturing Ivonescimab in-house. Summit plans to recruit participants for global trials from multiple regions, including China, the U.S., and the EU. The BLA filing strategy for HARMONi is still under discussion [4]. - Kelun Biotech completed an equity raise and does not require additional cash due to solid reserves. Promising ASCO data for Sac-TMT in treating triple-negative breast cancer and non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer indicates a higher probability of success in Phase 3 trials. The domestic Phase 3 trial is enrolling patients rapidly, with potential for an interim analysis this year [4][5]. Summary by Company Innovent - Innovent's stock increased by ~3% after a secondary share placement by Lilly Asia Ventures, which still holds a ~2% stake. The company achieved its first non-IFRS positive profit and EBITDA in 2024, with expectations for continued growth in 2025. Anticipated catalysts include an outlicensing deal for IBI363 [4][5]. Akeso - Akeso's share price increased by 10% following positive comments from Summit, its U.S. partner. Summit is working on in-house manufacturing of Ivonescimab and plans to recruit trial participants from various regions. The BLA filing strategy for HARMONi is still being evaluated [4][5]. Kelun Biotech - Kelun Biotech completed an equity raise and has solid cash reserves. Promising data for Sac-TMT in treating specific cancers suggests a high probability of success in upcoming trials. The company is rapidly enrolling patients for a domestic Phase 3 trial, with potential for an interim analysis this year [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the growing recognition and success of Chinese biotech companies in the global market, particularly through the development of proprietary technologies and platforms, exemplified by the recent patent authorization of the RenMab® platform by BaiOsaite [1][2][4]. Group 1: Technological Advancements - BaiOsaite's RenMab® platform received a patent from the Japan Patent Office, marking a significant achievement in China's biotech innovation [1]. - The platform utilizes a proprietary technology called SUPCE® to humanize mouse antibody variable region genes, addressing key challenges in antibody drug development [2]. - The platform has gained international attention, with collaborations established with major companies like Merck and Johnson & Johnson, resulting in a large-scale antibody discovery project targeting over 1,000 potential drug targets [4]. Group 2: Market Trends and Collaborations - In 2024, over 94 license-out transactions for Chinese innovative drugs were recorded, with 41 occurring in the first quarter of 2025, totaling over $36.9 billion in transaction value [6]. - Notable deals include IBI3009's global licensing agreement with Roche, which includes an upfront payment of $80 million and potential milestone payments up to $1 billion [5]. - The focus on PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibodies has attracted significant international interest, with major agreements involving Pfizer and Merck [6]. Group 3: Intellectual Property and Global Strategy - Chinese biotech companies are shifting their focus from merely exporting products to also exporting platforms and intellectual property, recognizing the higher commercial potential in original technologies [7][8]. - Companies like BaiOsaite and Innovent Biologics are demonstrating systematic capabilities in intellectual property layout, enhancing their negotiating power in international collaborations [8]. - The future of competition in biomedicine will hinge on establishing ecosystems and standards, with a focus on building technological barriers and deep collaborations with upstream and downstream partners [9][10].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Outperform" rating for Kangfang Biopharma (09926) with a target price of HKD 112.6 [1] Core Insights - Kangfang Biopharma and its partner Summit Therapeutics released global Phase III clinical trial data for Ivonescimab, used for second-line treatment of EGFR+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is consistent with last year's clinical trial data in mainland China [1] - The company plans to submit a Biologics License Application (BLA), and future consultations with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be a key focus [1]