Core Viewpoint - The company announced that its TROP2 ADC sac-TMT combined with pembrolizumab has achieved significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) in a Phase III clinical study for PD-L1 positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [1] Group 1: Clinical Study Results - The OptiTROP-Lung05 study reached its primary endpoint, showing statistically and clinically significant improvements in PFS, with a trend towards benefits in overall survival (OS) [1] - Sac-TMT is the first ADC to achieve the primary endpoint in first-line NSCLC treatment, and the company plans to communicate with the CDE regarding the NDA submission [1] - The study involved patients who were negative for EGFR sensitive mutations and ALK fusion genes, with the treatment regimen being sac-TMT (4 mg/kg Q2W) combined with pembrolizumab (400 mg Q6W) [1] Group 2: Market Potential and Demand - The first-line treatment market for NSCLC is vast, with approximately 1 million new lung cancer cases annually, of which about 85% are NSCLC, and around 50% of these patients have PD-L1 TPS ≥ 1% [2] - In mainland China, about 60% of patients are EGFR negative, and approximately 95% are ALK negative, indicating a significant unmet treatment need [2] - The 2025 CSCO guidelines still primarily recommend PD-(L)1 monoclonal antibodies and chemotherapy for first-line treatment of driver gene-negative NSCLC [2] Group 3: Comparative Efficacy - Sac-TMT shows promising potential in first-line treatment for NSCLC, with a median PFS of 17.8 months in PD-L1 positive patients, outperforming Trodelvy combined with pembrolizumab, which had a median PFS of 13.1 months [3] - In patients with low PD-L1 expression (TPS < 1%), sac-TMT achieved a median PFS of 12.4 months, surpassing Dato-DXd's 9.3 months in a similar population [3] - The company is awaiting OS data and specific Phase III results for sac-TMT in wild-type NSCLC [3] Group 4: Ongoing Development and Future Potential - Merck is actively advancing the clinical development of sac-TMT, with 15 global Phase III trials across six cancer types, including lung cancer [4] - The company is conducting four clinical trials in the NSCLC field, focusing on various combinations and treatment regimens [4] Group 5: Efficacy in Specific Patient Populations - In the OptiTROP-Lung04 Phase III study, sac-TMT demonstrated an overall response rate (ORR) of 60.6% compared to 43.1% for chemotherapy, with a median PFS of 8.3 months versus 4.3 months [5] - The analysis indicated that sac-TMT significantly improved OS compared to chemotherapy, reducing the risk of death by 40% [5] Group 6: Financial Projections - The company expects revenues of 2.084 billion, 2.876 billion, and 4.663 billion yuan for the years 2025 to 2027, with net profits of -622 million, -130 million, and 561 million yuan respectively [5]

Core Insights - The report from Guojin Securities highlights the significant advancements in China's innovative drug research presented at the ESMO conference, indicating a potential boost for the international expansion of these drugs [1] Group 1: Innovative Drug Research - The number of significant research publications from Chinese pharmaceutical companies at ESMO has reached a historical high, making it a focal point of the conference [1] - A total of 35 Chinese studies were included in the regular oral abstracts for the 2025 ESMO conference, with 14 formal oral presentations, a significant increase from 5 in 2024 [1] - The inclusion of 23 Chinese studies in the Late-Breaking Abstracts (LBA) category also set a new record, showcasing the research strength and academic influence of Chinese companies on the international stage [1] Group 2: ADC Developments - Domestic ADCs are demonstrating the potential to redefine existing clinical treatment standards, with notable products like Kelun's SKB264 showing promising Phase III clinical data for NSCLC and HR+/HER2- breast cancer [2] - The mOS data for SKB264 in the second-line EGFRm NSCLC treatment is particularly impressive, with a hazard ratio of 0.60, indicating a significant survival benefit [2] - Bai Li Tian Heng's ADC, iza-bren, has achieved breakthroughs in treating nasopharyngeal carcinoma, marking a critical milestone from concept validation to efficacy verification [2] Group 3: Bispecific and Multi-specific Antibodies - Bispecific and multi-specific antibodies are poised to upgrade existing immunotherapy and targeted therapy, with significant data from Kangfang Biotech's PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody showing superior results compared to traditional treatments for advanced squamous NSCLC [3] - The mPFS for the combination of the bispecific antibody and chemotherapy was reported at 11.14 months versus 6.90 months for the comparator, with a hazard ratio of 0.60, indicating a strong potential to reshape first-line treatment standards [3] - The HER2 bispecific antibody KN026 from Shiyao Group/Kangning Jierei has shown promising results in III phase trials for gastric cancer, indicating its potential as a global leader in this category [3]