Core Viewpoint - The 18A companies in the Hong Kong stock market have experienced a significant turnaround in 2025, showcasing a surge in listings, stock price increases, and international expansion opportunities [1][2][4]. Listing Wave - In 2025, there has been a notable wave of listings for 18A companies, with 10 out of 58 newly listed companies being 18A firms, many of which performed exceptionally well on their debut [2]. - The enthusiasm from investors is evident, with companies like Zhonghui Biotechnology and Yinnuo Pharmaceutical experiencing over 4000 times and 5341 times oversubscription, respectively [2]. - There are currently 49 18A companies that have submitted applications to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with at least 20 awaiting approval for listing [2][4]. Price Surge - Among the 77 listed 18A companies, 17 have seen stock price increases exceeding 200%, while 26 have risen between 100% and 200% since the beginning of 2025 [5]. - Beihai Kangcheng has recorded the highest increase at 1644%, although its total market capitalization remains relatively small at approximately 1.1 billion HKD [5][6]. International Expansion - The 18A companies are leveraging unique "outbound" strategies by licensing their products to well-known overseas pharmaceutical companies, which enhances their revenue potential and showcases their technological advancements [7]. - For instance, Rongchang Biotechnology has licensed its RC28-E injection to Santen China for a total of 2.5 billion HKD in upfront payments and additional milestone payments [8]. - The trend of outbound licensing is indicative of the rapid progress of Chinese pharmaceutical companies, transitioning from imitation to innovation, and establishing a competitive edge in the global market [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - The 18A companies in the Hong Kong stock market have experienced a significant turnaround in 2023, showcasing a surge in listings, stock price increases, and international expansion opportunities [1]. Listing Wave - In 2023, the Hong Kong stock market saw a wave of 18A company listings, with 10 out of 58 newly listed companies being 18A firms, many of which performed exceptionally well on their debut [3]. - Notably, five of the top six companies with the highest first-day gains were 18A companies, indicating a growing investor interest [3]. - The IPO of Zhonghui Biotechnology on August 11 received over 4,000 times oversubscription, raising over 200 billion HKD, while Yinnuo Pharmaceutical's IPO on August 15 garnered over 300 billion HKD with 5,341 times oversubscription [3]. Price Surge - Among the 77 listed 18A companies, 17 have seen stock price increases exceeding 200%, with 26 others rising between 100% and 200% since the beginning of 2023 [8]. - The highest price increase was recorded by Beihai Kangcheng, which surged by 1,644%, although its total market capitalization remains relatively small at approximately 1.1 billion HKD [8]. International Expansion - 18A companies are increasingly adopting a unique "outbound" model by licensing their products to well-known overseas pharmaceutical companies, which has generated investor confidence in their future profitability [12]. - For instance, Rongchang Biotechnology announced a licensing agreement with Santen China, receiving an upfront payment of 250 million HKD and potential milestone payments totaling up to 520 million HKD [13]. - Similarly, Lepu Biopharma disclosed a licensing agreement with ArriVent, which could yield up to 1.2 billion USD in total payments [13]. Industry Growth - The rapid advancement of Chinese pharmaceutical companies is reflected in their transition from imitation to innovation, with a growing number of original drug candidates that are competitive on a global scale [15]. - As of the first quarter of 2025, China accounted for nearly 60% of the global transaction value for outbound licensing, indicating its emergence as a center for innovative drug transactions [15].

Core Viewpoint - The 18A companies in the Hong Kong stock market have experienced a significant turnaround in 2023, showcasing a surge in listings, stock price increases, and international expansion opportunities [1]. Listing Wave - In 2023, there has been a notable listing wave for 18A companies, with 10 out of 58 newly listed companies being 18A firms, many of which performed exceptionally well on their debut [3]. - The IPO of Zhonghui Biotechnology on August 11 received over 4000 times oversubscription, with total subscription amount exceeding 200 billion HKD, while Yinnuo Pharmaceutical's IPO on August 15 saw over 300 billion HKD in subscription [3]. - The top six companies with the highest first-day gains included five 18A companies, indicating strong investor interest [3]. Price Surge - Among the 77 listed 18A companies, 17 have seen stock price increases exceeding 200%, with 26 companies experiencing gains between 100% and 200% since the beginning of 2023 [8]. - The highest price increase was recorded by Beihai Kangcheng, with a staggering 1644% rise, although its market capitalization remains relatively small at approximately 1.1 billion HKD [8]. International Expansion - The 18A companies are leveraging unique "outbound" models to generate revenue through licensing agreements with international pharmaceutical firms, despite many still not generating significant income [12]. - Rongchang Biotechnology announced a licensing agreement with Santen China, which includes a non-refundable upfront payment of 250 million HKD and potential milestone payments totaling up to 520 million HKD [12]. - Lepu Biopharma disclosed a licensing agreement with ArriVent, which could yield up to 1.2 billion USD in total payments, including upfront and milestone payments [13]. Industry Progress - The impressive performance of biopharmaceutical companies is attributed to the rapid advancement of Chinese pharmaceutical firms, transitioning from imitation to innovation since 2015 [14]. - Chinese innovative drug companies are now actively developing original drugs, with a significant increase in the number of clinical trials and a growing international competitive edge [15]. - By Q1 2025, China accounted for nearly 60% of global innovative drug licensing transactions, marking its emergence as a center for innovative drug deals [15].