Summary of China Pharma and Biotech Sector Conference Call Industry Overview - The Chinese pharmaceutical and biotech sector is experiencing a significant rally, with the Hang Seng Biotech and MSCI China Healthcare indices showing year-to-date (YTD) returns of 57% and 38%, respectively, outperforming broader market indices which are at 16-20% [1][10][26] - Public financing has increased fourfold in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, driving IPO activity on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, particularly in biotech [1][40] - Despite the rally, valuations have sharply re-rated, with China's biotech price-to-sales multiples now aligning with global peers, suggesting limited further upside compared to the peaks of 2020-2021 [1][11] Key Growth Drivers - Oncology and metabolic diseases are identified as primary growth drivers, with significant market potential in PD-1-based bispecific antibodies and GLP-1 drug classes [3][4] - The global market for PD-1-based bispecific antibodies could reach US$70-80 billion, while the domestic GLP-1 market is projected to hit CNY87 billion by 2035 [3] - Chinese companies are competitive in clinical results, particularly in lung cancer treatments, and domestic GLP-1 drugs are matching international efficacy [3][4] Company Highlights - Akeso: Leading in PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibodies with multiple phase 3 trials; however, overall survival results remain uncertain [4] - Innovent: Offers a diversified portfolio across various disease areas and leads in advanced antibody modalities [4] - Hansoh: Transitioning to innovation-driven growth with strong sales in its 3rd-generation EGFR inhibitor and significant GLP-1 business development deals [4] R&D and Innovation - The sector is shifting from me-too drugs to best-in-class and first-in-class assets, focusing on novel targets and drug combinations [2][38] - Clinical trial activity is robust, with Chinese assets comprising over 50% of new global trials in 2025 [2][42] - The number of new clinical trials has shown stable growth, with a notable increase in innovative drug approvals [42][65] Policy Environment - Government policies have fluctuated but are currently favorable, balancing innovation stimulation with price control [2][43] - Recent supportive policies include initiatives to cover innovative drugs under commercial insurance, indicating a long-term positive outlook for the sector [43] Out-Licensing Trends - Out-licensing activity has surged in 2025, with total deal value reaching US$59 billion, surpassing the previous year's total [72] - The focus has shifted from PD-1 drugs to PD-1/VEGF and GLP-1 assets, with significant deal values and upfront payments [75][72] - Despite the increase in total deal value, upfront payments in China still lag behind developed markets, indicating a need for caution regarding the sustainability of this growth [73][81] Investment Implications - Companies such as Akeso, Hansoh, Innovent, and Hengrui are rated as Outperform, while BeiGene, CSPC, Sino Biopharm, and Zai Lab are rated as Market-Perform [7] - The current rally may require new catalysts beyond existing out-licensing deals to sustain momentum, as valuation headroom appears limited [5][22] Conclusion - The Chinese pharma and biotech sector is evolving into a mature, innovation-driven industry with growing global competitiveness, tempered by valuation caution and sector uncertainties [5][11]