PEGBIO CO-B (02565) recently issued two significant announcements, conveying both stability and ambition. The first serves as immediate "reassurance"—cornerstone investors voluntarily extended their share lock-up period, demonstrating unwavering confidence in the company's long-term growth. The second acts as a "charge forward" for the future—launching a share placement to raise capital for expansion. Together, these moves outline a balanced strategy for the company's next phase.

**"Reassurance" – Why Cornerstone Investors Extended Lock-up Twice?** Amid fundraising efforts, PEGBIO CO-B secured strong investor confidence. Its cornerstone investors announced a second voluntary extension of their share lock-up period. Initially extended to December 31, 2025, in November, the lock-up is now prolonged to April 30, 2026. This decision reflects their belief in the company’s R&D capabilities and upcoming clinical milestones. More importantly, it signals that these investors are long-term backers rather than speculative traders, reinforcing deep alignment with PEGBIO CO-B’s vision. The timing suggests anticipation of key developments—possibly clinical milestones, overseas expansion, or global partnerships—by mid-2026.

**"Charge Forward" – Strategic Use of HK$300 Million Placement** The placement announcement marks an aggressive step forward. PEGBIO CO-B plans to issue new shares at HK$58.41 apiece, raising nearly HK$300 million. Leading financial institutions, including CITIC Securities, ABC International, and Huanghe Securities, are joint placement agents. The funds will fuel four strategic initiatives:

1. **R&D Digital Transformation (40%, HK$118M)** – The core focus. Investments include: - An AI-driven drug discovery platform to accelerate molecule optimization. - A unified database to track global competitors’ patents and clinical data. - A digital patient platform for real-world data collection and post-market engagement.

2. **Financial Health (28%)** – Repaying bank loans to cut interest costs and strengthen balance sheets.

3. **Pipeline & Global Expansion (12% + 10%)** – Advancing key candidates (PB2301/PB2309) and establishing a Hong Kong subsidiary as a global gateway. The company highlights "clear and urgent" international collaboration opportunities.

4. **Operational Reserve (10%)** – Preparing for commercialization.

Market sources indicate interest from international long-term funds, reflecting growing institutional recognition.

**Conclusion: Ambition Backed by Trust** These announcements create a virtuous cycle: Management’s growth plans ("charge forward") are bolstered by cornerstone investors’ lock-up extension ("reassurance"). This alignment minimizes placement uncertainties and shifts focus to long-term value creation. For PEGBIO CO-B, the IPO was just the beginning—this fundraising equips it for the next phase, while investor confidence offers a solid foundation. The dual moves may well mark the start of a transformative journey.