LEADS BIOLABS-B (09887) saw an increase of more than 8% at the start of trading. At the time of writing, the stock was up 6.04%, trading at HK$57.10, with a turnover of HK$115 million.

The company announced that, effective March 9, 2026, its shares will be included as a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index by Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited and will be added to the list of securities eligible for Southbound Stock Connect trading. The inclusion in the Hang Seng Composite Index and the Southbound Trading list represents significant recognition from the capital markets regarding the company's performance and value. This move is anticipated to broaden the company's investor base, enhance trading liquidity of its shares, and further optimize its shareholder structure.

Additionally, on March 6, LEADS BIOLABS announced that the first patient has been successfully enrolled in a Phase II clinical study. This trial evaluates the company's self-developed PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific antibody, VELISIN® (LBL-024), in combination therapy as a first-line treatment for locally advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). VELISIN® (LBL-024) is a bispecific antibody targeting both PD-L1 and 4-1BB. It is reported to be the first molecule globally targeting the co-stimulatory receptor 4-1BB that has already reached the single-arm pivotal clinical trial stage, with the potential to become the first approved treatment for EP-NEC.