Innovative drug concept stocks experienced a collective downturn. At the time of writing, HANSOH PHARMA (03692) fell 6.69% to HK$31.54; HUTCHMED (00013) dropped 4.81% to HK$17.8; INNOVENT BIO (01801) declined 4.05% to HK$75.75; and SBP GROUP (01177) decreased 3.4% to HK$4.83.

The market backdrop shows that energy inflation triggered by Middle East conflicts is evolving from an expectation into a tangible pressure, with major central banks in developed economies intensifying signals for interest rate hikes. Analysis points out that if the pace of global and domestic macroeconomic monetary policy falls short of expectations, it will directly impact the valuation levels and investment financing environment for the pharmaceutical sector. Growth segments like innovative drugs and CXO are particularly sensitive to liquidity. A delayed Federal Reserve rate-cutting cycle or slower-than-expected domestic rate cuts and reserve requirement reductions could lead to tightened market liquidity, directly suppressing valuations in these growth areas.

Notably, the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting is scheduled for May 29 to June 2 in Chicago, USA. This year's ASCO features 63 studies selected as Late-Breaking Abstracts (LBAs), with 13 studies from 12 Chinese companies setting a record high. Additionally, 94 Chinese studies were selected for oral presentations, with the number showing rapid growth over the past three years. Observations indicate that Chinese pharmaceutical companies are demonstrating strong capabilities on the international stage, with China's influence in global innovative drug discourse increasing year by year.