Everest MED (01952) saw its shares rise more than 5% in afternoon trading. At the time of writing, the stock was up 3.4%, trading at HK$40.18 with a turnover of HK$151 million. The increase follows an announcement made on February 6 that China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved the new drug application for VELSIPITY® (Arginine Etrasimod Tablets) for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis (UC) who have had an inadequate response, loss of response, or intolerance to conventional therapy or biologics. The company stated it will actively prepare for the commercial launch of VELSIPITY® and work to bring the treatment to patients in China as soon as possible, while also striving for its inclusion in the National Reimbursement Drug List. The approval is noted as an important part of the company's 2030 development strategy, which emphasizes a dual-drive approach of "business development collaboration + self-research" to create certain value through commercialization and growth value through R&D. Everest MED aims to continue strengthening its advantages in core therapeutic areas, advance the development and commercialization of innovative drugs, and build a sustainable global biopharmaceutical enterprise.