Citi highlights Sino Biopharmaceutical's acquisition of LaNova Medicine as a strategic expansion of its innovative drug pipeline. LaNova possesses valuable assets including LM-305 (GPRC5D ADC licensed to AstraZeneca), LM-299 (PD-1/VEGF bispecific licensed to Merck), LM-108 (CCR8 monoclonal antibody), and LM-302 (CLDN18.2 ADC). This transaction represents a landmark China-to-China M&A within the pharmaceutical sector. Citi maintains a "Buy" rating on Sino Biopharm with a HK$6.2 target price.
Significant progress continues in Sino Biopharm's proprietary drug development. TQC3721, the world's second-most advanced PDE3/4 inhibitor, entered Phase 3 trials for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in June, demonstrating strong licensing potential. Additional innovative candidates advancing through clinical stages include TQB6411 (EGFR/cMet ADC) and TQB3003 (fourth-generation EGFR TKI). The broader Chinese pharmaceutical and biotech industry stands to benefit substantially from these sustained innovations and ongoing licensing trends.