SBP GROUP (01177) saw its shares rise more than 4% in the afternoon trading session. At the time of writing, the stock was up 4.05% to HK$5.65, with a turnover of HK$278 million. The catalyst for the move was a midday company announcement. The group's subsidiary, Zhengda Tianqing, has entered into an exclusive strategic collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline PLC ("GSK") to accelerate the market launch process of bepirovirsen in mainland China. It is reported that earlier this year, an application for the marketing of Bepirovirsen was submitted to the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration and it has been included in the priority review list. It is expected to become the first drug to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B. According to the agreement, Zhengda Tianqing will be responsible for the import, distribution, hospital access, as well as promotional and non-promotional activities for bepirovirsen in mainland China. All sales revenue generated from the product will be recognized as operating revenue for Zhengda Tianqing. GSK will continue to act as the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH), responsible for regulatory affairs, quality control, pharmacovigilance, and global medical strategy. Per the terms, Zhengda Tianqing will purchase bepirovirsen from GSK based on agreed supply terms during the initial 5.5-year collaboration period. The partnership can be extended thereafter upon mutual agreement. The agreement also provides an opportunity for both parties to explore further collaboration on certain R&D pipeline assets from SBP GROUP that are seeking partnership opportunities in markets outside China.