Ascletis Pharma-B (01672) has issued a profit warning, forecasting a net loss attributable to equity shareholders of approximately RMB 319.7 million for the six months ending June 30, 2026. This marks a substantial increase of around 263.5% compared to the loss of roughly RMB 88 million recorded in the same period of 2025.

The company maintains a robust cash position, with sufficient funds to support its operations through 2029. As of June 30, 2026, Ascletis Pharma-B held cash and cash equivalents, time deposits, negotiable certificates of deposit, structured deposits, and wealth management products totaling approximately RMB 2.305 billion.

The board attributes the widened loss primarily to a significant surge in research and development expenses. These costs escalated by about 132.7%, rising from approximately RMB 146.8 million in the first half of 2025 to roughly RMB 341.7 million in the reporting period.

This substantial increase in R&D spending reflects the company's strategic commitment to advancing its comprehensive metabolic disease product pipeline, which encompasses both small molecules and peptides.