Sino Biopharm has announced the acquisition of the remaining 95.09% stake in LaNova Medicines for a consideration not exceeding $950 million, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. The transaction significantly expands Sino Biopharm's innovative product portfolio and marks a historic milestone for China's pharmaceutical industry as the first 'China-to-China' merger and acquisition.
Strategic Asset Acquisition
LaNova Medicines brings a valuable innovative product line to Sino Biopharm's portfolio. The company's key assets include LM-299, a PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody that has been licensed out to Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), and LM-305, a GPRC5D ADC licensed to AstraZeneca. Additional pipeline assets include LM-108 and LM-302, both CLDN18.2 ADC candidates.
The company clarified that despite market rumors suggesting issues with the Merck collaboration on LM-299, the partnership continues to proceed in an orderly manner according to the licensing agreement.
Pipeline Advancement
Beyond the acquisition, Sino Biopharm has made significant progress in its own innovative drug development. TQC3721, identified as the world's second-leading PDE3/4 inhibitor, began Phase III clinical trials for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in June. This asset is viewed as having strong licensing potential.
The company's expanding clinical portfolio also includes TQB6411, an EGFR/cMet ADC, and TQB3003, a fourth-generation EGFR TKI, both of which have entered clinical stage development.
Market Response and Industry Impact
Following the acquisition announcement, Sino Biopharm's stock opened up 5.49% and peaked at HKD6.72, with trading volume reaching 108 million shares involving HKD705 million. The stock last traded at HKD6.49, representing a 1.88% increase.
Citi Research issued a Buy rating for Sino Biopharm with a target price of $6.2, while CICC raised its target price to $7.6 with an Outperform rating. Analysts view the transaction as beneficial for the entire China pharmaceutical and biotech industry, which continues to benefit from innovative advancements and out-licensing trends.
