August saw eight drug licensing deals, including five in-licensing agreements, an out-licensing deal and two partnerships between domestic companies.
In August, China saw the approval of only one new molecular entity (NME), Sinocelltech’s CD20 antibody ripertamab (SCT400). Another two homegrown companies, Zelgen and Alphamab, gained new indications and dosing regimens for their self-developed products as well.
38 biotech companies secured financing this August, 31 of which disclosed figures totaling $563 million.
Gene therapy, nucleic acid drugs and radiopharmaceuticals are attracting more investor attention.
There were a total of eight drug licensing deals in China in July 2022. This includes four in-licensing agreements, two out-licensing deals and two programs between domestic companies or institutions.
China’s pursuit of innovative oncology drugs remained intense in July, as Chinese regulators granted the first marketing approval for three drugs, namely Simcere’s Cosela (trilaciclib), Lepu Biopharma’s Puyouheng (pucotenlimab) and Roche’s Rozlytrek (Entrectinib).
In-licensing activity in China’s biotech sector has stayed weak in the second quarter of 2022, with the number of in-licensing deals dropping to a new low in June. Cash-strapped Chinese drugmakers became more prudent in buying and sought big buyers for their assets instead.
After a ‘biotech winter’, it seems the first signs of spring has arrived for the industry. Biotech fundraising trends showed more positive signs in June, with funds raised by Chinese players rising 42% from a month ago to reach $554 million.