Introduction:Shanghai reports BA.5.2.1, will there be a large-scale lockdown? Wuhan University confirms cholera case; Haixiang Pharmaceutical: H1 net profit forecast to increase by 164.43%-230.54%... BioExploration brings you the latest "pharma" news and explores the value of biotechnology!
01Shanghai Reports BA.5.2.1 Variant, Will There Be a Large-Scale Lockdown?
On July 8, a community-infected case reported in Pudong New Area was infected with the Omicron BA.5.2.1 variant, which was associated with an imported case. This is the first reported infection case of the Omicron BA.5 variant in Shanghai. Many netizens have left messages on the Shanghai Rumor Refutation Platform, asking for confirmation of whether there will be large-scale lockdowns or a "100-day action" next week.
On July 10, the official WeChat account "Shanghai Release" responded to netizens' questions, stating, "From next Tuesday to Thursday, a citywide nucleic acid screening will be conducted in Huangpu District, Xuhui District, Changning District, Jing'an District, Putuo District, Hongkou District, Yangpu District, Minhang District, and Baoshan District, as well as in streets (towns) with positive case trajectories in other districts. During the screening period, people in these areas must present a negative nucleic acid test certificate within 48 hours or a nucleic acid sampling certificate within 24 hours to leave their communities (workplaces, venues). After consulting with the municipal prevention and control office, there is no so-called '100-day action.'"
02Cholera Case Confirmed at Wuhan University
On July 11, the Wuchang District Health Bureau reported that a case of infectious diarrhea had occurred at Wuhan University. The main symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea accompanied by low fever, and the serological agglutination test was O139 positive. After retesting by the provincial, municipal, and district Centers for Disease Control, the serological agglutination test was confirmed as O139 positive, and the diagnosis was cholera, with negative virulence genes. The patient has been effectively treated, and the condition is under control with symptoms having disappeared. The Wuchang District Health Bureau has organized professional institutions to conduct sampling, testing, and follow-up management of relevant personnel, as well as temporary lockdown management and disinfection measures at relevant locations. No new cases have been found so far.
03Hixiang Pharmaceutical: Net Profit in H1 Up 164.43%-230.54%
On July 10, Haixiang Pharmaceutical released its earnings forecast, expecting a net profit attributable to shareholders of RMB 160 million to RMB 200 million for the first half of 2022, representing a year-on-year increase of 164.43%-230.54%. In the first half of 2022, the company's pharmaceutical business had robust sales orders and rapid revenue growth. The production and sales of the Penem series products were both strong, with revenue doubling compared to the same period last year. Amid a general rise in raw material prices, the product gross margin gradually recovered. However, some products were delayed in delivery due to disruptions in international logistics; the dye business was affected by industry downturn, resulting in profitability below the average level of previous years.
04AbbVie Terminates Alzheimer's Drug Development Collaboration with Alector
Recently, in a document submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Alector disclosed that AbbVie decided to terminate a collaboration focused on developing AL003 for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Regarding the reason for terminating the AL003 collaboration, Alector stated in the securities filing that on June 30, AbbVie provided written notice of its decision to terminate the program but did not provide further details.
In addition, Alector pointed out that the cooperation with AbbVie on AL002 is still ongoing. AL002 is a TREM2-targeted candidate drug currently being studied in the Phase II INVOKE-2 trial to determine whether it can slow disease progression in patients with early Alzheimer's disease.
05Antibody-Drug Conjugate Therapy Start-Up Secures Over $300 Million Collaboration
On July 9, ADC Therapeutics announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi), granting it the development and commercialization rights for the antibody-drug conjugate Zynlonta (loncastuximab tesirine) outside the United States, Greater China, Singapore, and Japan. Under this agreement, ADC will receive a $55 million upfront payment and an additional $50 million upon the European Commission's approval of Zynlonta as a third-line treatment for DLBCL. Additionally, up to $330 million may be received based on other regulatory and sales milestones.
Compiled by Wen Jingze
Typesetting|Qiaowei Jun
