Sino Biopharmaceutical (01177.HK) Surges Over 4% on Afternoon Trading Amid Zhongtian Qing's Strategic Collaboration with GSK on Groundbreaking Hepatitis B Cure Drug

According to the Zhongtong Finance APP, Sino Biopharm (01177) rose more than 4% in the afternoon session. As of press time, it was up 4.05%, trading at HK$5.65, with a turnover of HK$278 million.

In terms of news, Sino Biopharm announced at noon that its subsidiary, CHIATAI TIANQING, has reached an exclusive strategic cooperation with GSK to accelerate the launch of bepirovirsen in mainland China. It is reported that earlier this year, Bepirovirsen submitted a marketing application to the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and was included in the priority review list, with the potential to become the first drug to achieve functional cure for chronic hepatitis B. According to the agreement, CHIATAI TIANQING will be responsible for the import, distribution, hospital access, as well as promotional and non-promotional activities of bepirovirsen in mainland China. All sales revenue generated by this product will be recognized as CHIATAI TIANQING's operating income.

GSK will continue as the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH), responsible for regulatory affairs, quality control, pharmacovigilance, and global medical strategy. According to the terms of the agreement, CHIATAI TIANQING will procure bepirovirsen from GSK during the initial 5.5-year cooperation period under agreed supply terms. Thereafter, both parties may extend the cooperation period upon mutual agreement. The agreement also allows both parties to explore further collaboration opportunities regarding certain assets in Sino Biopharm's R&D pipeline that are currently seeking partnership opportunities outside of China.