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Home Sanofi Inks $1.23B Deal for Trispecific TCE KT501; Gilead Acquires Kangno Bio’s NewCo Ouro Medicines for Up to $2.175B

Sanofi Inks $1.23B Deal for Trispecific TCE KT501; Gilead Acquires Kangno Bio’s NewCo Ouro Medicines for Up to $2.175B

Apr 02, 2026 15:28 CST Updated 15:28
Sanofi

Pharmaceutical Manufacturer

Keymed Biosciences

Innovative Biopharmaceutical Developer

MABGALAXY

Innovative Antibody Drug Developer

UniXell

Cell Therapy Drug Developer

Everest Medicines

Developer of Innovative Therapies

Gilead Sciences

Innovative Drug Developer, Distributor

Helixon

AI Technology New Drug Developer

Innovent

High-end Biologics Developer

The United Laboratories

Comprehensive pharmaceutical manufacturer

CStone Pharmaceuticals

Innovative Oncology Immunotherapy and Precision Medicine Drug Developer

AstraZeneca

Pharmaceutical Technology Research and Development Provider

Dizal

Innovative Biopharmaceutical R&D Developer

Kelun-Biotech

Innovative Drug Developer

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Global Biomedical Industry Dynamics


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In the capital market
Intensive Implementation of Industrial Cooperation and Financing M&A: MABGALAXY Completes Nearly RMB100 Million Angel Round Financing, Led by Longpan Investment to Advance Innovative Antibody Drug Development; Novartis Plans to Invest Over RMB3.3 Billion in China, with Simultaneous Expansion of Changping Factory and Phase II of Shanghai Campus; Everest Medicines Acquires Greater China Rights to Etriptamine Nasal Spray for USD30 Million Upfront and up to USD20 Million in Milestone Payments; Wang Jingyi Acquires 67% Stake in Huahai Tianheng for RMB287 Million; UniXelI BIOTECHNOLOGY Completes Over RMB50 Million Series A+ Financing to Accelerate iPSC Cell Drug Clinical Trials; Ouro Medicines, a NewCo Collaboration Partner of Kang Nuoya Biomedical Technology (Chengdu) Co., Ltd., Acquired by Gilead Sciences for USD2.175 Billion, Generating Approximately USD320 Million in Total Revenue for Kang Nuoya; Sanofi Introduces Kali Therapeutics’ Trispecific TCE KT501 for USD1.23 Billion; Helixon Completes USD787 Million Financing, Setting a New High for Global Biotech Company Financing in 2026; Merck & Co. Collaborates with Quotient on a USD2.2 Billion Partnership to Discover New IBD Targets; Hancon-KY Approved for Listing on the Innovation Board of the Taiwan Stock Exchange; Zhuanma Bio Completes Multi-Million Pre-A Round Financing; Saicheng Bio Completes Over RMB100 Million Pre-C Round Financing; Insilico Medicine Partners with ASKA Pharmaceuticals on Female Health Target Discovery; Sichuan Sanyecao Bio-pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd. Reaches Settlement with GAVI for USD7 Million; Metaphore Technologies Secretly Files for Hong Kong IPO with Valuation Exceeding USD1 Billion; Fengtide Pharma Completes USD89 Million Series B Financing, Bringing Total Financing to USD134 Million.

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Clinical Progress
Good news frequently comes from the fields of metabolism, oncology, and ophthalmology: Innovent Bio's Efmofurpeg-α for nAMD Phase III at 52 weeks improved BCVA by 10.37 letters, with 86% of patients achieving dosing intervals of 12 weeks or more; Jiangsu Vcare VC005 for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis Phase III achieved EASI-75 and IGA responses at the best levels for the same target, with rapid onset of itch relief; The United Laboratories' UBT251 for Type 2 diabetes Phase II reduced HbA1c by up to 2.16% and body weight by 9.8%, significantly outperforming semaglutide; CStone Pharmaceuticals' CS2009 for advanced solid tumors Phase I showed ORR of 25% in NSCLC patients, 40% in nccRCC patients, and 33.3% in STS patients; AstraZeneca's Osimertinib combined with chemotherapy for EGFR-mutated NSCLC Phase III had a median PFS of 34.0 months, reducing the risk of death by 56% compared to monotherapy; AstraZeneca's Tozorakimab for COPD Phase III significantly reduced the rate of moderate to severe acute exacerbations; Dizal’s Sunvozertinib for EGFR PACC mutated NSCLC Phase III achieved an ORR of 81.3% and DCR of 100%; Kelun-Biotech's Luplatacept for EGFR-mutated NSCLC Phase III had a median OS of 20.0 months, reducing the risk of death by 37% compared to the control group; Innovent Bio's Tigulixostat for gout Phase III completed the first patient dosing; Eli Lilly's LY4170156 for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer has been approved for clinical trials.

3
In terms of industry strategic adjustment
Pharmaceutical Companies Accelerate Capitalization, R&D Models Continue to Evolve: Hanfang Pharmaceutical Aims for HKEX with Annual Revenue of 800 Million Yuan but 99.7% Income Dependent on a Single Product; Pre-IPO Dividend of 200 Million Sparks Controversy. Multiple Enterprises Boost R&D in Core Technology Platforms, Focusing on AI-Driven, Cell Therapy, and Gene Editing Directions; Helixon Reconstructs Large Molecule Drug Development Process with AI, Insilico Medicine Deepens CNS Collaboration with MetaBio for Up to $94.75 Million via Pharma.AI, Metapharm Advances Over 10 Pipelines in AI-Driven Drug Delivery System Development, and Fengtide Pharmaceuticals Breaks Oral Drug Limitations Using AI Algorithms to Predict Peptide 3D Structures, Marking Intelligent R&D as the Core Driving Force for Industry Upgrading.


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Global Biomedical Industry

Major Events


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Global Innovative Drugs

Important Clinical Progress/Results


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Global Innovative Drugs

Important Investment and Financing and Transaction Events


Weekly Summary

From March 23 to March 29, 2026, the global biopharmaceutical sector continued its momentum in investment and industry collaboration, featuring eight major licensing deals and strategic partnerships — including Gilead Sciences' $2.175 billion acquisition of Kang Nuoya’s NewCo partner company, Sanofi’s $1.23 billion introduction of Kali Therapeutics’ trispecific TCE, Everest Medicines’ $30 million acquisition of the Greater China rights to Etruparim nasal spray, Insilico Medicine and Yuanyi Bio’s $94.75 million expansion of CNS collaboration, Merck’s $2.2 billion IBD target discovery partnership with Quotient, Hancon-KY’s approval for listing on Taiwan Stock Exchange’s Innovation Board, Sichuan Sanyecao Bio-pharmaceutical’s $7 million settlement with GAVI, and Insilico Medicine’s women's health target discovery collaboration with ASKA Pharma. Additionally, there were eight significant financing events — involving MABGALAXY’s nearly RMB 100 million angel round, UniXelI BIOTECHNOLOGY’s over RMB 50 million Series A+ round, Zhuanma Bio’s multi-million Pre-A round, Saicheng Bio’s over RMB 100 million Pre-C round, Helixon’s $787 million financing setting a new high for global biotech companies in 2026, Jitai Technology’s confidential Hong Kong IPO with a valuation exceeding $1 billion, Fengtide Pharma’s $89 million Series B round, and Novartis’ planned investment of over RMB 3.3 billion in China. Transactions focused on autoimmune diseases, CNS, cardiovascular, oncology, AI drug discovery, and cell and gene therapy fields, highlighting multinational pharmaceutical companies expanding into autoimmune disease areas through acquisitions, the growing preference for novel antibody technologies such as trispecific TCEs by international giants, the deep integration of AI technology in drug development processes, continued capital support for cutting-edge therapies like iPSC and gene editing, and multinational pharmaceutical firms reinforcing their localized production and R&D presence in China.


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Investment and Financing
  • MABGALAXY -- Nearly RMB 100 Million in Angel Round Financing
Update: On March 23, it was announced that a nearly 100-million-yuan angel round of financing was completed, led by Longpan Investment, with participation from Nest.Bio Capital, Yijing Capital, and OrbiMed, and Yuan Yi Capital serving as the exclusive financial advisor.
Significance: The company focuses on AI-driven drug research and development, and the funds will be used to advance preclinical research of core pipelines, iterate and upgrade technology platforms, and accelerate the R&D process of innovative drugs.

  • UniXelI BIOTECHNOLOGY -- Over 50 Million Yuan in Series A+ Financing
Update: Recently announced the completion of an over 50 million yuan A+ round financing, with investments from Panlin Capital, Quanzun Venture Capital, and Waigaoqiao Private Equity Fund.
Significance: The company has been deeply engaged in the field of cell therapy, and the funds raised will be used to advance the clinical development of cell therapy products, optimize production processes, improve the layout of technology platforms, and accelerate the commercialization of pipelines.

  • Helixon -- $787 Million in Multiple Rounds of Financing
Update: Recently announced the completion of a US$787 million multi-tranche financing, setting a new high for global biotech company financing in 2026.
Significance: The company relies on AI large models to lay out innovative drug research and development. The funds will be used to advance the clinical development of its global pipeline, upgrade the AI drug discovery platform, expand the global cooperation network, and consolidate its leading position in the industry.

  • Zhuàn Code Bio -- Tens of Millions of RMB Pre-A Round Financing
Update: Recently announced the completion of a Pre-A round of financing worth tens of millions of RMB, with investments from EF Capital, Zeyue Venture Capital, and Mifang Health Fund.
Significance: The company focuses on the research and development of nucleic acid drugs. The financing will be used to advance preclinical research of nucleic acid drugs, optimize the delivery technology platform, and accelerate the progression of innovative pipelines to the clinical stage.

  • UniXelI BIOTECHNOLOGY -- Over 100 Million USD Pre-C Round Financing
Update: Recently announced the completion of a Pre-C round of financing exceeding 100 million yuan, led jointly by Taiping Medical Health Fund, Shenzhen Hetuo Medical Sub-Fund, and Yuecai Zhongyin Fund, with additional investment from Songhe Capital.
Significance: The company focuses on the cell and gene therapy field, and the funds will be used to advance clinical trials of core cell therapy products, construct GMP production bases, and improve commercialization layout.

  • FengTai Pharmaceuticals -- $89 Million Series B Financing
Update: Announced on March 26 the completion of an $89 million Series B financing round (oversubscribed), led by LAV and Foresite Capital, with additional investments from Orbimed, Qiming Venture Partners, and others.
Significance: The company focuses on the research and development of peptide drugs. The financing will be used to advance the clinical development of innovative peptide drugs, upgrade technology platforms, and accelerate the research and commercialization process of its global pipeline.

  • Agent Therapeutics -- $350 Million Series C Financing
Update: Completed a CNY 350 million Series C financing in July 2025, with a post-investment valuation of USD 1.049 billion, bringing the total financing to over CNY 2 billion; confidentially submitted an application for listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on March 25, which has been filed with the CSRC.
Significance: The company relies on AI-driven drug research and development, and the funds will be used to advance the iteration of the AI drug discovery platform, clinical development of core pipelines, and lay the foundation for an IPO in the Hong Kong stock market and global expansion.

  • Novartis -- Over 3.3 Billion Yuan Investment in China
Update: On March 22, it was announced that investments in China would exceed 3.3 billion RMB, including approximately 1.5 billion RMB for the expansion of the Changping factory and 1.8 billion RMB for Phase II of the Shanghai campus.
Significance: The investment will be used to upgrade R&D, production, and operational layout in China, accelerate the development and launch of innovative drugs in the Chinese market, and deepen the company's presence in the local market.

  • Hankang - KY -- Innovation Board Listing
Update: Approved by the Taiwan Stock Exchange Board for listing on the Innovation Board on March 25, with an expected listing in Q2 2026. Significance: The listing will help the company expand its financing channels, accelerate the R&D of innovative drugs and global layout, and enhance industry influence.


2
Transaction Authorization
  • Wang Jingyi -- Huahai Tianheng Equity Acquisition
Update: On March 20, acquired 67% equity interest in Huahai Tianheng for 286.65 million yuan, reducing Huahai Pharmaceutical's stake to 33%.
Significance: The transaction will help integrate pharmaceutical R&D resources, accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative drug pipelines, and expand business layout.

  • Everest Medicines -- Jixing Pharma Asset Acquisition
Update: Acquired the Greater China rights of Etucopiramine Nasal Spray from Jixing Pharmaceuticals for a $30 million upfront payment + up to $20 million in development milestones.
Significance: The transaction will enrich the company's respiratory pipeline, accelerate the commercialization process of products in China, and expand market layout.

  • Gilead Sciences -- Kang Nuoya NewCo Acquisition
Update: On March 24, acquired Ouro Medicines for a total amount of $2.175 billion, with Kang Nuoya potentially receiving up to approximately $320 million.
Significance: The deal will help Gilead Sciences expand its autoimmune pipeline, while Kang Nuoya accelerates subsequent innovative R&D through asset monetization, achieving a win-win situation.

  • Sanofi -- Kali Therapeutics Asset Introduction
Update: Acquired global rights to CD3/CD19/BCMA trispecific TCE for a total amount of $1.23 billion ($180 million upfront + $1.05 billion in milestones).
Significance: The transaction will enrich Sanofi's oncology pipeline and accelerate the research, development, and commercialization of global immuno-oncology products.

  • Merck & Co. × Quotient R&D Collaboration
Update: On March 24, a new IBD target collaboration was reached, with a total value of up to 2.2 billion US dollars (20 million upfront payment).
Significance: The collaboration will accelerate the development of innovative target drugs in the field of inflammatory bowel disease and expand the pipeline layout of both parties in the digestive field.

  • Insilico Medicine × ASKA Pharmaceuticals Strategic Cooperation
Update: Strategic partnership reached, focusing on the discovery of innovative targets for women's health.
Significance: The collaboration will leverage an AI-driven drug discovery platform to accelerate the development of innovative drugs for women's health and expand the global pipeline layout.

  • Insilico Medicine × UniXelI BIOTECHNOLOGY Partnership Upgrade
Update: Boosting CNS Drug Collaboration, Total Value Up to $94.75 Million.
Significance: The collaboration will deepen the research and development of innovative drugs in the field of central nervous system diseases, accelerate the clinical transformation of the pipeline, and expand the global market.

  • Sichuan Sanyecao Bio-pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd. × GAVI Settlement Agreement
Update: Reached a settlement on March 22, with a one-time payment of $7 million + potential subsequent payments.
Significance: The reconciliation will resolve cooperation disputes, optimize the company's financial structure, and focus on the R&D and commercialization of core pipelines.

  • Hengrui Medicine -- 2025 Annual Financial Report
Update: Released 2025 Annual Report, Revenue of 31.629 Billion Yuan, Net Profit of 7.711 Billion Yuan, Both at All-Time Highs.
Significance: The performance growth verifies the effectiveness of the company's innovative transformation, providing financial support for subsequent innovative drug research and development and global layout.


5

Global Regulatory Updates on Innovative Drugs

(Approved for Marketing/IND/Special Review)


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China NMPA Regulatory Updates (Marketing Authorization and Policies)

Innovative drugs and high-end medical devices continue to be approved, with several重磅new drugs emerging in the fields of autoimmune diseases, oncology, and rare diseases. Pharmaceutical logistics supervision policies have been further improved, and digital intelligence evaluation is proceeding steadily.


  • AstraZeneca / Amgen: Tezepelumab Injection (Tesezhuo)®) Approved for Marketing
Date: March 27, 2026
Details: The world's first and only biologic targeting TSLP, approved for use as an add-on maintenance treatment for severe asthma in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older, and in combination with intranasal corticosteroids for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, offering a new therapeutic option for patients with airway inflammatory diseases.

  • UCB: Bimekizumab Injection (Beijiele)®）Approved
Launch Date: March 27, 2026
Details: The world's first IL-17A/F dual-target biologic, approved on the same day for both moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and active ankylosing spondylitis, provides rheumatology and dermatology patients with a new first-line biologic treatment option.

  • GSK: Demochizumab Injection Approved for Marketing
Date: March 27, 2026
Details: A novel monoclonal antibody targeting IL-4Rα, approved for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, offering a long-term therapeutic option for patients with allergic inflammatory skin conditions.

  • NMPA: Release of the "Guiding Opinions on the Standardization of Modern Logistics for Pharmaceutical Products"
Date: Late March 2026
Details: A total of 31 items, clearly defining the modern logistics of pharmaceuticals, key环节 standards, and requirements for third-party logistics enterprises, regulating the access of pharmaceutical wholesale enterprises, and comprehensively improving the quality management level in the pharmaceutical distribution环节.

  • Transcatheter Mitral Valve Clip System Approved for Marketing
Date: March 24, 2026
Details: High-end interventional medical devices produced in China, used for minimally invasive treatment of mitral regurgitation, provide a new surgical option without open-heart surgery for patients with heart valve disease, filling the technical gap in related fields in China.


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FDA Regulatory Updates in the United States (Special Designations and Designation Status)

Obesity and Rare Diseases See Approval of Significant New Drug; Multiple Innovative Therapies Accelerate Review, Offering More Treatment Options for Global Patients.


  • Novo Nordisk: Wegovy® HD (Semaglutide 7.2mg) Approved for Marketing
Date: March 23, 2026
Details: The "enhanced version" of Semaglutide, a high-dose formulation, has been approved for long-term weight management in adult obesity/overweight. It received accelerated approval through the FDA's "Commissioner’s Priority Review Voucher," based on the significant weight loss results from the STEP-HD trial.

  • U.S. FDA: Accelerated Approval of Tivelumab Alfa (Avlayah) for Market Launch
Date: March 25, 2026
Details: An innovative therapy for rare diseases used to treat Type II Mucopolysaccharidosis (Hunter Syndrome, MPS II), providing patients with a new enzyme replacement therapy option and addressing unmet clinical needs.

  • Bristol-Myers Squibb: Nivolumab Combined with AVD Regimen Approved for New Indication
Date: Late March 2026
Details: Approved for untreated Stage III and IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma in patients aged 12 years and above, while converting its relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma indication to full approval, offering a first-line immunotherapy combination treatment option for lymphoma patients.

  • Yuekang Pharmaceuticals: YKYY Innovative Drug Receives FDA Clinical Trial Approval
Date: March 24, 2026
Details: China-produced innovative drug receives FDA clinical approval for global multicenter clinical trials targeting specific indications, advancing the progress of China-produced innovative drugs entering international markets.

  • Kexing Pharmaceuticals: GB19 Injection Receives FDA Clinical Trial Approval
Date: March 30, 2026
Details: An independently developed innovative biologic drug has been approved for the treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythematosus, laying the foundation for the global development of domestically produced innovative drugs in the field of autoimmune diseases.


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