Domestic Nucleic Acid Drug Developer Sunshine Lake Pharma's Lead Candidate ABA001 Receives IND Acceptance for Hypertension

　　【Pharmaceutical Network Industry DynamicsSmall nucleic acid drugs, as oligonucleotide molecules with high specificity, can accurately target and silence related pathogenic genes, treating diseases by regulating gene expression. Compared with small molecule drugs, they have the advantages of low frequency of medication and abundant targets. It is reported that in recent years, many pharmaceutical companies have actively strengthened their layout in the field of small nucleic acid drugs and achieved new breakthroughs.
 

As SunNovo announced on January 21, the in-development small nucleic acid drug ABA001 has been accepted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for clinical trial application, with the proposed indication being hypertension. This marks a critical step forward for SunNovo in the field of small nucleic acid drugs.
 

ABA001, a Class 1 innovative chemical drug, is intended for the treatment of primary hypertension. It has the potential to achieve dosing once every quarter or even half a year, significantly surpassing existing daily oral medications. Data shows that this product utilizes GalNAc covalent conjugation technology to precisely deliver siRNA into hepatocytes, specifically degrading AGT mRNA, thereby "shutting off" the RAAS system's pressure-raising switch. Non-clinical data indicates that a single subcutaneous injection can produce rapid and sustained antihypertensive effects in animal models, with good safety.
 

The rapid expansion of China's R&D pipeline has built a solid foundation for industrial development. Data shows that in recent years, the R&D pipeline for small nucleic acid drugs has also been growing rapidly. As of October 2025, China’s small nucleic acid drug R&D pipeline exceeds 120 varieties, a large number of which are in the clinical application/Phase I clinical stage, accounting for about 24% of nearly 500 global R&D pipelines.
 

Ribo Life Science, as a company in China that focuses on small nucleic acid drugs, has already advanced seven self-developed products into clinical trials. It has established three core technology platforms: RiboGalSTAR™ (liver-targeted), RiboPepSTAR™ (extrahepatic-targeted), and RiboOncoSTAR™ (oncology), achieving modularization and scalability in the R&D process. Its core product, RBD4059, is the fastest-progressing siRNA drug targeting FXI globally, offering advantages of long-acting anticoagulation with a low risk of bleeding, and is currently advancing in synchronized global development.
 

Innovent Bio's strategic layout in the small nucleic acid field is becoming increasingly clear. On November 10, 2025, the company announced the primary results of the first-in-human Phase I clinical study of the siRNA drug IBI3016, which was licensed from Ribo Life Science. The results were presented at the digital poster session of the 2025 American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions. IBI3016 demonstrated preliminary blood pressure-lowering effects and favorable safety.
 

Moreover, in China, pharmaceutical companies including Hengrui Pharma and Junshi Biosciences have entered the small nucleic acid field, forming a tiered development pattern. Globally, the small nucleic acid drug market is gradually entering the commercialization phase. Data predicts that by 2033, the market size will grow to $46.7 billion. According to relevant statistics, in 2025, there were 23 representative BD transactions in the global small nucleic acid field, with a potential total amount exceeding $36.473 billion, increasing by over 300% compared to 2023, reflecting MNCs' high demand for this track. For example, Novartis is one of the active companies, building a complete layout covering various technical types such as RNAi and ASO.
 

As companies increase their investments, small nucleic acid drugs are ushering in a new era. Pharmaceutical companies in China, with solid R&D accumulation and flexible strategies, are expected to occupy a significant position in the global arena. In the future, as more products advance to later-stage clinical trials and commercialization, small nucleic acid drugs will offer better treatment options for patients.
 

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