Novel candidate acquired from Ganymed in 2016 moves closer to first approval filing anywhere for a CLDN18-targeting antibody, and as a potential competitor for Opdivo in HER2-negative gastric cancer, following positive top-line Phase III results in the first-line combo setting. Results from GLOW trial in combination with CAPOX also awaited.

Two recent licensing deals involving Chinese firms underscore the record level of agreements being inked between innovative domestic biotechs and generic drug makers, at a time when corporate valuations and geopolitical tensions have made cross-border transactions harder to grab.

Accelerated initial public listings, multi-million dollar deals and hot investment fund influxes fuel an already record-setting July for biotech fundraising in China.