BHB-1893 structure
Hengrui’s HRS-1893, licensed to Braveheart Bio (BHB-1893), advances in oHCM (Phase III, NCT07021976) and nHCM (Phase II), with global expansion planned for 2026. Review covers structure, patents, PK, and clinical data.
Aficamten vs Mavacamten
From discovery to clinical development, aficamten outperforms mavacamten in PK, safety, and therapeutic margin. SEQUOIA-HCM, MAPLE-HCM, and ongoing ACACIA-HCM highlight its potential in obstructive and non-obstructive HCM.
Muvalaplin
Lilly initiates Phase III trial of Muvalaplin in China and globally to reduce MACE in adults with elevated Lp(a), marking the first oral therapy in this class.
Argo Biopharma
Argo Biopharma and Novartis struck their third RNAi deal, focused on cardiovascular assets. With $160M upfront and $5.36B milestone potential, the collaboration spans ANGPTL3, dyslipidemia siRNAs, and IND-ready hepatic candidates.
PCSK9 inhibitor
Merck’s enlicitide achieves Phase 3 endpoints, signaling a shift toward oral PCSK9 therapy that complements global injectables like Repatha and Praluent, siRNA therapy Leqvio, and emerging domestic inhibitors such as Sintbilo.
HRS9531
Hengrui’s HRS9531 NDA is accepted in China, marking the first homegrown GLP-1/GIP dual agonist for obesity. Clinical data shows strong weight loss and safety, challenging Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide in China’s fast-growing market.
Outbound Deals
Chinese biopharmas may reach ~$60B in outbound deals by end-2025, led by Hengrui–GSK, 3SBio–Pfizer, XtalPi–DoveTree, and Hansoh–Regeneron. Oncology, obesity, and AI fuel China’s rise as a global licensing powerhouse, with top deals and trends highlighted.
naperiglipron
Eli Lilly stopped two Phase 2 trials of naperiglipron after minimal enrollment, citing strategic reasons. Development continues in obesity, but structural similarity to Pfizer’s failed compounds raises safety scrutiny.
Best-in-class vs first-in-class
Semaglutide, tirzepatide, pembrolizumab and Zanubrutinib illustrate how best-in-class drugs surpass pioneers, with China’s $51.9B licensing deals driving worldwide pharmaceutical growth.
Best-in-class vs first-in-class
BeOne Medicines is reshaping hematology with zanubrutinib. Superior efficacy, cleaner safety, and strong market momentum put it ahead of ibrutinib — a textbook case of best-in-class drugs eclipsing first-in-class pioneers.
Biotech IPO 2025
Hengrui’s $1.27B HKEX IPO anchors a global biotech rebound through August 2025, with Caris, Heartflow, and Anthem also showing strong YTD debuts.
Phase III trials
From Aug 1–28, 2025, 10 new Phase III trials launched in China, including YP0322, DZD8586, MRG004A, TQB2868, QLS32015, TQC3721, SHR-A2015, MT1013, FCN-159, and HS-20094, spanning oncology, CNS, respiratory, and metabolic diseases.