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Henlius 2025 Global R&D Day: A Summit for Innovation and Strategy

On April 17, 2025, Henlius (2696.HK) hosted its highly anticipated 2025 Global R&D Day in Shanghai, under the thought-provoking theme "Collaborate to Create." This notable event brought together top executives, industry experts, and influential leaders across various sectors to focus on recent advancements in research and development (R&D), strategic planning, and the exploration of cutting-edge therapies in the biopharmaceutical landscape.

Henlius effectively showcased its impressive array of innovative drugs that are in various stages of development. Among the key highlights were serplulimab (an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody), HLX22 (an anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody), and HLX43 (a PD-L1 antibody-drug conjugate). These targeted therapies aim to tackle unmet medical needs associated with lung and gastrointestinal cancers. Notably, HLX43 has already made history as China's first and the world's second PD-L1 ADC, merging an exclusive antibody with MediLink's dual-release payload. Early clinical trials suggest its efficacy and safety, marking a significant advancement in oncology treatment options.

Furthermore, HLX22 stands out as a promising candidate for treating HER2-positive gastric cancer. Its innovative mechanism effectively interferes with tumor signaling pathways, presenting itself as a potential first-line treatment for patients suffering from this aggressive form of cancer.

In addition to discussing its innovative drug pipeline, Henlius also spotlighted its three advanced technology platforms designed to enhance R&D processes. Among these, the Hinova TCE (Tri-specific T-cell Engager) platform aims to target solid tumors more effectively. The proprietary ADC platform Hanjugator™ offers unique drug conjugates, while the AI-driven drug discovery platform HAI Club supports accelerated therapeutic development. Together, these platforms create a collaborative R&D matrix that is geared towards the timely delivery of differentiated therapeutic solutions.

A strategic focus was placed on Henlius' globalization efforts, particularly emphasizing its initiatives in Japan, which has been identified as a key market within its "Internationalization 2.0" strategy. By leveraging the dynamics of Japan's aging population and supportive regulatory environment, Henlius aims to expedite clinical trials for both HLX22 and serplulimab. This strategic move is intended to establish a comprehensive value chain, moving seamlessly from research and development to commercialization.

During the event, the "Partnering for Success" panel featured 2022 Nobel Laureate Prof. Carolyn Bertozzi, who discussed the exciting potential of sialoglycan-targeting therapies in oncology and immunology. The collaboration with Henlius has significantly sped up the development of the human sialidase fusion protein HLX79 (E-602), showcasing Henlius' commitment to advancing its research capabilities.

Industry experts praised Henlius for its integrated competencies in antibody development, clinical trial execution, and global-quality manufacturing processes. These attributes have positioned the company as a strong player in forming impactful partnerships across the industry.

The culmination of the event was a significant call for enhanced industry-wide collaboration, aimed at bridging the gap between preclinical research and clinical application. By employing data-driven strategies and advanced AI technologies, the focus is now on creating patient-centered innovations.

As the company looks toward 2025, Henlius reaffirms its dedication to converting technological innovations into clinical benefits, thereby establishing China's vital role in the global biopharmaceutical arena.

In summary, Henlius 2025 Global R&D Day served not only as a platform for highlighting its innovative capabilities and strategic objectives, but also reinforced the importance of collaboration among different sectors to advance the future of healthcare. As the company pushes forward, the implications of its breakthroughs are set to resonate within the wider biopharma community, driving the industry towards transformative patient solutions.