Henlius Accelerates Global Biopharma Strategy at 2025 Global R&D Day

On April 16, 2025, Henlius (2696.HK) hosted its 2025 Global R&D Day in Shanghai, centering around the theme of "Collaborate to Create." The event brought together senior executives from Henlius, along with industry experts, innovation leaders, and scholars to foster a collaborative atmosphere aimed at enhancing research and development in biopharmaceuticals. Hundreds of attendees from diverse sectors, including academia and finance, engaged in meaningful discussions on current advancements in R&D, future planning, and the application of cutting-edge technology.

Insights from Henlius Leadership
Jason Zhu, the Executive Director and CEO of Henlius, emphasized the company's commitment to innovation driven by a patient-centric philosophy. He noted the ongoing development of several key innovative assets designed to transform the treatment landscape for lung and gastrointestinal cancers. These include the anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody HANSIZHUANG, the anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody HLX22, and the PD-L1 antibody-drug conjugate HLX43. Zhu also highlighted the strategic direction of Henlius toward key markets such as the U.S., EU, and Japan, expressing a desire to transition from product exporting to establishing a comprehensive global value chain.

Revolutionizing Treatment Approaches
During the event, Jijun Yuan, CSO of Henlius, elaborated on the company's innovative strategy, showcasing its expansion in key therapeutic areas, particularly oncology and autoimmune diseases. Henlius is extending its capabilities to explore a variety of modalities, including protein therapies and small molecules. The insights shared about their advanced platforms—the Hinova TCE, Hanjugator™ for antibody-drug conjugates, and the AI-driven HAI Club—reveal a sophisticated R&D matrix aimed at delivering differentiated treatments efficiently.

One of the highlights of Henlius’ innovative pipeline is HLX43, which is progressing swiftly through clinical trials. This antibody-drug conjugate targets the pan-tumor antigen PD-L1 and is showing promising results in early studies. Lixin Feng, Deputy GM of Strategic Products, stated that HLX43, with its dual-release mechanism, has the potential to represent a revolution in treatment options available to patients.

Breaking Ground with Technological Integration
The integration of AI in Henlius's R&D process was another key focus at the event. Simon Hsu, CTO and SVP, described how the Hyaluronidase product Henozye™ has benefited from AI, showing enhanced enzyme activity and stability, thereby transforming delivery systems for therapeutic applications. By overcoming traditional limitations in injection volume, Henlius is paving the way for higher-dose developments in treatment modalities.

Henlius is also making waves in its globalization efforts, specifically targeting the Japanese market as part of its Internationalization Strategy 2.0. This shift is predicated on leveraging Japan's unique demographics and healthcare policies, which support innovation in drug development, thus establishing a strategic foothold for the company's advanced biologics.

Implementing Collaborative Ecosystems for Success
In addition to these strategies, Henlius is forming robust international partnerships to amplify its reach. A panel discussion moderated by Henlius’s SVP highlighted the company's focus on collaboration as a cornerstone of its approach to advancing drug development. The discussion featured notable industry figures, including 2022 Nobel Laureate Carolyn Bertozzi, who underscored the significant potential of glycan editing technologies in the context of cancer therapies.

Insights collected during these discussions indicated that the company's ability to unify its resources—from R&D to manufacturing—underpins its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global market.

Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
As Henlius pushes forward in 2025, the company remains steadfast in its objective of delivering high-quality, affordable biological medicines globally. By focusing on collaborative innovation and strategic market expansion, Henlius is poised not just to advance its own portfolio but also to contribute significantly to the global biopharmaceutical landscape. Through continuous technological advancements and proactive partnerships, Henlius is working toward a future where innovative therapies are accessible to patients worldwide, reaffirming its mission to enhance human health on a global scale.

The event at Henlius marks a pivotal moment in the company's ambitious journey, and as it continues to evolve, it aims to be at the forefront of transforming the biopharma industry.