#China #Shanghai #Henlius #Serplulimab #HLX22

Henlius 2025 Global R&D Day: Harnessing Innovation to Elevate Global Strategy

On April 21, 2025, Henlius, a prominent player in the biopharmaceutical sector, hosted its Global Research and Development Day, themed "Collaborate to Create." The event brought together executives, experts, and leaders from various industries to discuss advancements in research, strategic planning, and innovative therapies. Hundreds of representatives attended, including those from academic institutions, the industry, and the investment sector.

During the event, Henlius showcased its dynamic pipeline of innovations, presenting products designed to address critical unmet medical needs. These include serplulimab (an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody), HLX22 (an anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody), and HLX43 (a PD-L1 antibody-drug conjugate). Notably, HLX43 is China’s first and the world's second PD-L1 ADC, integrating a proprietary antibody with MediLink’s dual-release mechanism. The preclinical data for HLX43 suggests promising efficacy and a favorable safety profile. Meanwhile, HLX22 offers a novel approach to target HER2-positive gastric cancer, positioning itself as a potential frontline therapy for patients with this specific cancer type.

In addition to its product pipeline, Henlius highlighted its innovative technology platforms, which include the Hinova TCE (trispecific T-cell engager) for solid tumors, the proprietary Hanjugator™ ADC platform, and the AI-driven HAI Club drug research platform. These platforms collectively enhance the company's capability to accelerate the development of differentiated therapies. Moreover, Henlius strategically advances its proprietary Hyaluronidase Henozye™ and subcutaneous injection technologies, facilitating the development of new drugs and biosimilars while extending the lifecycle of existing products.

Global expansion is a priority for Henlius, with Japan designated as a strategic market under the company's Internationalization 2.0 initiative. Leveraging Japan’s aging population and regulatory environment, Henlius aims to progress clinical studies for HLX22 and serplulimab—creating a seamless value chain from research and development to market launch.

During the panel discussion titled "Partnering for Success," Professor Carolyn Bertozzi, a 2022 Nobel Laureate, emphasized the potential of sialoglycan therapies in oncology and immunology. Collaborative efforts with Henlius have accelerated the development of the human sialidase fusion protein HLX79. Industry leaders reiterated Henlius's integrated capabilities in antibody development, clinical execution, and global quality manufacturing as key factors in establishing effective partnerships. By fostering strong collaborations, the company is expanding its therapeutic ecosystem internationally.

The event concluded with a call for industry-wide collaboration to bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical phases of drug development. It also stressed the need to utilize AI and data-driven strategies to expedite patient-centric innovations. Henlius is committed to transforming technological advancements into clinical benefits by 2025 and strengthening China's position in the global biopharmaceutical landscape.