Beijing Luzhu Biotechnology Co., Ltd, a leading manufacturer of human vaccines and therapeutic biologics, is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) of 10,386,000 shares at HKD 41.65 (USD 5.31) per share, which is expected to raise a total of HKD 433 million (USD 55.1 million).
Company Background and Product Pipeline
Founded in 2001, Luzhu Bio boasts a robust product pipeline that includes human vaccines, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs). The company currently has three clinical-stage product candidates: the vaccine candidate LZ901 and two antibody injection products, K3 and K193.
LZ901: A Promising Recombinant Shingles Vaccine
The core product candidate, LZ901, is an in-house developed recombinant shingles vaccine used to prevent herpes zoster caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV) in adults aged 50 and above. It is anticipated to become the world’s first tetramer molecular structure-based vaccine of its kind. Preclinical studies have demonstrated LZ901’s high immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety, with the ability to induce specific humoral and cellular immunity. Phase I clinical trial data from China show no significant difference in anti-VZV antibody levels between LZ901 and GlaxoSmithKline’s Shingrix, suggesting that LZ901’s immunogenicity is comparable to Shingrix.
K3: A Biosimilar Version of Humira (Adalimumab)
Another core product, K3, is a biosimilar version of Humira (adalimumab), which has completed Phase I trials. Expected to receive marketing approval in China by 2025, K3 was acquired by Luzhu Bio from Science Sun in July 2019 through an asset and intellectual property transfer deal.
K193: A Bispecific Antibody for B-Cell Leukemia and Lymphoma
K193, a bispecific antibody (BsAb) targeting B-cell leukemia and lymphoma, has initiated Phase I clinical studies in China, with expectations to conclude in the second quarter of this year.
Additional Pipeline Developments
Luzhu Bio is also developing a recombinant RVG subunit rabies vaccine, a recombinant varicella vaccine (adjusted dosage form of LZ901), CD33/CD3 BsAb K333, and CD19/CD3 BsAb K1932, further expanding its presence in the vaccine and biologics market.-Fineline Info & Tech
