Rumors are circulating, as reported by Bloomberg citing insiders, that Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd (SHA: 600196, HKG: 2196) is planning to fully acquire its subsidiary Shanghai Henlius Biotech Co., Ltd (HKG: 2696). This strategic move comes as Henlius, a Hong Kong-listed company, has suspended its shares from trading since May 23, allegedly due to the pending announcement of a merger and acquisition deal. Fosun is also reportedly in discussions with potential investors regarding a collaborative move.
Established in Shanghai in 2010, Henlius specializes in the development of innovative and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and biologics, focusing on oncology, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, and central nervous system diseases. The company has successfully launched four independently developed monoclonal antibody biosimilar drugs, including the first domestically produced biosimilar of rituximab (Hanlikang), a biosimilar of Herceptin (Hanquyou; trastuzumab) approved in China, the United States, and Europe, Handayuan (adalimumab), and Hanbeitai (bevacizumab). In 2019, Henlius was listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The company also commercialized an innovative drug, the PD-1 inhibitor HanSiZhuang (serplulimab).
Currently, Fosun Pharma holds a 53.61% stake in Henlius. Henlius reported its first profits in 2023, with RMB 5.4 billion (USD 745 million) in total revenues, marking a 67.8% year-on-year (YOY) increase, and a profit of RMB 546 million (USD 75.3 million).- Flcube.com
