Chinese biotechs' evolving take on in-licensing deals

By Wang Fangqing

Chinese biotechs used to prefer late-clinical stage assets when seeking in-licensing targets for a quick launch in China, but this is no longer the case.

At Chinatrials held last month in Shanghai, speakers from many Chinese biotechs said while licensing deals will continue to play an important role in their businesses, they are more interested in early-stage assets that would either meet unmet patient needs in China or differential enough to make the company more competitive in the market.