Hong Kong-listed biotech and pharmaceutical stocks posted strong gains at the start of the trading session.
Wuxi Apptec (HKEx: 02359) surged more than 5% at one point, with its share price breaking through the HK$200 mark to set a new all-time high. The stock is currently up over 4%. Meanwhile, Zai Lab (HKEx: 9688) advanced more than 5%, while InnoCare Pharma (HKEx: 9969) and WuXi Biologics (HKEx: 2269) each gained over 3%.
In a research report, Orient Securities recommended that investors focus on two key growth opportunities in the weight-loss metabolic space: oral semaglutide and the Foundayo platform. The brokerage also noted that Wuxi Apptec's small-molecule D&M (development and manufacturing) segment is experiencing accelerated growth on a large base, signaling that the domestic small-molecule CDMO sector is poised to enter a new growth cycle over the next three to five years. This trend is expected to gradually accelerate order intake and revenue recognition for related companies, with profit growth potentially exceeding expectations.