BioCentury-BayHelix China Healthcare Summit - Award Winners
For several years, BayHelix has hosted the China Healthcare Awards, celebrating outstanding individuals and companies for their achievement and contribution to the local healthcare ecosystem. In 2024, BayHelix and BioCentury will jointly host the BioCentury-BayHelix China Healthcare Summit (Oct. 30-Nov. 1 at The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan), and will present the awards in five categories: R&D Achievement of the Year; Deal of the Year; Commercial Achievement of the Year; Company of the Year; and Woman Leader of the Year. Congratulations to the 2024 BayHelix Award Winners listed below.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE 2024 AWARD WINNERS
Licensing Deal of the Year | SystImmune / Biokin and Bristol Myers Squibb
SystImmune / Biokin and Bristol Myers Squibb
In December 2023, Sichuan Biokin’s U.S. subsidiary SystImmune entered a global development and commercialization deal with BMS for BL-B01D1, a potentially first-in-class bispecific EGFRxHER3 ADC in Phase 1 for NSCLC. SystImmune received $800M up front and is eligible for up to $500M in contingent near-term payments and $7.1B in milestones.
M&A Deal of the Year | Gracell Biotechnologies and Proteologix
M&A Deal of the Year, recognizing a groundbreaking pharmaceutical and/or MedTech fund-raising, collaboration, technology transfer, licensing, M&A or joint venture that involves a Chinese entity, either within China or cross-border.
Gracell Biotechnologies and Proteologix
➤ Founded in 2017 by Dr. William Cao, China cell therapy play Gracell was acquired in December 2023 by AstraZeneca for $1B up front and $200M in contingent value rights. If CVRs are achieved, it would represent an 86% premium to Gracell's closing market price.
➤ Founded in 2021, Proteologix, a three-year old private biotech, was acquired by J&J in May 2024 for $800M in cash with the potential for an additional milestone payment. The company focuses on bispecific antibodies for immune-mediated diseases with a lead product about to enter Phase 1 trials for atopic dermatitis.
R&D Achievement of the Year | Akeso Biopharma
R&D Achievement of the Year, recognizing a scientific discovery in China with direct impact to drug and/or MedTech R&D or a significant achievement in pharmaceutical and/or MedTech development milestones.
Akeso Biopharma
In September 2024, Akeso announced results from a China Phase 3 study of ivonescimab, a VEGFxPD-1 bispecific antibody. In a head-to-head trial in first-line NSCLC, the drug nearly doubled progression-free survival over Keytruda.
Commercial Achievement of the Year | XtalPi
Commercial Achievement of the Year, recognizing a creative model that delivered superior value to patients/payers in China and commercial success.
XtalPi
The company’s AI and robotics-enabled drug discovery solutions business saw rapid growth in 2024, helping to drive investor interest as it became the first company to list under HKEX’s 18C rules, raising roughly HK$1B.
Company of the Year | Legend Biotech
Company of the Year, recognizing an outstanding company in China that has made a significant impact on the landscape, reputation and ecosystem of China’s pharmaceutical, MedTech and/or healthcare industry.
Legend Biotech
Founded in 2014, Legend had a landmark year in 2024, propelled by a second-line approval for multiple myeloma for its CAR T product Carvykti. The product, partnered with J&J, continues to widen the sales gap over Bristol Myers Squibb's competing CAR T, Abecma.
Woman Leader of the Year | Dr. Michelle Xia
Woman Leader of the Year, recognizing an outstanding female leader whose contributions have changed the landscape, reputation and ecosystem for biopharma or MedTech in China.
Dr. Michelle Xia
As the founder of one China’s fastest-rising biotechs, Dr. Xia had a banner year in 2024, with Akeso’s bispecific ivonescimab beating Merck’s Keytruda in a China Phase 3 study in NSCLC.
2023 Winners
For a list of 2023’s winners, please visit the 2023 China Summit web page here.
2022 Winners
For a list of 2022’s winners, please visit the 2022 China Summit web page here.