Brief IPOs & Placements: HLX02: Innovation Could Overtake and more

In this briefing:

1. HLX02: Innovation Could Overtake
2. Aruhi Placement – Bigger than the IPO but Good Track Record and Price Performance Should Help

1. HLX02: Innovation Could Overtake

The oncology treatment landscape in China is evolving rapidly as the government has prioritized access to innovative drugs to meet this significant unmet need. In particular, investors considering the Shanghai Henlius Biotech (1566213D HK) listing should be aware of the emergence of a drug that potentially is superior to Roche Holding AG (ROG SW)‘s Herceptin (and Shanghai Henlius’ HLX02) for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer (and ultimately HER2-positive gastric cancer). While there should be good demand for cheaper alternatives to Herceptin, the availability of a superior alternative potentially shortens the lifecycle of Herceptin biosimilars. 

China has only recently “modernized” its drug approval and reimbursement, so there is little precedent to rely upon to estimate the speed and magnitude of changes in the market. As brokers rollout forecasts for the company and HLX02, investors should ask if the numbers somehow reflect this risk.

We do not have a view of the offering, but tag this Insight as Bearish because we are highlighting a potential risk.

2. Aruhi Placement – Bigger than the IPO but Good Track Record and Price Performance Should Help

Carlyle, along with SBI, plans to sell the rest of its stake in Aruhi Corp (7198 JP) for around US$280m.

Aruhi listed in Dec 2017, when Carlyle sold 18m shares. This is the second and final tranche of shares owned by Carlyle.  The total sale accounts for 41% of the company’s outstanding shares making it a relatively large deal to digest. 

However, the shares have done well since listing and the stock scores well on our framework. Valuations appear reasonable, if the company is able to achieve its mid-term targets.