Since May, the Hang Seng Biotech Index has underperformed the HSI by about 1,300 bps, becoming the biggest laggard sector and marking the industry’s entry into a downturn phase, CMSI said in its report. The broker summarized three reasons for the evident recent underperformance of Hong Kong-listed pharma/biotech stocks: liquidity constraints, rising policy uncertainty over overseas BD cooperation, and valuation markdowns for certain clinical assets.On the macro level, amid increasing market polarization, liquidity has continued to flow into AI-related themes, driving strong outperformance in those sectors, while other sectors have experienced notable valuation compression. Meanwhile, overseas BD deals for China’s innovative drugs are facing heightened policy uncertainty. Related NewsAKESO (09926.HK) Jumps 5% as Nomura Upgrades to Buy; Jefferies Says HARMONI-6 Far Exceeds ExpectationsJohn Moolenaar, the Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, proposed including biotechnology-related technologies in the COINS Act to restrict cross-border intellectual property licensing. He specifically noted that multinational pharmaceutical companies, including Bristol Myers Squibb, have recently stepped up out-licensing and co-development partnerships with Chinese companies.The broker believed that recent macro disturbances and sector volatility provide a good opportunity for long-term investors to accumulate leading high-quality Chinese biopharmaceutical companies at lower levels. Its top picks were INNOVENT BIO (01801.HK) +0.200 (+0.262%) Short selling $414.90M; Ratio 35.508% , HANSOH PHARMA (03692.HK) -0.480 (-1.611%) Short selling $203.43M; Ratio 33.128% and KEYMED BIO-B (02162.HK) -0.650 (-1.101%) Short selling $14.79M; Ratio 6.987% . It was also watchful of AKESO (09926.HK) -5.850 (-5.882%) Short selling $315.46M; Ratio 16.768% and HENGRUI PHARMA (01276.HK) +1.150 (+2.156%) Short selling $27.06M; Ratio 8.843% , which are not yet under its coverage. (HK stocks quote is delayed for at least 15 mins.Short Selling Data as at 2026-06-05 16:25.)
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