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As I’ve covered in the past , I was bullish on NN Group ( NNGPF ) ( NNGRY ) since mid-2024 due to an interesting combination of a high-dividend yield and relatively cheap valuation. However, following aLabutes IR is a Fund Manager/Analyst specialized in the financial sector, with more than 18 years of experience in the financial markets. I have worked at several type of institutions in the industry, always at the buy side and related to portfolio management. Associated with the existing author The Outsider. ...

Market Overview - The Uterine Fibroid Market was valued at USD 5.26 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 9.43 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.63% from 2026 to 2033 [1][8]. Growth Drivers - The market is expanding due to the increased incidence of uterine fibroids among women of childbearing age, with approximately 70 to 80% of women experiencing fibroids by age 50 [2]. - Rising healthcare infrastructure in emerging markets and increased awareness regarding fibroid treatment options are also contributing to market growth [5]. Treatment Trends - There is a significant trend towards minimally invasive techniques for treating uterine fibroids, with adoption rates rising by over 60% in the past five years [4]. - Minimally invasive procedures are expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.63% from 2026 to 2033, driven by advancements in technology and patient preference for less invasive options [11]. Market Segmentation - By Type: Submucosal Fibroids dominated with 36.24% in 2025, while Intramural Fibroids are expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.20% from 2026 to 2033 [9][10]. - By Treatment Type: Surgical Procedures held 38.45% in 2025, with Minimally Invasive Procedures projected to grow at 8.63% CAGR [11]. - By Technology: Laparoscopic Surgery accounted for 36.58% in 2025, with MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound expected to grow at 8.83% CAGR [12]. - By End-User: Hospitals & Clinics dominated with 47.49% in 2025, while Ambulatory Surgical Centers are expected to grow at 8.43% CAGR [13]. Regional Insights - The U.S. Uterine Fibroid Market was valued at USD 1.78 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 3.11 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.25% [14]. - North America is expected to hold a 45.32% market share in 2025, while Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2026 to 2033 [15]. Recent Developments - In January 2024, Pfizer Canada announced the availability of MYFEMBREE® for treating uterine fibroids and endometriosis [17]. - In September 2024, Theramex announced the first commercial sale of Yselty® in Germany, marking a new treatment option for women with moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids [17].

Core Viewpoint - AstraZeneca expects a double-digit percentage growth in core earnings per share by 2026, with total revenue projected to grow in the mid-to-high single digits at constant exchange rates [1] Group 1: Clinical Trials and Product Development - The company plans to announce results from up to 20 advanced clinical trials by 2026, focusing on oncology, respiratory diseases, and rare diseases [1] - Key trials include AVANZAR and TROPION-Lung07 [1] - The oral GLP-1 drug elecoglipron has entered late-stage clinical trials, and the company has partnered with CSPC Pharmaceutical Group to accelerate its entry into the weight loss drug market [1] Group 2: Financial Outlook and Shareholder Returns - AstraZeneca has increased its annual dividend by approximately 3% to $3.30 [1] - The company reaffirms its long-term goal of achieving $80 billion in revenue by 2030 [1]

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street's major market averages ended near even as traders processed the latest retail inflation data [1] Market Performance - The blue-chip Dow ended with a gain of +0.1% [1] - The benchmark S&P 500 finished flat, showing no significant change [1] - The tech-focused Nasdaq Composite experienced a decline of -0.2% [1]

Core Insights - The annual transaction value of China's innovative drug licensing has surpassed $100 billion, marking a nearly tenfold increase over four years, with a total of $137.7 billion in licensing deals signed in 2025 [2] - Major global pharmaceutical companies, including Novartis, AstraZeneca, and GSK, have signed significant agreements with Chinese firms, indicating a strong interest in China's next-generation innovative drug development pipelines [3] - The average transaction size for licensing deals involving Chinese biopharmaceutical companies has significantly increased this year, with an average deal size of $1.3 billion, a 76% increase from 2025 and six times the average size in 2021 [4] Group 1 - In 2025, there were 186 licensing transactions involving Chinese companies, reflecting a growing trend in the biopharmaceutical sector [2] - The average upfront payment for licensing deals this year is $77.7 million, double that of 2025 and three times the average in 2021 [4] - Notable recent agreements include a strategic partnership between Innovent Biologics and Eli Lilly worth $8.85 billion, and a potential $18.5 billion collaboration between AstraZeneca and CSPC Pharmaceutical Group [4] Group 2 - Macquarie Capital predicts that oncology drugs will continue to attract global pharmaceutical companies, highlighting China's strong capabilities in chemical drug development [5] - Multinational companies are increasingly viewing China as a critical part of their global R&D infrastructure, especially as they face patent cliffs and seek to reduce costs [5] - Vision Lifesciences reports that China leads the world in specific molecular types, with Chinese companies accounting for nearly 90% of global licensing transactions for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) [5]

Core Insights - Many multinational companies are increasingly viewing China as a crucial part of their global R&D infrastructure, especially as they face patent cliffs and seek to cut costs [1][4] - The value of licensing agreements for new drugs from Chinese biopharmaceutical companies is expected to reach a historic high of over $100 billion by 2025, with a total of $137.7 billion in licensing deals signed in 2025, nearly a tenfold increase from 2021 [1][4] Group 1 - Global pharmaceutical giants, including Novartis, AstraZeneca, and GSK, signed multiple significant agreements with Chinese companies last year [3] - Tom Barsha, head of Asia-Pacific M&A at Bank of America Securities, predicts that the total value of these licensing deals could double again in the next 18 to 24 months, as global companies focus on finding next-generation innovative drug pipelines in China [3] - There have been nearly 40 licensing transactions involving Chinese biopharmaceutical companies this year, with average deal sizes significantly higher than last year [3] Group 2 - The average deal size for licensing agreements from Chinese pharmaceutical companies this year has reached $1.3 billion, a 76% increase from 2025 levels and approximately six times the average from 2021 [4] - The average upfront payment this year is $77.7 million, doubling from $38.8 million in 2025 and tripling from the average in 2021 [4] - Macquarie Capital's Asia healthcare research department predicts that a class of drugs considered foundational for cancer treatment will continue to attract global pharmaceutical interest [4] Group 3 - Many multinational companies are recognizing China's strength in chemical fields, allowing them to obtain promising molecular licenses at lower costs compared to internal R&D [4] - Vision Lifesciences' report highlights that China is a world leader in specific molecular types, with Chinese companies accounting for nearly 90% of global licensing deals for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) [4]

Core Insights - AstraZeneca achieved a record revenue of $6.664 billion in China for 2025, marking a significant milestone in its 30-year history in the market [1] - The company plans to invest $15 billion in China by 2030 and has established a $18.5 billion collaboration with CSPC Pharmaceutical Group [1] Revenue Performance - AstraZeneca is the second-largest market for the company, with 2024 revenues reaching $54.073 billion, and China contributing $6.413 billion, a year-on-year increase of 11% [1] - In 2025, total revenue reached $58.739 billion, with China contributing $6.654 billion, accounting for 11% of total revenue, maintaining the top position among multinational pharmaceutical companies in China [1][3] Product Portfolio - Since entering the Chinese market in 1993, AstraZeneca has introduced over 40 innovative drugs, including key products in oncology and chronic disease management [3] - The inhaled budesonide suspension is the highest-selling drug in China, although its sales have declined due to policy price adjustments [3] - Osimertinib is expected to become a new flagship product in China, potentially replacing budesonide due to the large market for non-small cell lung cancer patients [3][4] Strategic Focus - AstraZeneca is focusing on a comprehensive "innovation offensive" in China, particularly in oncology, cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic disease areas [6] - The company has a robust pipeline in oncology, with several promising drugs set to launch in China, including novel AKT inhibitors and TROP2 ADCs for breast cancer treatment [6] - The pipeline also includes treatments for chronic diseases and rare diseases, addressing the diverse needs of the Chinese market [7][8] Investment Plans - AstraZeneca's $15 billion investment will focus on expanding drug manufacturing and R&D capabilities, particularly in cell therapy and radiolabeled drug conjugates [12][13] - The company has made 23 collaborations in China since 2021, totaling over $40 billion, with a significant focus on oncology and chronic disease treatments [9][12] Market Positioning - AstraZeneca aims to leverage China's scientific and manufacturing strengths to provide cutting-edge treatment solutions, positioning itself as a leader in cell therapy capabilities [13] - The company has established global strategic R&D centers in Beijing and Shanghai and operates multiple production bases across China [13][14] Conclusion - AstraZeneca's deep integration into the Chinese market signifies a shift from merely selling products to becoming a core participant in China's healthcare ecosystem, evolving into a global innovation center rooted in China [15]

Core Insights - The KALOS and LOGOS trials demonstrate that AstraZeneca's Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol) shows significant statistical and clinical improvement in uncontrolled asthma patients compared to standard ICS/LABA therapy and other combinations [1] Group 1: Clinical Trial Results - The trials indicate that Breztri Aerosphere can effectively combine the benefits of ICS, LAMA, and LABA, improving lung function and preventing severe acute asthma attacks regardless of patients' previous acute attack history [1] - The results highlight a critical need for effective treatment options for asthma patients who do not achieve control with ICS/LABA dual therapy [1] Group 2: Expert Commentary - Professor Alberto Papi emphasizes that many of the 262 million asthma patients globally continue to suffer from uncontrolled symptoms despite dual therapy [1] - AstraZeneca's executives express optimism about the potential of Breztri Aerosphere to address the unmet needs of uncontrolled asthma patients and its established foundation in COPD treatment [1] Group 3: Market Implications - The successful outcomes of the KALOS and LOGOS trials represent a significant milestone for AstraZeneca in the asthma treatment sector, with plans to accelerate the introduction of this innovative therapy in China [1] - The trials included a representative Chinese patient population, indicating a strategic focus on expanding treatment options in emerging markets [1]

Core Viewpoint - The recent round of national drug procurement has resulted in 4,163 products from 1,020 companies being shortlisted, covering 316 commonly used drugs across 26 therapeutic areas, with only 21 original drugs winning bids, representing less than 10% of the total [1][2]. Group 1: Procurement Details - The procurement aims to reduce drug prices and patient burdens while reallocating saved healthcare funds to innovative drugs that provide significant clinical value [2]. - The procurement process was led by the medical insurance bureaus of Jiangsu, Henan, and Guangdong provinces, with a high selection rate of 93% among participating companies [2]. - The results of this procurement are expected to be implemented by the end of March 2026, with a procurement cycle lasting until the end of 2028 [2]. Group 2: Original Drug Participation - The original drugs selected include various formulations such as Fosinopril and Acarbose, with companies like Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sanofi involved [3]. - Several original drugs that had previously won bids in earlier rounds, such as Gefitinib and Clopidogrel, did not participate in this round, allowing generic competitors to dominate [4][3]. - The absence of original drugs in the procurement reflects a trend where original drugs face significant competition from generics post-patent expiration, leading to a decline in sales and profits [6]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The "patent cliff" phenomenon has led to original drugs experiencing substantial sales and profit declines once their patents expire, which was previously mitigated by high prices and market share [6]. - Some original drug companies have reduced or dissolved their sales teams for products affected by procurement policies, yet many still find market opportunities outside public hospital settings [7]. - Cross-national pharmaceutical companies are increasingly focusing on innovative drug development while divesting mature product lines to local firms [8][9]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The Chinese government is implementing policies to support the development of innovative drugs, which is expected to expand the overall pharmaceutical market [10].