China’s pharmaceutical BD and M&A landscape remained highly active in April 2026, recording 32 transactions across licensing, domestic collaborations, and cross-border expansion. The month continued to reflect strong momentum in globalization, platform-based partnerships, and asset out-licensing acceleration from Chinese innovators.

Below is a structured overview of key transactions.

🔹 License-in Deals: Strengthening Portfolios & Global Pipeline Access

April saw several major inbound licensing and commercialization partnerships, with multinational pharma actively deepening China exposure.

• On April 8, Everest Medicines acquired Hasten Biopharm in a RMB 1.722 billion transaction, enhancing its commercial capabilities and regional footprint.
• On April 15, Shanghai Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson launched a strategic CNS-focused collaboration in China, reinforcing neuropsychiatric therapeutic expansion.
• On April 17, Xiamen Amoytop Biotech secured exclusive Greater China rights from Aligos Therapeutics for a novel hepatitis B therapy.
• On April 17, AbbVie transferred China commercial rights of five ophthalmology assets to Santen Pharmaceutical.
• On April 21, GSK partnered with Shanghai Pharma Konyoung Trading to advance strategic collaboration in China.
• On April 27, China Medical System expanded into intravenous iron therapies with Monofer® and CosmoFer®, strengthening its anemia treatment portfolio.

🔹 Domestic Transactions: Innovation, AI, and Platform Synergies

Domestic activity highlighted strong momentum in AI-driven drug discovery, technology transfers, and indication expansion.

• Biocytogen and Sihuan Pharma entered an obesity-focused R&D partnership.
• Sharp Eye Hospital Group acquired myopia treatment patents for RMB 71 million.
• Harbin Gloria Pharmaceuticals acquired isoquinoline derivative technology from Capital Medical University.
• Dong-E-E-Jiao and AilsynBio initiated an AI-powered traditional medicine collaboration.
• Insilico Medicine partnered with Ancestor Bioscience to combine AI and exosome technologies for precision medicine.
• Lepu Pharma signed a product transfer agreement with Bio-Thera Solutions to introduce Betadine®.
• Hengrui Pharma assumed control of an osteoarthritis therapy via licensing acquisition.

A standout deal:

• On April 24, BeOne Medicines licensed a PD-1/CTLA-4/VEGF-A trispecific antibody asset in a transaction exceeding US$2 billion, reflecting continued demand for next-generation immuno-oncology assets.

🔹 License-out Deals: China Assets Expanding Globally

Out-licensing remained a key highlight, with Chinese biopharma increasingly integrating into global commercialization networks.

• On April 2, Evive Biotech granted INTSEL CHIMOS rights for Ryzneuta® in France.
• On April 6, Sino Biopharmaceutical and Sanofi signed an exclusive licensing agreement for lorundrostat.
• On April 8, Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals licensed its GLP-1 biweekly candidate to a leading South Korean pharma company.
• On April 12, Haisco Pharmaceutical Group signed a licensing deal with AbbVie valued at up to US$745 million.
• On April 17, Betta Pharmaceuticals subsidiary Xcovery partnered with EVERSANA to commercialize ensartinib in the United States.
• On April 20, Hybio Pharmaceutical expanded its partnership with Torrent Pharmaceuticals for lanreotide commercialization.
• On April 20, I-Mab licensed Greater China CD38 antibody rights to Biogen in a deal worth up to US$850 million.
• On April 22, Hansoh Pharma and Eisai supported a US$106 million CNS-focused financing collaboration.
• On April 28, Fosun Pharma and Arcera signed an MOU to build a long-term strategic partnership.

🔹 Key Takeaways

April 2026 highlights several clear industry trends:

• Acceleration of global licensing-out from China, especially in oncology, CNS, and metabolic diseases
• Rising inbound interest from multinational pharma in China commercialization rights
• AI + biotech convergence, with increasing platform-driven collaborations
• Large-scale asset transactions, including multi-billion-dollar antibody deals
• Strengthening of mid-size Chinese pharma as global partners, not just local operators

📌 Conclusion

The April deal landscape reinforces China’s evolving role in the global biopharma ecosystem—from a manufacturing base to an innovation exporter and global licensing hub. As cross-border partnerships deepen, the boundary between domestic and international pipelines continues to blur.