EconomyAstraZeneca, Merck and Novo deals lift Chinese biotech as global interest grows

Akeso shares surged after AstraZeneca moved to advance the Chinese biotech’s flagship cancer drug. A separate deal by Merck further highlighted growing global interest in the sector as concerns about possible US curbs eased. AstraZeneca also announced a US$2 billion equity investment in Summit Therapeutics, which holds rights to develop and commercialise the drug outside China.

Chinese biotechAstraZenecaMerckdrug deals

SSouth China Morning Post★★☆☆☆2026-09-29 09:00Original