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Photo: Yuhan Corporation |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] An affiliate of global asset manager BlackRock has increased its stake in Yuhan Corporation to over 5%, becoming a key shareholder and signaling confidence in the company’s long-term growth prospects.
According to regulatory filings on June 9, BlackRock Fund Advisors acquired an additional 567,601 shares, raising its ownership from 4.36% to 5.07% (approximately 4.04 million shares). The purchase, valued at around 47.8 billion won, was disclosed as a “pure investment” purpose.
Market participants interpret the move as a strategic bet on Yuhan’s oncology pipeline, particularly its lung cancer drug Lazertinib, which is being commercialized globally in partnership with Johnson & Johnson.
The combination therapy involving Lazertinib and Johnson & Johnson’s drug is expected to release key overall survival (mOS) data later this year, which could accelerate market penetration if results prove competitive.
Yuhan is also seen to have additional upside potential through possible out-licensing of its allergy treatment candidate YH35324.
BlackRock’s investment adds to a list of major shareholders in Yuhan, including National Pension Service.
Separately, BlackRock has also increased its stake in HLB to 6.05%, ahead of key regulatory decisions. The company is awaiting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its liver cancer therapy combination next month, as well as further regulatory outcomes later this year.
The moves highlight BlackRock’s continued interest in South Korea’s biotech sector, particularly companies with strong global commercialization potential.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
