NovaBridge Biosciences Charts New Course with Strategic Rebranding and Pipeline Advancements

The biotechnology firm formerly known as I-Mab has embarked on a comprehensive transformation, commencing trading under its new identity, NovaBridge Biosciences, with the ticker symbol NBP. This rebranding reflects a fundamental strategic overhaul, highlighted by a promising licensing agreement for the ophthalmology drug candidate VIS-101.

This corporate evolution follows a decisive shareholder vote on October 24th, where investors overwhelmingly approved the name change. The move signifies a pivot to a "hub-and-spoke" operational model, designed to accelerate global access to novel therapeutics.

Supporting this new chapter, NovaBridge welcomed Kyler Lei as its new Chief Financial Officer on October 16th. His capital markets expertise is expected to be instrumental in advancing the company's plans for a Hong Kong initial public offering (IPO) and dual listings on the Nasdaq and HKEX.

VIS-101: A Cornerstone Asset with Regional Focus

A central element of the new strategy is the licensing arrangement for VIS-101. Through its subsidiary Visara, NovaBridge has granted exclusive rights for Greater China, Singapore, South Korea, and other Asian markets to Everest Medicines.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying I-Mab?

• Innovative Mechanism: The bifunctional biologic candidate targets both VEGF-A and ANG-2, a dual-action approach that may yield superior efficacy in treating retinal diseases.
• Development Status: Having completed safety studies, the asset is currently in a Phase 2 trial in China, with Phase 3 readiness anticipated by 2026.

Financial Health and Oncology Ambitions

The company's financial position appears robust. Following a capital raise in August 2025, NovaBridge holds approximately $226.8 million in liquidity, providing substantial resources to fund its expanded pipeline.

While VIS-101 garners attention, the company continues to advance its flagship oncology program, givastomig. This Claudin-18.2-targeting antibody has the potential to become a best-in-class therapy for gastrointestinal cancers.

• Recent Updates: New monotherapy data for givastomig was presented at the Molecular Targets conference on October 23rd.
• Upcoming Milestones: A global randomized Phase 2 study is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
• Data Anticipated: Topline results from the Phase 1b study are also expected in Q1 2026.

Market Outlook and Future Catalysts

The proposed Hong Kong IPO underscores NovaBridge's global ambitions. Market sentiment, as reflected by the analyst consensus of "Moderate Buy," indicates cautious optimism. The first quarter of 2026 is poised to be a critical period, with key clinical milestones for givastomig and further developments in the IPO plans set to determine the market's reception of this revitalized company.