WuXi AppTec's stock plummeted 5.03% during intraday trading on Thursday, reflecting significant investor concern over recent strategic moves by the company.
The sharp decline follows the company's announcement that it is transferring controlling interest in its WuXi ATU operations in the United States and United Kingdom, effectively exiting the US-UK cell and gene therapy market. This move is widely viewed as a strategic divestment of politically sensitive businesses amid ongoing pressure from the US Biosecure Act, which seeks to restrict American companies from collaborating with designated Chinese biotech firms including WuXi AppTec.
Adding to the negative sentiment, the cell and gene therapy unit had seen its gross profit losses widen by 2.4 times, providing financial rationale for the divestiture. Market sentiment was further dampened by a recent block trade showing net institutional selling of approximately 60.52 million yuan and broader weakness in the Life Sciences Tools and Services sector.
