20-F 1 a11-13191_220f.htm 20-F

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 20-F

 


 

(Mark One)

 

o

REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

OR

 

 

x

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

 

 

OR

 

 

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                       to                       

 

 

OR

 

 

o

SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Date of event requiring this shell company report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

Commission file number 001-33295

 


 

3SBio Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 


 

Cayman Islands

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

No. 3 A1, Road 10

Shenyang Economy & Technology Development Zone

Shenyang 110027

People’s Republic of China

(Address of principal executive offices)

 


 

Bo Tan, Chief Financial Officer

No. 3 A1, Road 10

Shenyang Economy & Technology Development Zone

Shenyang 110027

People’s Republic of China

www.3sbio.com

Telephone (China): 8624-25811820

Email:  ir@3sbio.com

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

American Depositary Shares

 

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

(Each representing seven ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share)

 

 

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

 

None

(Title of Class)

 



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Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

None

(Title of Class)

 


 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

 

155,196,781 ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001, as of December 31, 2010

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

o Yes   x No

 

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

o Yes   x No

 

Note — Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

x Yes   o No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

o Yes   o No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer x

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP x

 

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board
o

 

Other o

 

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

o Item 17   o Item 18

 

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

o Yes   x No

 

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.

 

o Yes   o No

 



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3SBIO INC.

 

FORM 20-F ANNUAL REPORT

 

FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

INTRODUCTION

 

PART  I

 

 

ITEM 1.

IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

1

ITEM 2.

OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

1

ITEM 3.

KEY INFORMATION

1

ITEM 4.

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

23

ITEM 4A.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

52

ITEM 5.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

53

ITEM 6.

DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

67

ITEM 7.

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

74

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

77

ITEM 9.

THE OFFER AND LISTING

78

ITEM 10.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

80

ITEM 11.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

87

ITEM 12.

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

88

PART  II

 

 

ITEM 13.

DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

90

ITEM 14.

MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

90

ITEM 15.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

90

ITEM 16A.

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

91

ITEM 16B.

CODE OF ETHICS

91

ITEM 16C.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

91

ITEM 16D.

EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

92

ITEM 16E.

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

92

ITEM 16F.

CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

92

ITEM 16G.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

92

PART  III

 

 

ITEM 17.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

93

ITEM 18.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

93

ITEM 19.

EXHIBITS

93

 



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INTRODUCTION

 

Conventions

 

In this annual report on Form 20-F, unless otherwise indicated:

 

·                  The term “our company”, “the Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”, or any like terms, refer to 3SBio Inc. and its subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities, unless the context requires otherwise;

·                  “Share(s)”or “ordinary share(s)” refer to our ordinary share(s), with par value US$0.0001 per share;

·                  “ADS(s)” refer to our American depositary share(s), each of which represents seven ordinary shares;

·                  “ADR(s)” refer to our American depositary receipt(s) that evidence our ADSs;

·                  References to “China” or “PRC” are to the People’s Republic of China, excluding for the purposes of this annual report Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau;

·                  References to “province(s)” of China are to one or more, as applicable, of the provinces and provincial-level municipalities and autonomous regions of China;

·                  All references to “RMB” or “Renminbi” are to the legal currency of China;

·                  All references to “U.S. dollars”, “USD” or “US$” are to the legal currency of the United States of America;

·                  “U.S. GAAP” refer to the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America;

·                  “SFDA” refers to the State Food and Drug Administration of PRC;

·                  The “Commission” or “SEC” refers to the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States;

·                  Heading, titles, or numbering, or presentation aids of similar nature, other than required captions and numbering applicable to each Item provided on Form 20-F, are only for convenience of reference, for the benefit of readers, and shall be with no substance;

·                  Any website addresses are not intended to function as hyperlinks, and the information contained in such websites is not a part of this filing; and

·                  To the extent available and not at unreasonable costs to us and deemed to facilitate better shareholder communications, at our sole discretion, we may from time to time choose to discuss certain events, developments, or issues after the end of the subject year, or any information not required to disclose, in the annual report on Form 20-F, and may not do so, with respect to other than selected information, or in any future periods.

 

Cautionary Statement concerning Forward-looking Statements:

 

Statutory Safe Harbor

 

This annual report on Form 20-F contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws.

 

What are Forward-looking Statements

 

Certain statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or incorporated by reference in this report, may address activities, events, conditions, or developments that we currently expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including, but not limited to, such things as market size, as may be indicated by patient numbers or disease prevalence information, the growth of our business and operations, our business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, plans, future government policies and regulations, regulatory review and actions, research and development, partnerships or collaborations and the outcome thereof, and, product pipeline progress and prospects. Such statements may be considered forward-looking statements. References to future successes of our company are usually forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those statements using words such as “believe,” “expect,” “plans,” “strategy,” “potential”, “prospects,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “will” or “would”, “may” or “might”, and words, phrases, expressions, and usages of similar meaning or substance or the negative of such words, phrases, expressions and usages.

 

Forward-looking statements usually are based on management’s current assumptions, beliefs, expectations, and projections, in light of the information currently available to it.

 



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Subject to Risks, Uncertainties, and Assumptions

 

Numerous risks and uncertainties attend or impact on the matters addressed by forward-looking statements, any of which could negatively and materially affect our operation results, performance or financial conditions.  Therefore you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

 

Our actual operation results, performance or financial conditions could differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including: competition from other domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies and their products; our ability to enhance existing products and develop, obtain government approvals for, and market new indications or future generations of our existing products and other new products; the market growth for pharmaceutical products in China; market acceptance of our products and hospital or patient demand for our products; our ability to improve and expand our production, sales and distribution network and other aspects of our operations; our ability to diversify our product portfolio; our ability to effectively protect our intellectual property; our ability to identify and acquire new medical technologies, pharmaceutical products and product candidates; changes in the healthcare industry in China, including changes in the healthcare policies and regulations of the PRC government and changes in the healthcare insurance sector in the PRC; and fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China.

 

We describe in this report some of these risks and uncertainties in greater detail under “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors”. Important information regarding risks and uncertainties may also appear elsewhere in this annual report, including but not limited to “Item 4. Information on the Company,” “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” the Company’s consolidated financial statements referenced in  “Item 18. Financial Statements, and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”.

 

Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions, and, therefore, also the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions, could prove to be inaccurate or incomplete.

 

In light of the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements that are included or incorporated by reference in this report, our inclusion or incorporation of such information is not a representation by us or any other person that any possibility, estimation, particular course of action, or prediction will come to fruition or materialize, or our objectives and plans will be achieved.

 

We urge you to consider and evaluate all forward-looking statements always in light of possible risks, uncertainties, and limitations.

 

Date of Relevance; No Update

 

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and, for those contained in this annual report, only as of the date of this annual report.  We will not update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in very limited circumstance where the securities laws require us to do so.

 

Applicable to other Disclosures

 

From time to time, oral or written forward-looking statements may also be included in other materials of the Company released to the public, including, but not limited to, other SEC filings, news releases, discussions at earnings calls, investor presentations, and website information.  All the discussions under this heading “Cautionary Statement concerning Forward-looking Statements” apply to such other oral or written forward-looking statements.

 



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PART I

 

ITEM 1.

IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2.

OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3.

KEY INFORMATION

 

A. Selected Financial Data

 

The selected consolidated financial data presented below for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements (“Financial Statements”) for such periods, which are included elsewhere in this annual report except for the balance sheet dated as of December 31, 2008. The selected consolidated financial data presented below for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, and the balance sheet, dated as of December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements for such periods, but not included in this annual report.

 

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our historical results do not necessarily indicate results expected for any future periods. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” in this annual report.

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

US$

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share, share, per ADS and ADS data)

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Income data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue(1):

 

127,780

 

180,173

 

243,245

 

316,920

 

418,628

 

63,428

 

Cost of revenue

 

(11,598

)

(17,427

)

(21,741

)

(25,236

)

(41,650

)

(6,311

)

Gross profit

 

116,182

 

162,746

 

221,504

 

291,684

 

376,978

 

57,117

 

Total operating expenses

 

(79,649

)

(114,201

)

(173,713

)

(207,301

)

(290,136

)

(43,959

)

Income from operations

 

36,533

 

48,545

 

47,791

 

84,383

 

86,842

 

13,158

 

Total other income/(expense), net

 

(855

)

36,462

 

2,851

 

10,788

 

16,216

 

2,457

 

Income before income tax expenses

 

35,678

 

85,007

 

50,642

 

95,171

 

103,058

 

15,615

 

Net income attributable to 3SBio Inc.

 

30,489

 

81,513

 

39,542

 

83,435

 

81,286

 

12,316

 

Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

100,000,998

 

146,646,049

 

151,655,631

 

150,606,317

 

151,241,036

 

151,241,036

 

Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

100,004,720

 

146,715,042

 

151,712,749

 

151,034,192

 

154,131,768

 

154,131,768

 

Net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. per share, basic

 

0.30

 

0.56

 

0.26

 

0.55

 

0.54

 

0.08

 

Net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. per share, diluted

 

0.30

 

0.56

 

0.26

 

0.55

 

0.53

 

0.08

 

Net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. per ADS, basic

 

2.13

 

3.89

 

1.82

 

3.87

 

3.76

 

0.57

 

Net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. per ADS, diluted

 

2.13

 

3.89

 

1.82

 

3.87

 

3.69

 

0.56

 

 

1



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Dated as of December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

Balance Sheet Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

25,372

 

811,026

 

439,237

 

262,767

 

153,250

 

Restricted cash

 

 

 

 

9,300

 

1,662

 

Time deposit with financial institutions

 

 

 

293,809

 

468,451

 

498,405

 

Total assets

 

142,475

 

973,475

 

952,918

 

1,053,461

 

1,186,397

 

Short-term bank loans

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term bank loans

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

68,667

 

29,134

 

32,523

 

41,223

 

50,344

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

73,808

 

944,341

 

920,395

 

1,012,238

 

1,136,053

 

Cash Flow Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating Activities

 

37,042

 

68,762

 

60,468

 

88,638

 

58,133

 

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

 

17,041

 

(36,491

)

(368,889

)

(266,114

)

(165,234

)

Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities

 

(54,457

)

801,745

 

(14,467

)

132

 

6,764

 

 


(1)                   Net revenue consists of the invoiced value of goods sold, net of: value-added taxes, or VAT; discretionary sales returns; and trade discounts and allowances.

 

Exchange Rate Information

 

Our business is primarily conducted in China, and all of our revenue and operating expenses are denominated in Renminbi. However, for the convenience of readers, periodic reports made to shareholders include current period amounts translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate. Unless otherwise indicated, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars for financial data have been made at a rate of RMB6.60 to US$1.00, the exchange rate as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on December 30, 2010.

 

The following table sets forth information concerning exchange rates between the RMB and the U.S. dollar for the periods indicated. For all periods prior to January 1, 2009, the exchange rate refers to the noon buying rate for U.S. dollars in The City of New York for cable transfers of RMB as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. For periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009, the exchange rate refers to the exchange rate as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Bank.  On May 27, 2011, the latest practicable date, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board was RMB 6.4920 to $1.00.

 

 

 

Noon Buying Rate

 

 

 

Period End

 

Average(1)

 

High

 

Low

 

 

 

(RMB per US$1.00)

 

Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

7.8041

 

7.9723

 

7.8041

 

8.0702

 

2007

 

7.2946

 

7.5806

 

7.2946

 

7.8127

 

2008

 

6.8225

 

6.9477

 

6.7800

 

7.2946

 

2009

 

6.8259

 

6.8295

 

6.8176

 

6.8470

 

2010

 

6.6000

 

6.7689

 

6.8330

 

6.6000

 

November

 

6.6670

 

6.6538

 

6.6892

 

6.6330

 

December

 

6.6000

 

6.6497

 

6.6745

 

6.6000

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January

 

6.6017

 

6.5964

 

6.6364

 

6.5809

 

February

 

6.5713

 

6.5761

 

6.5965

 

6.5520

 

March

 

6.5483

 

6.5645

 

6.5743

 

6.5483

 

April

 

6.4900

 

6.5267

 

6.5477

 

6.4900

 

 

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(1)                   Annual averages are calculated from month-end rates. Monthly averages are calculated from the daily rates during the relevant period.

 

We make no representation that any Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate, the rates stated above, or at all. The PRC government imposes control over its foreign currency reserves in part through direct regulation of the conversion of Renminbi into foreign exchange and through restrictions on foreign trade.

 

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

Not applicable.

 

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

D. Risk Factors

 

You should consider carefully all of the information in this annual report, including the risks described below. If any risk disclosed below or elsewhere in this annual report actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be harmed. In such an event, the trading price of our ADS could decline and you might lose all or part of your investment.  Some information in this Item 3.D may be a summary of more detailed discussions contained elsewhere in this annual report.

 

The risks described below are not the only ones concerning us. Our business is also subject to the risks not specifically addressed below that affect many other companies, such as employment relations, general economic conditions, geopolitical events, etc. Further, additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial also may impact our business, operations, financial condition and ADS price materially and adversely.

 

3.D.1 Risks Related To Our Company

 

We are currently dependent on our flagship product, EPIAO. A reduction in revenues of EPIAO would cause our total revenues to decline and could materially harm our business.

 

We are largely dependent on sales of our erythropoietin, or EPO, product, which we market under the name of EPIAO. We began marketing and selling EPIAO in 1998, and it has been our top-selling product since 2002. Revenues from sales of EPIAO accounted for 63.5%, 61.9% and 59.9% of our total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.  We have continued our efforts to promote EPO products in 2010 and expect that sales of EPIAO will continue to comprise a substantial portion of our revenues in the future.

 

Any reduction in revenues from EPIAO will have a direct negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our EPO franchise and associated revenues could be adversely affected by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:

 

·                  increased competition;

·                  new product introductions;

·                  pricing pressure caused by competition, regulation, or otherwise;

·                  intellectual property issues;

·                  problems with raw materials supply;

·                  disruptions in manufacturing or distribution;

·                  the inability to market effectively our products;

·                  newly discovered safety, side effects or other product issues.; and

·                  negative perception or insufficient recognition of EPIAO by the medical community or other key parties such as third party payors.

 

There have been overusage and safety concerns in the U.S. in regard to EPO products, which have resulted in restrictions on the utilization and reimbursement.  We are not aware of similar developments in China. However, if such developments occur, our business may be negatively affected, including, that the government may institute reimbursement limitations on

 

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EPIAO products.

 

Despite our efforts, we may be unable to develop or acquire new products that would enable us to diversify our business and reduce our dependence on EPIAO products, or to do so in such manner as competitively required.

 

The commercial success of our products depends upon the degree of market acceptance among the medical community. Failure to attain market acceptance among the medical community would have an adverse impact on our operations and profitability.

 

The commercial success of our products, including in-licensed products, depends upon the degree of market acceptance they achieve among the medical community, particularly physicians and hospitals. Physicians may not prescribe or recommend our products to patients, and procurement departments of hospitals may not purchase our products. The acceptance of any of our products among the medical community will depend upon several factors, including:

 

·      the safety and effectiveness of the product;

 

·      the effectiveness of our efforts to market our products to hospitals and physicians;

 

·      the product’s cost effectiveness;

 

·      the prevalence and severity of side effects; and

 

·      the product’s perceived advantages and disadvantages relative to competing products or treatments.

 

If our products fail to attain market acceptance among the medical community, our operations and profitability would be adversely affected.

 

The selling prices of our products tend to decline over time. Our success depends on our ability to successfully develop and commercialize additional pharmaceutical products. Our product development efforts may not result in commercially viable products.

 

As is typical in the Chinese pharmaceutical industry, the average selling prices of our products tend to decline significantly over the life of the product. These declines principally result from increased competition and changes in government policies.

 

We must therefore constantly identify product candidates that can be developed into cost-effective therapeutic products. We plan to continue to search for license and acquisition opportunities and invest in research and development; however, successful product development in our industry is highly uncertain, and relatively few research and development projects produce commercially viable products. If we cannot offset any decline in revenues and margins of our marketed products with new product introductions, our overall results of operations will be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our products face substantial competition, and we may not be able to compete effectively against current and future competitors.

 

We operate in a highly competitive environment. Our products compete with other products or treatments for diseases for which our products may be indicated.

 

·      EPIAO competes with both existing EPO drugs and potential new drug candidates. In China, EPO drugs are offered by established international companies such as Kirin Brewery Company Limited, or Kirin, and F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd., or Roche, and domestic pharmaceutical companies such as Harbin Pharmaceuticals, Beijing Sihuan, Shanghai Kelong, Di’ao Group Chengdu Di’ao Jiuhong Pharmaceutical Factory.

·      Competitors for Iron Sucrose Supplement include Beijing Novartis Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Nanjing Hencer Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

·      While we believe TPIAO is the only recombinant human thrombopoietin, or TPO-based therapeutic, available in the Chinese market to date, other pharmaceutical companies may enter this market and manufacture and market their TPO products.

 

Certain of our competitors, including biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, are actively engaged in research and development in areas where we have products or where we are developing product candidates or new indications for existing products. Other companies may discover, develop, acquire or commercialize products before or more successfully than we do.

 

In the future, we expect that our products will compete with new drugs currently in development, drugs approved for other indications that may be approved for the same indications as those of our products and drugs approved for other indications that are used off-label.  Furthermore, our products may compete against products that have lower prices, superior performance, greater ease of administration or other advantages compared to our products. We do not currently have patents of any commercial significance covering EPIAO, our legacy products or several of our product candidates with which to protect these products from direct competition. Our inability to compete effectively could reduce sales or margins, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

As we expand our product portfolio by adding new products and indications, as well as developing second-generation

 

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versions of existing products with the same or overlapping labels, some of our products may be used as a substitute for our other products in the same end markets. For instance, although EPIAO and TPIAO are targeted toward patients with different indications and TPIAO is not intended to replace EPIAO in the oncology market, some doctors may prescribe TPIAO for their patients when they would have otherwise prescribed EPIAO. Consequently, the introduction of TPIAO may adversely affect sales of EPIAO.

 

An increasing number of foreign pharmaceutical companies have introduced their products into the Chinese market.

 

Large Chinese state-owned and privately-owned pharmaceutical companies, and foreign pharmaceutical companies, may have greater clinical, research, regulatory, manufacturing, marketing, financial and human resources than we do. In addition, some of our competitors may have technical or competitive advantages over us for the development of technologies and processes. These resources may make it difficult for us to compete with them to successfully discover, develop and market new products and for our current products to compete with new products or new product indications that these competitors may bring to market. There may also be significant consolidation in the pharmaceutical industry among our competitors, or alliances may develop among competitors and these alliances may rapidly acquire significant market share.

 

Furthermore, in order to gain market share in China, competitors may significantly increase their advertising expenditures and promotional activities, or even engage in irrational or predatory pricing behavior. In addition, our competitors may engage in improper or unfair conducts, or even illegal acts. Third parties may actively engage in activities designed to undermine our brand name and product quality or to influence customer confidence in our products.

 

For these and other possible reasons, we may not be able to compete effectively against current and future competitors. Increased competition may result in price reductions, reduced margins and loss of market share, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our profit margins.

 

Our competitors may have the ability to manufacture pharmaceutical products substantially similar to ours.

 

Our ability to compete against our competitors is, to a significant extent, dependent upon our ability to distinguish our products from those of our competitors by providing high quality products at reasonable prices that are perceived to be safe and effective by doctors and patients. Many of our competitors may have been in business longer than we have, may have substantially greater financial and other resources than we have and may be better established in our markets. Our competitors in any particular market may also benefit from raw material sources or production facilities that are closer to such markets, which may provide them with competitive advantages in terms of cost and proximity to consumers.

 

Our TPIAO product had a market exclusivity under a regulatory monitoring period through May 2010, during which other pharmaceutical companies were prohibited from manufacturing or importing similar drugs. Since the monitoring period expired, other manufacturers in China may apply for approval of the SFDA to manufacture similar drugs using similar formulae or production techniques.

 

With respect to TPIAO or any other current or future product of ours, if other manufacturers introduce products substantially similar to ours, we will face more competitive pressure in the market and our sales and profit margin may be adversely affected.

 

Our business depends on our Shenyang Sunshine and EPIAO brands, and if we are not able to maintain and enhance our brands to maintain our competitive advantage, our reputation, business and operating results may be harmed.

 

We believe that market awareness of our Shenyang Sunshine and EPIAO brands has contributed significantly to the success of our business. We also believe that maintaining and enhancing the Shenyang Sunshine and EPIAO brands is critical to maintaining our competitive advantage.

 

In order to further penetrate the markets and launch new products, we must expand our manufacturing and sales and marketing efforts. Maintaining quality and cost-effectiveness may be more difficult to achieve.

 

While our sales and marketing staff will continue to further promote our brand to remain competitive, we may not be successful. If we are unable to further enhance our brand recognition and increase awareness of our products, or if we incur excessive marketing and promotion expenses, our business and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

We may pursue collaborations, in-licensing arrangements, acquisitions, strategic alliances, partnerships, or other strategic initiatives or arrangements, which may fail to produce anticipated benefits, or adversely affect or disrupt our business.

 

As part of our business strategy, we continually pursue collaboration and in-licensing opportunities, acquisitions of products, assets, technologies, or businesses, strategic alliances, or partnerships that we believe would be complementary to or promote our existing business.

 

We have limited experience with respect to these business development activities.  Management of a license arrangement, collaboration, or other strategic arrangement or integration of acquired assets or businesses may adversely affect or disrupt our current business, decrease our profitability, or cause us to incur significant expenses, or divert management resources that

 

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otherwise would be available for our existing business.  We may not identify or complete any such transactions in a timely manner, on a cost-effective basis, or at all, and we may not realize the anticipated benefits of any such transaction or arrangement.

 

Proposing, negotiating and implementing collaborations, in-licensing arrangements, acquisitions, or other strategic arrangements may be a lengthy and complex process. Other companies, including those with substantially greater financial, marketing, sales, technology, or other business resources, may compete with us for these opportunities or arrangements. We may not be able to secure or complete such transactions or arrangements on acceptable terms, or at all.

 

Furthermore, partners, collaborators, or other parties to such transactions or arrangements may fail to fully perform their obligations or meet our expectations for any reason, including, due to various risks or uncertainties related to their business and operations or otherwise.

 

Such transactions or arrangements may also require or be in need of actions, consent, approval, waiver, participation or involvement of various degrees from third parties, such as regulators, government authorities, creditors, license grantors or grantees, related individuals, suppliers, distributors, shareholders, or other stakeholders or interested parties.  We may not obtain such required or desired actions, consent, approval, waiver, participation or involvement on a timely basis, or at all.

 

We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company, which would result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. investors in our ADSs or ordinary shares.

 

We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company, or a PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes, particularly for the taxable year ending December 31, 2008 (“Year 2008”) and the taxable year ending December 31, 2009 (“Year 2009”).

 

PFIC status is a factual determination made for each taxable year ending December 31, after the close of such year, on the basis of the composition of our income and our “active” versus “passive” assets for such year. Under the PFIC rules, we will generally be classified as a PFIC if, in the case of any particular taxable year, 75% or more of our gross income consists of certain types of “passive income” (the “income test”) or 50% or more of the value of our assets consists of “passive assets” (the “asset test”). For this purpose, cash and other liquid assets are generally classified as passive and goodwill and other unbooked intangibles may generally be classified as active. The overall level of our passive assets will be significantly affected by the amount and time-frame within which we deploy the cash raised in our initial public offering, other liquid assets that we presently hold, and the operation cash inflow. In addition, the overall level of our active assets will depend, in great measure, on the valuation of our goodwill and other unbooked intangibles as implied by our market capitalization which may fluctuate.

 

We believe we were not a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for our taxable year ended December 31, 2010. For the taxable year ending December 31, 2011, the PFIC status cannot be determined until after the end of the year. Because the PFIC determination is highly fact intensive, there can be no assurance that we will not be classified as a PFIC for any particular taxable year or that the Internal Revenue Service will not challenge any determination concerning our PFIC status for any particular taxable year. With respect to prior years, the financial market disruptions from late 2008 and early 2009 may have materially depressed our market valuation for Year 2008 and Year 2009, and , to our knowledge, there is a lack of guidance from United States authorities regarding how such disruptions should be taken into account in applying the asset test. In particular, it is possible that the disruptions could lead to our being classified as a PFIC under the asset test for Year 2008 and Year 2009. If we were to be or become classified as a PFIC for any particular taxable year during which a U.S. investor holds our ADSs or ordinary shares, such U.S. investor may incur a significantly increased United States income tax liability on gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares and on the receipt of distributions on our ADSs or ordinary shares; and, we generally would continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which such U.S. investor holds our ADSs or ordinary shares. See “Item10.E — Taxation - United States Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Persons” for more detailed discussions on PFIC matters.

 

Notwithstanding our belief as discussed and any information we provide solely for the convenience of our investors, we are not providing any U.S. tax opinion or advice to U.S. investors concerning the PFIC status of our company, and U.S. investors should consult their own tax advisors concerning the implication of the PFIC rules in his, her or its particular circumstance and determine his, her, or its own tax position as to our PFIC status for a particular taxable year, including, as applicable, for Year 2008 and Year 2009.

 

Certain of our raw materials, medical devices and components are single-sourced from third parties; third-party supply failures could adversely affect our ability to supply our products.

 

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Certain raw materials necessary for commercial manufacturing and formulation of our products are provided by single-source unaffiliated third-party suppliers. Also, certain medical devices and components necessary for formulation, fill, and finish of our products are provided by single-source unaffiliated third-party suppliers, including the EPO Elisa Kit by R&D Systems Inc., GIBCO cell culture medium by Invitrogen Inc., Pharmacia EPO chromatography purification medium by GE Healthcare, a division of GE, and Disc, a microcarrier for cell cultures, by New Brunswick Scientific Inc. For more details, see “4.B.8 Manufacturing.” Certain of these raw materials, medical devices and components are the proprietary products of these unaffiliated third-party suppliers.

 

We would be unable to obtain these raw materials, medical devices or components for an indeterminate period of time if these third-party single-source suppliers were to cease or interrupt production or otherwise fail to supply these materials or products to us for any reason, including due to regulatory requirements or action, due to adverse financial developments at or affecting the suppliers, and/or due to unexpected demand, labor shortages or disputes. We would also be unable to obtain these materials, devices and components for an indeterminate period of time if such supply was subsequently found to not be in compliance with our quality standards or resulted in quality failures or product contamination and/or recall when used to manufacture, formulate, fill or finish our products. These events could adversely affect our ability to satisfy demand for our products, which could materially and adversely affect our product sales and operating results.

 

For example, we have occasionally experienced shortages in certain components necessary for the formulation, fill and finish of certain of our products in our Shenyang facility without impact on our ability to supply these products. However, we may experience shortages in the future resulting in delayed shipments, supply constraints, stock-outs and/or recalls of our products, which could result in interruptions to our production.

 

We depend on our distributors for sales of our products.

 

We rely on our network of distributors to distribute our own and our in-licensed products. Our distributors do not sell our products on an exclusive basis. As a result, our products face competition from similar products sold by our distributors.

 

Our success will depend in part on our ability to form relationships with and manage a changing number of distributors. If our distribution network in China suffers a disruption, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

While we have long-standing business relationships with most of our distributors, we do not have long-term contracts with any distributor except for in our export sales, which represents less than 5% our total net revenue. Moreover, a significant amount of our revenue is generated by product sales to relatively few distributors, whose mix changes from year to year.  In each of the past three years, sales to our top five distributors accounted for 30% to 40% of our total net revenue.

 

For more information, see “4.B.5 Marketing, Sales and Distribution.”

 

If any large distributor was to voluntarily or involuntarily suspend or terminate product purchases from us, we would need to divert product sales to other distributors, which could cause disruptions to our revenue and profitability.

 

We are highly dependent on senior management and key research and development personnel.

 

We are highly dependent on our senior management to manage our business and operations and our key research and development personnel for the development of new technologies and applications and the enhancement of our existing products. In particular, we rely substantially on our chief executive officer, Dr. Jing Lou, to manage our operations. We also depend on our key research personnel such as Ms. Dongmei Su, our chief technology officer. In addition, we also rely on sales personnel and other personnel with industry knowledge, to market and sell our products. We do not maintain key man life insurance on any of our senior management or key personnel. The loss of any one of them, in particular Dr. Lou, would have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.  In addition, although Dr. Lou and Ms. Su have each signed a non-competition agreement with us, we cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully enforce these provisions in the event of a dispute.

 

Competition for senior management and research and development personnel is intense, and the pool of suitable candidates is limited. We may be unable to locate a suitable replacement for any senior management or key research and development personnel that we lose. We compete for qualified personnel with other pharmaceutical companies, universities and research institutions. Intense competition for these personnel could cause our compensation costs to increase significantly, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Our future success and ability to grow our business will depend in part on the continued service of these individuals and our ability to identify, hire and retain additional qualified personnel. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified employees, we may be unable to meet our business and financial goals.

 

We may not achieve one or more of our projected goals, objectives, milestones or targets as to various aspects of our business and operations, in the time frames we announce and expect, or at all.

 

We may set goals for, and make disclosures in, public announcements, releases and disclosures, regarding timing of the accomplishment of objectives material to our success, such as the commencement and completion of clinical trials, anticipated regulatory submission and approval dates, and timing of product launches. As a public company listed in the United States, we make additional announcements in our public reports, such as this annual report, and in press releases regarding these events,

 

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from time to time. The actual timing of these events can vary dramatically due to factors beyond our control, such as delays or failures in our clinical trials, the uncertainties inherent in the regulatory approval process, and delays in achieving manufacturing or marketing arrangements sufficient to commercialize our products. There can be no assurance that our clinical trials will be completed, that we will make regulatory submissions or receive regulatory approvals as planned or that we will be able to adhere to our current schedule for the launch of any of our products. If we fail to achieve one or more of these objectives, goals, milestones or targets as planned, the price of our shares could decline.

 

If we are unable to protect our products through intellectual property rights, our competitors may compete directly against us.

 

Our success depends, in part, on our ability to protect our products from competition by establishing, maintaining and enforcing intellectual property rights. We try to protect the products and technology that we consider important to our business by filing PRC patent applications, pharmaceutical regulatory protection, establishing and enforcing confidentiality contractual obligations, relying on trade secrets, or employing a combination of these methods.

 

We do not have any patent protection of commercial significance relating to EPIAO. We have patents and patent applications relating to TPIAO and certain of our other products, product candidates and technologies. For more details, see “4.B.7—Intellectual Property.” However, the process of seeking patent protection in the PRC can be lengthy and expensive, and we cannot assure you that these patent applications, or any patent applications we may make in the future in respect of other products, will result in patents being issued, or that any patents issued in the future will be able to provide us with meaningful protection or commercial advantage. Any patent issued to us may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented.

 

In addition to patents, we rely on trade secrets and proprietary know-how to protect our intellectual property. We have entered into confidentiality agreements with many of our employees, consultants, outside scientific collaborators, sponsored researchers and other advisors. These agreements may not provide meaningful protection or adequate remedies in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure of our proprietary information. In addition, it is possible that third parties could independently develop proprietary information and techniques substantially similar to ours or otherwise gain access to our proprietary information.

 

We may become involved in patent litigation against third parties to enforce our patent rights, to invalidate patents held by such third parties, or to defend against intellectual property claims. The cost to us of any patent litigation or similar proceeding could be substantial, and it may absorb significant management resources. We do not maintain insurance to cover intellectual property infringement.

 

Intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in China may not be as effective as in the United States or other countries, due to, among other reasons, lack of procedural rules for discovery and evidence, low damage awards and lack of judicial independence. Implementation and enforcement of PRC intellectual property-related laws have historically been deficient and ineffective and may be hampered by corruption and local protectionism. Policing unauthorized use of proprietary technology is difficult and expensive, and we might need to resort to litigation to enforce or defend patents issued to us or to determine the enforceability, scope and validity of our proprietary rights or those of others. The experience and capabilities of PRC courts in handling intellectual property litigation varies, and outcomes are unpredictable. Further, such litigation may require significant expenditure of cash and management efforts and could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. An adverse determination in any such litigation could materially impair our intellectual property rights and may harm our business, prospects and reputation.

 

For more details on the process for applying for and obtaining intellectual property protection in the PRC, see “4.B.11-c  Intellectual Property.”

 

If our products infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties, we may incur substantial liabilities, and we may be unable to sell these products.

 

Our commercial success depends significantly on our ability to operate without infringing the patents and other proprietary rights of third parties. Under the PRC Patent Law promulgated by the People’s Congress in March 1984, as amended, patent applications are maintained in confidence until their publication at the end of 18 months from the filing date. The publication of discoveries in the scientific or patent literature frequently occurs substantially later than the date on which the underlying discoveries were made and the date on which patent applications are filed. China adopts the first-to-file system under which whoever first files a patent application (instead of the one who makes first actual discoveries) will be awarded the patent. By contrast, the United States patent law endorses the first-to-invent system under which whoever makes the first actual discovery will be awarded the patent. Under the first-to-file system, even after reasonable investigation we may not know with certainty whether we have infringed a third party’s patent because such third party may have filed a patent application without our knowledge while we are still developing that product. We are aware of intellectual property rights held by third parties that relate to products or technologies we are developing. For example, we are aware of a patent held by a third party that may relate to our TPIAO product. We believe, as to each claim in this patent, that we either do not infringe the claim of the patent or that the claim is invalid. While the validity of issued patents, patentability of pending patent applications and applicability of any of them to our programs are uncertain, if asserted against us, any related patent rights could adversely affect our ability to commercialize our products.

 

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If a third party claims that we infringe its proprietary rights, one or more of the following may occur:

 

·      we may become involved in time-consuming and expensive litigation, even if the claim is without merit;

 

·      we may become liable for substantial damages for past infringement if a court decides that our technology infringes a third party’s patent;

 

·      a court may prohibit us from selling or licensing our product without a license from the patent holder, which may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all, or which may require us to pay substantial royalties or grant cross licenses to our patents; or

 

·      we may have to reformulate our product so that it does not infringe patent rights of others, which may not be possible or could be very expensive and time-consuming.

 

Although to date we have not experienced any of the circumstances listed above, if any of these events occurs, our business will be adversely affected.

 

Failure to implement our growth and expansion strategy could result in deterioration in our results of operations and financial condition.

 

In order to achieve our business objectives, we must successfully implement our growth and expansion strategy, which, as subject to assessment, reevaluation, and adjustments from time to time, may include the following components:

 

·      expanding our capacity by further process optimization and new facility construction;

 

·      continuing our research and development efforts to introduce new products;

 

·      promoting domestic marketing and sales development and growth;

 

·      maintaining and further improving our manufacturing process and proprietary technologies to manufacture products with high quality and competitive prices; and

 

·      integrating any new businesses, technologies and products that we acquire by way of in-licensing, acquisitions or investments into our operations.

 

·      expanding the number, and enhance the expertise in U.S. GAAP financial reporting, of our finance staff;

 

If we do not successfully implement this strategy, we may not be able to maintain our growth in revenue and profitability.

 

We have grown steadily since our establishment in 1993. This expansion presented, and our anticipated growth in the future will continue to present, a significant challenge to our management and administrative systems and resources. If we do not adequately manage this challenge, our results of operations and financial condition could suffer.

 

In 2010, we completed construction of new manufacturing facilities in Shenyang, which received the certification as being compliant with Chinese current Good Manufacturing Practice, or GMP.  The new facilities are designed to be also compliant with the regulations of European Medicines Agency, or EMEA, and other major international regulatory guidelines, to take advantage of the market opportunities we believe exists in PIC/S (Pharmaceutical Inspection Convention and Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme) countries, Europe and other selected regulated markets for new versions of biopharmaceutical products whose patents have expired (known as biosimilar products).  Similar to U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or the US FDA, the EMEA is an European agency for the evaluation of medicinal products. China GMP refers to guidelines and regulations issued from time to time pursuant to PRC laws as part of quality assurance to ensure that products subject to those guidelines and regulations are consistently produced and controlled to the quality and standards appropriate for their intended use.  Please also see Item 5.A.1 — “International Expansion”.

 

Substantial capital and management resources will be required in order to secure regional partnerships, seek regulatory certifications and approvals and promote our brand.  We may be unable to successfully execute the expansion plan due to inability to obtain suitable partners to assist us with our expansion plans, changing competitive dynamics of the European biosimilar market or inability to obtain EMEA certification and other approvals for selling our products in Europe.

 

Power shortages, natural disasters, terrorist acts or other calamities could disrupt our production and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

 

EPIAO, TPIAO and our legacy products are produced at our manufacturing facilities in Shenyang. A significant disruption at that facility, even on a short-term basis, could impair our ability to produce and ship products on a timely basis, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

 

Our Shenyang manufacturing operations are vulnerable to interruption and damage from natural and other types of disasters, including earthquake, fire, floods, environmental accidents, power shortage, interruptions in electricity supply, communications failures and similar events. If any disaster were to occur, our ability to operate our business at our facilities would be seriously impaired. In addition, the nature of our production and research activities could require significant delays in our programs and make it difficult for us to recover from a disaster. We do not maintain business interruption insurance.

 

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Accordingly, unexpected business interruptions resulting from disasters could disrupt our operations and thereby result in substantial costs and diversion of resources.

 

We may experience significant period-to-period quarterly and annual fluctuations in our revenue and operating results, which may result in volatility in our stock price.

 

We may experience significant period-to-period fluctuations in revenues and operating results.  Our revenues and operating results in some quarters may fall below the estimates of securities research analysts, which may cause the value of our ordinary shares and ADSs to decline.

 

We typically generate higher levels of revenues during the third and fourth quarters of the year, primarily because of the tendency of hospitals to place more orders prior to the year-end holiday season and the fact that more people visit hospitals in the second half of the year, resulting in more prescriptions by physicians during this period.

 

Generally, our quarterly and annual operating results are affected by a number of factors, such as:

 

·      seasonal spending patterns of Chinese consumers, including hospitals, dialysis centers and clinics;

 

·      changes in pricing policies by us, our competitors or the government;

 

·      the timing and market acceptance of new products and product enhancements by us or our competitors;

 

·      the loss of key sales personnel or distributors;

 

·      our involvement in litigation;

 

·      changes in government policies or regulations; and

 

·      a downturn in general economic conditions in China.

 

While certain of the factors identified above, including seasonal spending patterns, changes in pricing policies, market acceptance of new products and changes in government policies, have in the past caused fluctuations in our quarterly financial results, we have not suffered any material and adverse consequences from these fluctuations in the last three years. However, many of these factors are beyond our control, and you should not rely on our results of operations for prior quarters as an indication of our results in any future period. As our revenues vary significantly from quarter to quarter, our business could be difficult to predict and manage and our quarterly results could fall below investor expectations, which could cause our ADS price to decline.

 

We have previously operated as a private Chinese company and have limited experience in complying with requirements applicable to public companies in the United States.  Continued compliance with U.S. GAAP requirements will require significant management resources, financial and other costs.

 

Historically, we have primarily prepared unaudited financial statements in accordance with PRC GAAP for the purpose of tax reporting and determining the level of statutory reserves until our initial public offering, and have limited resources and a small finance and accounting team. Although we have since invested additional resources and hired additional staff, we expect to continue to encounter substantial difficulty attracting qualified staff with requisite experience due to the high level of competition for experienced financial professionals. We have been providing training for our staff with respect to U.S. GAAP. Our training may not be sufficient or effective.

 

We continue to face increased legal, accounting, administrative and other costs and expenses as a public company that we did not incur as a private company. Compliance with the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as other rules of the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, has resulted in significant legal, audit and financial compliance costs, including costs related to our compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

We may fail to achieve and maintain effective internal controls.

 

We are subject to the reporting obligations under the United States securities laws. We are required by the SEC, as directed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, to include a report of management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, an independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2010, and our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report, which has concluded that we maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010.  See “Item 15. Control and Procedures.”

 

Our management may not conclude that our internal controls are effective in the future.  Moreover, even if our management concludes that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, our independent public registered accounting firm may disagree. If our independent public registered accounting firm is not satisfied with our internal control over financial reporting or the level at which our controls are designed, operated, documented or reviewed, it then may issue an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.  Any of these possible outcomes could result

 

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in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements.

 

Furthermore, we have expended, and anticipate that we will continue to expend, considerable costs, management time, and other resources, in an effort to comply with Section 404 and other requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

Our export sales may expose us to risks, uncertainties, and liabilities related to the destination countries and international operations. We have very limited experience in operating internationally.

 

We export our products outside China and plan to continually expand our exports.  We had previously operated solely within China until 2003, and had very limited experience in operating internationally and in any particular destination country.

 

The exports may expose us to risks, uncertainties, and liabilities in or related to the destination countries and international operations.  In new markets we may fail to anticipate competitive conditions that are different from those in our existing markets.  In a particular destination country, our brands may be less recognized. Our selected distributors may not be suitable for selling our products.  We expect that pharmaceutical products are heavily regulated and the local laws and regulations may impose substantial costs and burdens on us.  We may be unable to effectively protect or enforce our intellectual property rights; may become involved in disputes or litigations over intellectual property rights; or may encounter other issues in the area of intellectual property.

 

Other risks and uncertainties may include: particular local forms of products liabilities and regulations with respect to pharmaceutical products; obligations to comply with a wide variety of foreign laws and other regulatory requirements; political instability;  economic instability and recessions; changes in tariffs; difficulties of administering foreign operations generally;  increased risk of exposure to terrorist activities;  financial condition, expertise and performance of our international distributors; export license requirements; unauthorized re-export of our products; potentially adverse tax consequences; and  inability to effectively enforce contractual or legal rights; and language and cultural conflicts.

 

There are certain operational, legal and other risks associated with our contractual arrangements with Liaoning Sunshine and its shareholders that are intended to effect our control over Liaoning Sunshine.

 

We rely on contractual arrangements with our affiliated variable interest entity, Liaoning Sunshine Bio-Pharmaceutical Company Limited, or Liaoning Sunshine and its shareholder, Mr. Dan Lou, our chairman, to maintain control over the business and operations of Liaoning Sunshine.

 

These contractual arrangements may not be as effective in providing control over Liaoning Sunshine as direct ownership.  If Liaoning Sunshine or its sole shareholder, Mr. Dan Lou, refuses to make payments or otherwise refuses to perform any contractual obligations to us, we could be affected.  While Mr. Dan Lou, as our director, has a fiduciary duty of loyalty and care to us under Cayman Islands law, the potential exists for conflicts of interests between his duties to us and his ownership interests in Liaoning Sunshine. We are party to a purchase agreement, pursuant to which we may acquire 100% of the equity interests in Liaoning Sunshine from Mr. Dan Lou.  In order to complete the acquisition of Liaoning Sunshine, we must obtain the approval of China’s Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”) or its local delegate agency.  We may not receive such approval on a timely basis, or at all.

 

In addition, although we believe we comply with current PRC regulations, we cannot assure you that the PRC authorities would agree that our arrangements with Liaoning Sunshine comply with PRC licensing, registration, tax or other regulatory requirements, with existing policies or with requirements or policies that may be adopted in the future.

 

Any of these risks may affect adversely our economic and voting control over Liaoning Sunshine, which could in turn materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.  For more information, please see “4.C Organizational Structure” and “7.B Related Party Transactions — Transactions with Liaoning Sunshine.”

 

3.D.2 Risks Related To Our Industry

 

The pharmaceutical industry in China is highly regulated, and future government regulation may place additional burdens on our business.

 

The pharmaceutical industry in China is subject to extensive government regulation and supervision. The regulatory framework addresses all aspects of operating in the pharmaceutical industry, including approval, production, licensing and certification requirements and procedures, periodic renewal and reassessment processes, registration of new drugs and environmental protection. Violation of applicable laws and regulations may materially adversely affect our business.

 

In order to manufacture pharmaceutical products in China, we are required to apply for and obtain a pharmaceutical manufacturing permit from the provincial level food and drug administrative authority. In addition, in order to manufacture and market any drug in China, we are required to apply for and obtain permits and certificates from the SFDA, including the new

 

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drug certificate, drug registration certificate (which includes the issuance of a drug approval number) and GMP certificate. We are required to renew the pharmaceutical manufacturing permits, drug registration certificates and GMP certificates every five years. China SFDA and other Chinese regulatory agencies operate under considerable time and resources constraints.  There may be various factors and risks that impact on the process of obtaining or renewal of these certificates, permits, or similar regulatory approvals.  If we are unable to obtain or renew such permits or certificates or any other regulatory approvals  required for our operation on a timely basis, or at all, we  can be prevented from engaging in the manufacture of our products, or suffer other possible negative consequences, and our business may be adversely affected.

 

Changes in compliance standards, laws, regulations and regulatory practices may prohibit or render more restrictive certain business activities, increase compliance costs or otherwise adversely impact our operations, profitability or financial position.

 

For more information, please refer to “4.B.11—Regulations.”

 

New product development in the pharmaceutical industry is both costly and labor-intensive and has a low rate of successful commercialization.

 

Our success will depend in part on our ability to enhance our existing products and to develop new products. The development process for pharmaceutical products is complex and uncertain, as well as time-consuming and costly. Relatively few research and development programs produce a commercial product. A product candidate that appears promising in the early phases of development may fail to reach the market for a number of reasons, such as:

 

·      the failure to demonstrate safety and efficacy in preclinical and clinical trials;

 

·      the failure to obtain approvals for intended use from relevant regulatory bodies, such as the SFDA;

 

·      our inability to manufacture and commercialize sufficient quantities of the product economically; and

 

·      proprietary rights, such as patent rights, held by others related to our product candidate and their refusal to sell or license such rights to us on reasonable terms, or at all.

 

In addition, product development requires the accurate assessment of market trends. We cannot assure you that:

 

·      our new product research and development efforts will be successfully and timely completed;

 

·      the SFDA or other regulatory bodies will grant necessary regulatory clearances or approvals on a timely basis, or at all; or

 

·      any product we develop will be commercialized or achieve market acceptance.

 

Delays in any part of the development process or our inability to obtain regulatory approval of our products could adversely affect our operating results by restricting or delaying our introduction of new products.

 

Even if we successfully commercialize new products, these products may address markets that are currently being served by the off-label use of others of our mature products and inadvertently result in a reduction in the sales volume of our mature products or vice versa.

 

Failure to develop, obtain necessary regulatory clearances or approvals for or successfully commercialize or market potential new products or technologies could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We will not be able to commercialize our product candidates if our preclinical studies do not produce successful results or our clinical trials do not demonstrate safety and efficacy in humans.

 

Before obtaining regulatory approvals for the manufacturing and sale of our product candidates, we must conduct, at our own expense, extensive preclinical tests and clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy in humans of our product candidates. Preclinical and clinical testing is expensive, difficult to design and implement, can take many years to complete and is uncertain as to outcome. Success in preclinical testing and early clinical trials does not ensure that later clinical trials will be successful, and interim results of a clinical trial do not necessarily predict final results. A failure of one or more of our clinical trials can occur at any stage of testing. We may experience numerous unforeseen events during, or as a result of, preclinical testing and the clinical trial process that could delay or prevent our ability to receive regulatory approval or commercialize our product candidates, including:

 

·      our preclinical tests or clinical trials may produce negative or inconclusive results, and we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional preclinical testing or clinical trials, or we may abandon projects that we expect to be promising;

 

·      we might have to suspend or terminate our clinical trials if the participating patients are being exposed to unacceptable health risks;

 

·      regulators may require that we hold, suspend or terminate clinical research for various reasons, including noncompliance with regulatory requirements or safety concerns;

 

·      the time or cost of our clinical trials may be greater than we currently anticipate;

 

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·      any regulatory approval we ultimately obtain may be limited or subject to restrictions or post-approval commitments that render the product not commercially viable; and

 

·      our product candidates may produce undesirable side effects or may have other unexpected characteristics.

 

If we are required to conduct additional clinical trials or other testing of our product candidates beyond those that we currently contemplate, if we are unable to successfully complete our clinical trials or other testing or if the results of these trials or tests are not positive or are only modestly positive, we may:

 

·      be delayed in obtaining marketing approval for our product candidates;

 

·      not be able to obtain marketing approval; or

 

·      obtain approval for indications that are not as broad as intended.

 

Our product development costs will also increase if we experience delays in testing or approvals. We do not know whether planned clinical trials will begin as planned, will need to be restructured or will be completed on schedule, if at all. Significant clinical trial delays also could allow our competitors to bring products to market before we do and impair our ability to commercialize our products or product candidates.

 

We may not be able to obtain regulatory approval for any of the products resulting from our development, or may do so only with sufferance of delays, limitations, increased costs or other issues.

 

New pharmaceutical products must be approved by the SFDA before they can be marketed and sold in China. The SFDA requires successful completion of clinical trials and demonstrated manufacturing capability before the grant of approval. Clinical trials are expensive and their results are uncertain. It often takes multiple years before a medicine can be ultimately approved by the SFDA. In addition, the SFDA and other regulatory authorities may apply new standards for safety, manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of future product candidates. Complying with such standards may be time-consuming and expensive and could result in delays in obtaining SFDA approval for our product candidates, or possibly preclude us from obtaining SFDA approval. Furthermore, our future products may not be effective or may prove to have undesirable or unintended side effects, toxicities or other characteristics that may preclude us from obtaining regulatory approval or prevent or limit commercial use.  The SFDA and other regulatory authorities operate under considerable time and resource constraints.  There may be various factors and risks that impact on the process of obtaining approvals.  The SFDA and other regulatory authorities may not approve the products that we develop, and even if we do obtain regulatory approvals, such regulatory approvals may take longer than expected or desired, or may be subject to limitations on the indicated uses for which we may market a product, which may limit the size of the market for such product.

 

The pricing of all of our products is subject to government approval, controls, and other regulations. Price-related government actions or measures may limit our profitability or cause us to stop manufacturing certain products.

 

Pursuant to the implementing rules of the Drug Administration Law, we are required to seek pricing approval for all our products from the National Development and Reform Commission of the PRC, or the NDRC, and the price administration authorities of the relevant provinces of the PRC in which our pharmaceutical products are manufactured. We have in the past been able to successfully obtain pricing-related approvals.

 

In addition, in order to access certain local or provincial-level markets, we enter into government-sponsored competitive bidding processes for EPIAO and our legacy products every year or every few years, or as otherwise required by the relevant government authorities, with a designated price range. The competitive bidding in effect sets price ceilings for our products, thereby limiting our profitability. In some instances, if the price range designated by the provincial government falls below our costs, we may stop manufacturing certain products.  See “4.B.11-b.3 Distribution.”

 

Pharmaceutical products included in certain government sponsored insurance programs are subject to price controls in the form of fixed retail prices or retail price ceilings. In addition, the maximum retail prices of such products are also subject to periodic downward adjustments as the PRC government authorities aim to make pharmaceuticals more affordable to the general public. Currently, the pricings with respect to all of our products are being reviewed by the NDRC and the NDRC may impose price cuts on any one or more of these products, in which event our business, revenues and profitability may be adversely and materially affected.

 

The PRC government is also undertaking comprehensive health care reform, which may introduce additional drug pricing related measures that could further limit or affect the selling prices of our products.

 

Rapid changes in the pharmaceutical industry may render our products obsolete.

 

The pharmaceutical industry is characterized by rapid changes in technology, constant enhancement of industrial know-how and frequent emergence of new products. Future technological improvements and continual product developments in the pharmaceutical market may render our existing products obsolete or affect our viability and competitiveness. Therefore, our

 

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future success will largely depend on our ability to:

 

·      improve our existing products;

 

·      diversify our product portfolio; and

 

·      develop new and competitively priced products which meet the requirements of the constantly changing market.

 

If we fail to respond to this environment by improving our existing products or developing new products in a timely fashion, or if our new or improved products do not achieve adequate market acceptance, our business and profitability may be materially and adversely affected.

 

Anti-corruption measures taken by the government authorities to correct corruptive practices in the pharmaceutical industry, and laws and regulations aiming at combating corruption, could adversely affect us.

 

The PRC government has from time to time undertaken anti-corruption measures to correct corrupt practices. In the pharmaceutical industry, such practices include, among others, acceptance of kickbacks, bribery or other illegal gains or benefits by the hospitals and medical practitioners from pharmaceutical distributors in connection with the prescription of a certain drug.  Nearly all of our sales to our ultimate customers are conducted through third-party distributors. We have no control over our third-party distributors, who may engage in corrupt practices to promote our products. While we maintain strict anti-corruption policies applicable to our internal sales force and third-party distributors, these policies may not be effective. If our affiliated variable interest entity, Liaoning Sunshine, or any of our third-party distributors engage in such practices and the government takes enforcement action, our products may be seized and our own practices, and involvement in the distributors’ practices, investigated. If this occurs, our sales and reputation may be materially and adversely affected.

 

In addition, government-sponsored anti-corruption campaigns from time to time could have an adverse effect on our efforts to reach new hospital customers. Our sales representatives primarily rely on hospital visits to better educate physicians on our products and promote our brand awareness. In the past, there have been occasions on which our sales representatives were denied access to hospitals in order to avoid the perception of corruption. If this attitude becomes widespread among our potential customers, our ability to promote our products will be adversely affected.

 

Furthermore, we are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, which has been more proactively enforced by the U.S. government in recent years.  Even though we have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all our employees, which, among other requirements, prohibits improper payments and gifts in our business, and enforces compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including FCPA, we cannot assure you that our employees will comply with this Code or that the increased level of FCPA investigative and enforcement actions will not adversely affect us.

 

We are subject to environmental regulations and may be exposed to liability and potential costs for environmental compliance.

 

We are subject to PRC laws and regulations concerning the discharge of effluent water and solid waste during our manufacturing processes. We are required to obtain clearances and authorizations from government authorities for the treatment and disposal of such discharge. We may not at all times comply fully with environmental regulations. Any violation of these regulations may result in substantial fines, criminal sanctions, revocations of operating permits, shutdown of our facilities and obligation to take corrective measures. Our cost of complying with current and future environmental protection laws and regulations and our liabilities which may potentially arise from the discharge of effluent water and solid waste may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The government may take steps toward the adoption of more stringent environmental regulations. Due to the possibility of unanticipated regulatory or other developments, the amount and timing of future environmental expenditures may vary substantially from those currently anticipated. If there is any unanticipated change in the environmental regulations, we may need to incur substantial capital expenditures to install, replace, upgrade or supplement our pollution control equipment or make operational changes to limit any adverse impact or potential adverse impact on the environment in order to comply with new environmental protection laws and regulations. If such costs become prohibitively expensive, we may be forced to cease certain of our business operations.

 

We may be required to defend lawsuits or pay damages for product liability claims. We do not have any liability or business disruption insurance, and, a claim against us, or an interruption in our business, could adversely affect our reputation and our financial results.

 

The development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products entails an inherent risk of harm to the patient and, therefore, product liability. If a product liability claim is brought against us, it may, regardless of merit or eventual outcome, result in damage to our reputation, breach of contract with our customers, decreased demand for our products, costly litigation, product recalls, loss of revenue and the inability to commercialize some products. We currently are not aware of any existing or anticipated product liability claims with respect to our products.

 

Existing PRC laws and regulations do not require us to, nor do we, maintain liability insurance to cover product liability

 

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claims. The insurance industry in China is still at an early stage of development. Insurance companies in China offer limited business insurance products. As a result, we do not have business liability, or in particular, product liability or disruption insurance coverage for our operations. Any business disruption, litigation or natural disaster might result in substantial costs and diversion of resources.  Any product liability insurance for clinical trials, when obtained, may be prohibitively expensive, or may not fully cover our potential liabilities. The inability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage at an acceptable cost or otherwise to protect against potential product liability claims could prevent or inhibit the commercialization of products that we or our collaborators develop.

 

China’s accession to the World Trade Organization, or WTO, may intensify competition in the pharmaceutical industry in China.

 

China acceded to the WTO in December 2001. Following the accession, China lowered tariffs on certain imported pharmaceutical products as part of its obligation under the WTO framework. The reduction or removal of tariffs on imported pharmaceutical products had made such products more competitive with domestic pharmaceutical products.

 

In addition, an increasing number of foreign-invested pharmaceutical manufacturers may establish operations to engage in the manufacture or distribution of pharmaceutical products in China, which would increase the number of suppliers of pharmaceutical products in the market and intensify the competition with domestic manufacturers. If we are unable to distinguish our products from imported products or products produced domestically by foreign-invested pharmaceutical manufacturers which may be of higher quality and sold at competitive prices, we may lose market share to imported products or products produced domestically by foreign-invested pharmaceutical manufacturers.

 

Furthermore, due to the lack of capital for the research and development of new medicines, most of the domestic pharmaceuticals are imitations of foreign products. Following China’s accession to the WTO, many more companies in Europe and the United States have applied for patents in the PRC, thereby increasing the likelihood of litigation for Chinese domestic pharmaceutical companies.

 

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3.D.3 Risks Related To Doing Business In China

 

Adverse changes in political, economic and other policies of the Chinese government could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China, which could reduce the demand for our products; and could otherwise materially and adversely affect our business, operations or competitive position. Developments in China’s healthcare policy may adversely affect us. Changes in China’s economic, political and social conditions could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

All of our operations are located in China, and substantially all of our sales are made in China. Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects are affected significantly by economic, political and legal developments in China.

 

The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including, but not limited to:

 

·      the extent of government involvement;

 

·      the level of development;

 

·      the growth rate;

 

·      the control of foreign exchange;

 

·      the allocation of resources;

 

·      an evolving regulatory system; and

 

·      the level of transparency in the regulatory process.

 

While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth in the past 20 years, growth has been uneven, both geographically, among various sectors of the economy, and during different periods. The Chinese economy may not continue to grow, and if there is growth, such growth may not be steady and uniform; and if there is a slowdown, such a slowdown may have a material negative effect on us.

 

The Chinese government implements various measures intended to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. These measures may include differential policies towards specific groups of pharmaceutical companies, such as promotion of traditional medicines or state-owned companies, or unfavorable treatment of biopharmaceutical companies, or investments in biopharmaceutical companies competing against us, which may have an adverse effect on us.  Our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations that are applicable to us. Further, any adverse change in the economic conditions or government policies in China could have a material adverse effect on overall economic growth and the level of healthcare investments and expenditures in China, which in turn could lead to a reduction in demand for our products and consequently have a material adverse effect on our businesses.

 

The Chinese economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to a more market-oriented economy. Although in recent years the Chinese government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets and the establishment of sound corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of the productive assets in China is still owned by the Chinese government. The continued control of these assets and other aspects of the national economy by the Chinese government could materially and adversely affect our business. The Chinese government also exercises significant control over Chinese economic growth through the allocation of resources, controlling payment of foreign currency- denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies.

 

The healthcare reform started from 2009 may fail in one or more aspects, including, failing to achieve greater insurance expansion, and consequently, any possible positive benefits with respect to our business and operations from the reform measures such as greater market demand may not materialize.  We are limited in our ability to predict the current and future effects of healthcare reform, which could be adverse in one or more material ways to our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Changes in China’s economic, political and social conditions could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.  In particular, the pharmaceutical market may grow at a slower pace than expected.  Moreover, the political relationship between the United States, Europe, or other Asian nations and China is subject to sudden fluctuation and periodic tension. Changes in political conditions in China and changes in the state of foreign relations are difficult to predict and could adversely affect our operations.

 

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Future changes in laws, regulations or enforcement policies in China could adversely affect our business.

 

Laws, regulations or enforcement policies in China, including those regulating healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry, are evolving and subject to frequent changes. Further, regulatory agencies in China may periodically, and sometimes abruptly, change their enforcement practices. Therefore, prior enforcement activity, or lack of enforcement activity, is not necessarily predictive of future actions. Any enforcement actions against us could have a material adverse effect on us. Any litigation or governmental investigation or enforcement proceedings in China may be protracted and may result in substantial cost and diversion of resources and management attention, negative publicity, and damage to reputation. In addition, such changes may be applied retroactively and thus subject our business and operations to increased uncertainties and risks.

 

There are significant uncertainties under the Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT”) law of the PRC, with respect to our PRC enterprise income tax liabilities, and with respect to possible PRC withholding tax upon our shareholders and ADS holders.

 

There are significant uncertainties under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and accompanying regulations and rules, or the EIT law.

 

Under the EIT law, if we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise, we could be subject to the EIT at 25%, or any preferential rate, if obtained, on our global income, except that the dividends we receive from our PRC subsidiaries may be exempt from the EIT to the extent such dividends constitute “dividends among qualified PRC resident enterprises.”  It is, however, unclear what type of enterprises would be deemed a “qualified resident enterprise” for such purposes.  If we are deemed a resident enterprise and determined to have earned income other than exempted dividends from our PRC subsidiaries, the EIT on our global income could significantly increase our tax burden and adversely affect our cash flow and profitability.

 

Further, if we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise under the EIT law, our shareholders and ADS holders that are non-resident could be subject to the withholding income tax, or WHT, upon the dividends payable by us or upon any gains realized from the transfer of our shares or ADSs, if such income is deemed derived from China.  The WHT rate is generally 10% to enterprises and 20% to individuals. It is unclear whether, if we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise, our shareholders and ADS holders might be able to claim the benefit of income tax treaties entered into between China and other countries.

 

Alternatively, if we, as to the holding entities outside China, are deemed non-resident enterprise, the WHT may apply to the dividends (and interests on intercompany loans) paid by our PRC subsidiaries to the holding entities outside China.  For the information regarding our holding structure, please refer to “4.C Organization Structure”.

 

We have received various preferential tax treatments under the EIT law and its predecessor laws with respect to our operations and business. Shenyang Sunshine Pharmaceutical Company Limited, or Shenyang Sunshine, our wholly-owned PRC subsidiary, was certified as a “New and High Technology Enterprise” that entitled it to a preferential EIT rate of 15% effective from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2010, the renewal of which is now being applied for.  This and other past or future preferential tax treatments may expire, or be repealed, discontinued or otherwise modified, such that our tax burden could be materially increased.

 

For more information, please refer to “4.B.11-d  PRC Enterprise Income Tax”.

 

Restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to receive and use our revenue effectively.

 

We receive nearly all of our revenue in Renminbi, which currently is not a freely convertible currency. A portion of our revenue may be converted into other currencies to meet our foreign currency obligations, including, among others, payment of dividends declared, if any, in respect of our ordinary shares. Under China’s existing foreign exchange regulations, we are able to pay dividends in foreign currencies without prior approval from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or the SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, the PRC government may take measures to restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions.

 

Our ability to obtain foreign exchange is subject to significant foreign exchange controls which in the case of amounts under the capital account, requires the approval of and/or registration with PRC government authorities, including the SAFE. In particular, if Shenyang Sunshine obtains foreign currency loans from foreign lenders, it must do so within approved limits that satisfy its approval documentation and PRC debt to equity ratio requirements. Further, such loans must be registered with the SAFE. These limitations could affect the ability of Shenyang Sunshine to obtain capital through offshore debt or equity financing.

 

Exchange rate volatility may adversely affect our competitive position, financial position, operations, or otherwise.

 

Prior to 1994, the Renminbi experienced a significant net devaluation against most major currencies, and there was

 

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significant volatility in the market-based exchange rate during certain periods.  From 1994 until July 2005, the Renminbi to U.S. dollar exchange rate was largely stable.  On July 21, 2005, the People’s Bank of China, or PBOC, announced that the exchange rate of U.S. dollar to Renminbi would be adjusted from US$1.00 to RMB8.27 to US$1.00 to RMB8.11, and it ceased to peg the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Instead, the Renminbi has been pegged since that date to a basket of currencies, which components are adjusted based on changes in market demand and supply under a set of systematic principles. On September 23, 2005, the Chinese government widened the daily trading band for Renminbi against non-US dollar currencies from 0.15% to 0.3% to improve the flexibility of the new foreign exchange system. On May 18, 2007, the Chinese government further widened the daily trading band from 0.3% to 0.5%. On June 20, 2010, the People’s Bank of China announced that the PRC government will pursue further reform and enhance the Renminbi exchange rate flexibility. It is difficult to predict how this new policy may impact the Renminbi exchange rate going forward. The Renminbi may be revalued further against the U.S. dollar or other currencies, or may be permitted to enter into a full or limited free float, which may result in an appreciation or depreciation in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar or other currencies, any of which could give rise to uncertainties in our financial condition and results of operations. The Renminbi appreciated by approximately 25.4% against the U.S. dollar from July 21, 2005 to December 31, 2010.

 

Any appreciation of the Renminbi may subject us to increased competition from imports; and any devaluation of the Renminbi may adversely affect the value of our net assets, earnings and declared dividends in foreign currency terms, as well as our ability to import raw materials and equipment and service our foreign currency obligations. For example, to the extent that we need to convert our U.S. dollars holdings into the Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the Renminbi amount we receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our ordinary shares or ADSs, purchasing equipment and raw materials from overseas, or other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us.

 

There are limited hedging tools available to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions, the availability and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure, if at all. In addition, any currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert RMB into U.S. Dollars.

 

We face risks related to health epidemics and outbreaks of contagious diseases or other adverse public health developments, including avian influenza and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, and swine influenza.

 

Our business could be adversely affected by the effects of avian influenza, SARS, swine influenza, other epidemics, outbreaks of contagious diseases, or other adverse public health developments. There have been recent outbreaks of these and other contagious diseases, in various parts of China and other regions of the world. A major outbreak of a contagious disease in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of China and other countries.  Recurrence of SARS, a highly contagious form of atypical pneumonia, similar to the occurrence in 2003 which affected China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam and certain other countries, could have severe adverse effects. An outbreak of avian flu, SARS, swine influenza or other contagious diseases in China, other places in Asia or elsewhere, where our operations and customers and suppliers are based, or the perception that such outbreak could occur, and the measures taken by the governments of countries affected, would adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

We have not adopted any written preventive measures or contingency plans to combat any future outbreaks of avian flu, SARS, swine influenza or any other epidemics.

 

Our operations are subject to the uncertainties associated with the legal system in China, which could adversely affect our business, or limit the legal protection available to us or to existing or potential investors.

 

We conduct our business through our operating subsidiaries in China, which are governed by PRC law. China is a civil law jurisdiction based on written codes and statutes. Unlike common law jurisdictions, prior court decisions may be cited as persuasive authority but do not have legally binding force. The PRC government has promulgated laws and regulations in relation to economic matters in general, such as foreign investment, corporate organization and governance, commerce, taxation and trade, with a view to establishing a comprehensive legal system conducive to investment activities. However, the implementation, interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations may involve greater uncertainty compared to those in the common law jurisdictions due to a relatively short legislative history, limited volume of court cases and their non-binding nature. Furthermore, many laws, regulations and legal requirements have only recently been adopted by the central or local government agencies, and their implementation, interpretation and enforcement may involve uncertainty due to the lack of established practice available for reference. PRC administrative and court authorities also have significant discretion in interpreting and enforcing statutory and contractual terms. It thus may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection available than in more developed legal systems.  These uncertainties may also impede our ability to enforce the contracts we have entered into with our business partners, customers and suppliers. Vis-à-vis our competitors, depending on the government agency or how an application or a case is presented to such agency or other factors, we may receive less favorable application of law. In addition, any litigation or legal proceeding in China may be

 

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protracted and result in substantial legal costs and diversion of resources and management attention. We cannot predict the effect of future legal developments in China, including promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, the preemption of local regulations by national law, the overturn or modification of the lower-level authority’s decisions at the higher level, or the changes in judiciary and administrative practices. As a result, there is substantial uncertainty as to the legal protection available to us or to our shareholders.

 

There may be difficulties in seeking recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in China.

 

Substantially all of our assets are located in China, and most of our senior management members and directors reside in China. However, China has not entered into treaties or arrangements providing for the recognition and enforcement of judgments made by the courts of the United States or most other jurisdictions. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for investors to effect service of process or enforce court judgments against our PRC subsidiaries, our assets, senior management members or directors in China.

 

Changes in PRC government policy on foreign investment in China may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

As a foreign invested enterprise, Shenyang Sunshine is subject to restrictions on foreign investment imposed by PRC law from time to time. For instance, under the Foreign Investment Industrial Guidance Catalogue, as amended, some industries are categorized as sectors which are encouraged, restricted or prohibited for foreign investment.

 

According to the latest version of this Catalogue, which became effective on December 1, 2007, our business does not belong to the prohibited or the restricted category. As this Catalogue is updated every few years, there can be no assurance that the PRC government will not change its policies in a manner that would cause part or all of our businesses to fall within the restricted or prohibited categories. If any of our businesses becomes prohibited or if we cannot obtain approval from relevant approval authorities to engage in businesses which become restricted for foreign investors, we may be forced to sell or restructure our businesses which have become restricted or prohibited for foreign investment. If we are forced to adjust our corporate structure or business line as a result of changes in government policy on foreign investment, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

3.D.4 Risks Related To Our ADSs and Other Risks

 

The market price for our ADSs may be volatile.

 

The market price for our ADSs may be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, as discussed under this Item 3.D and elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

·      actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results and changes or revisions of our expected results;

 

·      changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts;

 

·      announcements of studies and reports relating to the effectiveness or safety of our products or those of our competitors;

 

·      announcements of technological or competitive developments;

 

·      any litigation, governmental investigation or enforcement proceedings brought against us by authorities and industry regulators in China or elsewhere;

 

·      announcements regarding patent litigation or the issuance of patents to us or our competitors;

 

·      addition or departure of our senior management and key research and development personnel;

 

·      changes in the economic performance or market valuations of other pharmaceutical or health care companies;

 

·      economic, regulatory or political developments in China;  and

 

·      sales of additional ordinary shares or ADSs, or increased supplies of ordinary shares or ADS, or the perception that such sales or supplies might occur.

 

In addition, the securities market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also have a material adverse effect on the market price of our ADSs.

 

Dan Lou, our chairman, and his son, Dr. Jing Lou, our chief executive officer, control a number of shares sufficient to influence corporate actions.

 

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Dan Lou, the chairman of our board of directors, and his son, Dr. Jing Lou, our chief executive officer, together owned or controlled approximately 9.75% of our outstanding ordinary shares as of December 31, 2010. The interests of the Lou family may differ from those of our other shareholders, and they may take actions that advance their interests to the detriment of our other shareholders. Acting together, they would have voting power to influence the outcome of corporate actions submitted to the shareholders for approval and to influence our management and affairs, including the election of our board of directors. Chairman Lou is not required to stand for election at any meeting of our shareholders, and therefore serves for an undetermined period of time. In addition, this concentration of ownership may prevent attempts to remove or replace senior management.

 

Our articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could adversely affect the rights of holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs.

 

Our amended and restated articles of association include provisions that could limit the ability of others to acquire control of our company or cause us to engage in change-of-control transactions. These provisions could have the effect of depriving our shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of our company in a tender offer or similar transaction. These provisions could also serve to entrench our existing board of directors and management. For example, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by our shareholders, to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to fix their designations, powers, preferences, privileges, and relative participating, optional or special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights associated with our ordinary shares, in the form of ADS or otherwise. Preferred shares could be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or make removal of management more difficult. If our board of directors decides to issue preferred shares, the voting and other rights of the holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs may be adversely affected. In addition, our articles of association provide that only a third of our board must stand for re-election at any annual meeting.

 

Holders of ADSs have fewer or less rights than shareholders and must act through the depositary to exercise those rights.

 

Holders of ADSs do not have the same rights as holders of our ordinary shares and ADS holders only have such rights as are specified in the deposit agreement, which generally are more restricted than the rights of holders of ordinary shares.

 

Under the deposit agreement, if the vote is by show of hands, the depositary will vote the deposited securities in accordance with the voting instructions received from a majority of holders of ADSs that provided timely voting instructions. If the vote is by poll, the depositary will vote the deposited securities in accordance with the voting instructions it timely receives from ADS holders. In the event of poll voting, deposited securities for which no instructions are received will not be voted.

 

Under our articles of association, the minimum notice period required to convene a general meeting is seven days. When a general meeting is convened, you may not receive sufficient notice of a shareholders’ meeting to permit you to withdraw your ordinary shares to allow you to cast your vote with respect to any specific matter.

 

In addition, the depositary and its agents may not be able to send voting instructions to you or carry out your voting instructions in a timely manner.

 

We will make all reasonable efforts to cause the depositary to extend voting rights to you in a timely manner, but we cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote your shares. Furthermore, the depositary and its agents will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote, for the manner in which any vote is cast or for the effect of any such vote.

 

As a result, you may not be able to exercise your right to vote and you may lack recourse if your ordinary shares are not voted as you requested.

 

In addition, in your capacity as an ADS holder, you will not be able to call a shareholder meeting.

 

You may be subject to limitations on transfers of your ADSs.

 

Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its transfer books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. In addition, the depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary deem it advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.

 

Your right to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may cause dilution to your holdings, and you may not receive cash dividends or other distributions if it is impractical to make them available to you.

 

We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. However,

 

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we cannot make rights available to you in the United States unless we register the rights and the securities to which the rights relate under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements is available. Also, under the deposit agreement, the depositary will not make rights available to you unless the distribution to ADS holders of both the rights and any related securities are either registered under the Securities Act, or exempted from registration under the Securities Act. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may not be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, you may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in your holdings.

 

In addition, the depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on our ordinary shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary may, at its discretion, decide that it is inequitable or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, the depositary may determine that it is not practicable to distribute certain property through the mail, or that the value of certain distributions may be less than the cost of mailing them. In these cases, the depositary may decide not to distribute such property, in which event you would not receive such distribution.

 

Since we are a Cayman Islands company, you may have less protection of your shareholder rights than you would as an investor in a U.S. company.

 

Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the Cayman Islands Companies Law and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, the rights of minority shareholders to institute actions, and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from English common law, the latter of which has persuasive, but not binding, authority on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States; and,  some states in the United States, such as Delaware, have more developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands.

 

There is uncertainty regarding whether Cayman Islands courts would:

 

·      recognize or enforce against us or our directors or officers judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon certain civil liability provisions of United States securities laws; or

 

·      impose liability against us, in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, based on certain civil liability provisions of United States securities laws or laws of any state in the United States

 

Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action before the federal courts of the United States.

 

The Companies (Amendment) Law, 2009 of the Cayman Islands introduced a new mechanism into the Companies Law for mergers and consolidations where the surviving company or consolidated company will continue to be a Cayman Islands company. Under the new mechanism, dissenting shareholders have the right to be paid the fair value of their shares (which, if not agreed to by the parties, will be determined by the Cayman Islands court) if they follow the required procedures, subject to certain exceptions. However, these rights have not yet been tested before the Cayman Islands court, and, as a result, they may not be comparable to the appraisal rights that would ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of a U.S. company.

 

As a result of all of the above, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by our management, directors or any controlling shareholder than they would as public shareholders of a United States company.

 

In addition, as a foreign private issuer, we are not required to follow all the NASDAQ’s corporate governance requirements and certain other NASDAQ rules.  As a result, holders of our ADSs may not have the same protection afforded to the shareholders of those companies that are subject to all of NASDAQ’s corporate governance requirements and rules.  Please refer to “Item 16G Corporate Governance” for more information.

 

Your ability to bring an action against us or against our directors and officers, or to enforce a judgment against us or them, will be limited because we are incorporated in the Cayman Islands, because we conduct substantially all of our operations in China and because the majority of our directors and officers reside outside of the United States.

 

We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and we conduct substantially all of our operations in China through our PRC subsidiaries and affiliated entities. Most of our directors and officers reside, and substantially all of the assets of

 

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those persons may be located, outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action in the United States against us or against these individuals in the event that you believe that your rights have been violated under United States securities laws or otherwise, including, that, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands or China may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers.

 

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ITEM 4.

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

 

4.A. History and Development of the Company

 

4.A.1 Corporate Information

 

3SBio Inc. is an exempted company limited by shares in the Cayman Islands, incorporated in August 2006, under the Cayman Islands Companies Law (2010Revision).

 

Our principal executive offices are located at No. 3 A1, Road 10, Shenyang Economy & Technology Development Zone, Shenyang 110027. Our telephone number at this address is (86-24) 2581-1820.

 

We commenced business operations in 1993 through Shenyang Sunshine Pharmaceutical Company Limited, or Shenyang Sunshine, a limited liability company established in China, which is now our main PRC operating subsidiary.  In anticipation of our initial public offering in February 2007, we established a holding company structure through the following series of corporate reorganization transactions:

 

·      We formed Collected Mind Limited, or Collected Mind, a British Virgin Islands company, in July 2006;

·      Collected Mind acquired 100% of the equity interests of Shenyang Sunshine, which was reorganized as a wholly foreign owned enterprise, or WFOE, in July 2006; and

·      We incorporated 3SBio Inc., a Cayman Islands company, in August 2006, which acquired 100% equity interest in Collected Mind in September 2006.

 

In addition, please refer to “4.C Organization Structure” for information concerning our affiliated entity, Liaoning Sunshine, whose equity interests we divested as part of the corporate reorganization in November 2006.  Please also see Note 1 of the Financial Statements for certain information on our corporate organization.

 

4.A.2  Principal Capital Expenditures and Divestures

 

In each of the fiscal years 2008, 2009 and 2010, our capital expenditures, or cash outflow to purchase property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, and acquire equity interests in non-consolidated affiliates, were RMB42.3 million, RMB95.8 million and RMB85.2 million (US$12.9 million), respectively.  Historically, capital expenditures were incurred for constructing manufacturing facilities, purchases of production and office equipment, and research laboratory and facilities renovations. In February 2010, we invested approximately RMB3.1 million (US$0.5 million) in exchange for 40% equity interest in Ascentage Pharma Group Corporation, Ltd. (“APGC”) and in its PRC affiliate entity, Ascentage Shanghai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (“Ascentage SH”). In November 2010, we completed the acquisition of Pegsiticase (or Uricase-PEG 20) related global (exclusive of Taiwan) intellectual properties rights from EnzymeRx, LLC (“EnzymeRX”), a privately held company incorporated in Delaware, USA, with a total consideration of US$6.25 million (equivalent to RMB41.25 million).

 

Our capital expenditures in 2011 are expected to be approximately RMB70 million-RMB100 million, a major portion of which is expected to relate to payments for procurement of manufacturing equipment for our newly completed plant and construction of our new manufacturing facilities.

 

4.B  Business Overview

 

Overview

 

We are a leading biotechnology company in China with fully integrated research and development, manufacturing, and marketing capabilities focusing on bio-pharmaceutical products.  Our recombinant, or genetically engineered, protein-based products and product candidates are designed to address large markets with significant unmet medical needs in nephrology, oncology, supportive cancer care, inflammation and infectious diseases. We began operations in 1993.  Since 2001, we have been recognized as an Industry Participant in the National High- and New- Technology Plan (popularly known as “863 Plan”), which is China’s highest-level national science program.  This distinction is awarded by the PRC Ministry of Science and Technology to a very limited number of companies.

 

Our principal products are EPIAO and TPIAO.  In addition, we have two legacy products, Intefen and Inleusin;  and an in-licensed product, Iron Sucrose Supplement.  Substantially all of our revenues and profits are derived from these five products.

 

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For the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, EPIAO generated approximately 63.5%, 61.9% and 59.9% of our total revenue, respectively.  The decrease in EPIAO’s share of our revenue was due to the launch in early 2006 of TPIAO and its rapid market acceptance since launch, which has outpaced EPIAO growth and rapidly become our second largest revenue contributor. According to data derived from IMS Health and internally, EPIAO continued to be the market leader in China both in terms of revenues and sales volume, with market shares of 41.0% and 27.1%, respectively, at the year end of 2010. In 2007, we received from the SFDA licenses to produce and sell pre-filled syringe EPIAO in 2,000 IU, 3,000 IU, 4,000 IU, and 10,000 IU strengths. We launched the new EPIAO formats in June 2007. The pre-filled syringe EPIAO has been an important addition to our product portfolio because of its increased safety, ease of use and the flexibility to self-administer the medication at home.

 

Our internally developed product, TPIAO, was launched in January 2006 and has continued to gain market acceptance, ending in each of the fiscal years 2008, 2009 and 2010 as our second largest revenue contributor, accounting for 27.8% and 28.3%, and 30.7% of our revenues for 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.

 

For the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, approximately 2.4%, 2.2% and 1.8%, respectively, of total revenue were generated by sales of our legacy products Inleusin and Intefen (excluding export sales of Inleusin and Intefen). Beginning in 2004, we began to reduce focus on these products due to increased competition and pricing pressure.

 

We in-licensed a prescription iron sucrose supplement product, which we began to market in August 2006. Liaoning Sunshine holds the license to Iron Sucrose Supplement.  For the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, approximately 2.9% 3.4% and 4.1%, respectively, of our total revenue were generated by sales of Iron Sucrose Supplement.

 

We are actively pursuing ten product candidates in late-, mid- and early-stage clinical and pre-clinical development. These product candidates include:  (1) a high dosage EPIAO; (2) NuLeusin, a new version of IL-2 for the treatment of metastatic melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and metastatic renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer;  (3) Feraheme® (ferumoxytol), an in-licensed intravenous iron replacement therapeutic agent used to treat iron deficiency anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and in patients requiring hemodialysis; (4) Voclosporin, an in-licensed next generation calcineurin inhibitor being developed for use in the prevention of organ rejection following transplantation and the treatment of autoimmune diseases; (5) Pegsiticase (Uricase-PEG 20), a modified pegylated recombinant uricase derived from Candida utilis, being developed for the treatment of refractory gout and tumor lysis syndrome; (6) NuPIAO, our second-generation EPIAO;  (7) a HPV vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer; and, (8) an anti-TNF monoclonal antibody product candidate for treating rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and potentially other inflammatory diseases.  In addition, we have a targeted cancer therapeutic development program through collaboration, focusing on programmed cell death, or apoptosis, which at this time includes (1) AT-101, a pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common form of lung cancer; and (2) AT-406, a multi-IAP inhibitor (including XIAP, cIAP1, cIAP2, ML-IAP) with a broad range of potential indications encompassing solid tumors and leukemia. A new indication for our TPIAO to treat idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is approved for manufacturing as of January 2011.

 

We sell our products primarily in China. We also export a small portion of our products to certain developing countries, where we have been approved to sell these products in compliance with local laws and regulations. While exports still constituted a small percentage of our total sales, at 2.9% in 2010, we plan to expand exports because of growing opportunities, particularly, in the global market for biosimilar products, which are new versions of biopharmaceutical products whose patents have expired.

 

4.B.1  Products

 

4.B.1.1 Principal Marketed Products

 

EPIAO

 

Launched in 1998, EPIAO is an injectable recombinant human erythropoietin, or EPO, that is used to stimulate the production of red blood cells in patients with anemia and to reduce the need for blood transfusions. Anemia is a condition in which insufficient oxygen is delivered to the body’s organs and tissues. EPIAO is a protein-based therapeutic comparable in structure and function to Amgen Inc.’s Epogen and Kirin’s ESPO.

 

According to IMS Health, an independent research firm, revenues from all EPO drug sales in China were estimated at approximately RMB733.6 million (US$111.1million) in 2010, representing an approximately 19.3% compound annual

 

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growth rate, or CAGR, from 2003. EPIAO, as tracked by IMS Health, has been ranked as the number one EPO drug since 2002 in terms of both units sold and revenues among the foreign and domestic biopharmaceutical companies marketing EPO drugs in China, with market shares of 27.1% and 41.0%, respectively, at the year end of 2010. We have sold over 17.4 million vials of EPIAO since 1999.

 

EPIAO is approved by the SFDA for three distinct indications: anemia associated with chronic renal failure; red blood cell mobilization, which is the process in which red blood cells are stimulated to proliferate, before, during, and after surgery; and anemia associated with chemotherapy in cancer patients with non-myeloid malignancies, which are cancers that do not originate in the bone marrow or involve myeloid cells, or non-lymphocyte white blood cells found in the bone marrow. With respect to the last indication, EPIAO continues to be the only product of its kind in China.

 

In 2007, we received from the SFDA licenses to produce and sell pre-filled syringe EPIAO in 2,000 IU, 3,000 IU, 4,000 IU and 10,000 IU strengths. The pre-filled syringe EPIAO is an important addition to our product portfolio because of its increased safety, ease of use and the flexibility to self-administer the medication at home. We launched our pre-filled syringe EPIAO format in June 2007.  We completed the Phase III trial for a high dose (36,000 IU/vial) formulation of EPIAO, and have applied for SFDA approval in December 2008. If approved, we expect the product to be the first of its kind in the Chinese market.  In addition, as announced in February 2010, we have submitted the application to SFDA for a Phase I clinical trial for NuPIAO, our second-generation EPIAO product candidate.  NuPIAO is designed to have a longer half-life relative to our first-generation EPIAO.

 

TPIAO

 

We launched TPIAO, our internally developed protein-based therapeutic product, in January 2006. This product is a recombinant human thrombopoietin, or TPO, for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, a deficiency of platelets. Platelets are disc-shaped cells in the blood that assist in coagulation and the arrest of bleeding by repairing the walls of blood vessels. TPIAO represents the first protein-based therapeutic of its type approved for thrombocytopenia in China. For 2010, our total revenues from TPIAO sales were RMB128.7 million (US$19.5 million), accounting for 30.7% of our overall revenues for the year.  With respect to TPIAO for the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, or ITP, an immune system disorder in which the body perceives platelets as foreign and destroys them, we have received the manufacturing approval for this indication from SFDA, as announced in January 2011.

 

4.B.1.2 Legacy Products

 

In addition to EPIAO and TPIAO, we market two other protein-based therapeutics that had historically been significant contributors to our overall revenues. Due to unfavorable pricing and increased competition, we refocused our sales and marketing efforts in early 2004, and our legacy products are now marketed primarily by distributors.

 

Intefen. Intefen is our recombinant interferon alpha-2a product. Intefen is indicated for the treatment of carcinomas of the lymphatic or hematopoietic system, such as lymphoma and leukemia, and viral infectious diseases, such as hepatitis C. We launched Intefen in the Chinese market in 1995.

 

Inleusin. Inleusin is our recombinant human interleukin-2, or IL-2, product. Inleusin is indicated for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, the most common form of kidney cancer, metastatic melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and thoratic fluid build-up caused by cancer and tuberculosis. Inleusin is designed to stimulate the immune system in order to fight cancer and infectious diseases. We launched Inleusin in the Chinese market in 1996.

 

4.B.1.3 In-Licensed Products

 

Iron Sucrose Supplement. Iron Sucrose Supplement, an intravenously administered prescription drug that is designed to treat anemia associated with iron deficiency, is indicated for patients with end-stage renal disease requiring iron replacement therapy. This product was launched in China in 2005 by Shenyang Borui Pharmaceutical Company Limited, or Borui.  We in-license this product from Borui.

 

4.B.1.4  Three-Year Net Revenues Breakdown by Product

 

The following table sets forth our net revenues by product and as a percentage of our total net revenues for the years indicated.

 

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For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010 growth vs 2009

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

%

 

RMB’000

 

%

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

%

 

RMB’000

 

growth %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestics sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPIAO

 

154,570

 

63.5

%

196,080

 

61.9

%

250,854

 

38,008

 

59.9

%

54,774

 

27.9

%

TPIAO

 

67,585

 

27.8

%

89,679

 

28.3

%

128,717

 

19,503

 

30.7

%

39,038

 

43.5

%

Intefen

 

4,989

 

2.1

%

5,522

 

1.7

%

5,358

 

812

 

1.3

%

(164

)

(3.0

)%

Inleusin

 

773

 

0.3

%

1,607

 

0.5

%

2,041

 

309

 

0.5

%

434

 

27.0

%

Iron Sucrose Supplement

 

6,984

 

2.9

%

10,715

 

3.4

%

17,187

 

2,604

 

4.1

%

6,472

 

60.4

%

Export sales

 

8,289

 

3.4

%

13,216

 

4.2

%

12,211

 

1,850

 

2.9

%

(1,005

)

(7.6

)%

Other

 

55

 

0.0

%

101

 

0.0

%

2,260

 

342

 

0.5

%

2,159

 

2137.7

%

Total

 

243,245

 

100.0

%

316,920

 

100.0

%

418,628

 

63,428

 

100.0

%

101,708

 

32.1

%

 

4.B.1.5 Product Pipeline

 

We focus our research and development efforts on both novel and validated protein-based therapeutics for the treatment of diseases in the areas of nephrology, oncology, supportive cancer care, inflammation and infectious diseases, and other selected areas. Our product pipeline, which we expect will be a key contributor to our future growth, consists of ten product candidates in various stages of development. We employ a market-driven approach to our research and development efforts, and our team utilizes the latest molecular biology and biochemical techniques and technologies to develop promising product candidates. Our diversified product pipeline includes: (1) a high dosage (36,000 IU/vial) formulation EPIAO; (2) NuLeusin, a new version of IL-2 for the treatment of metastatic melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and metastatic renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer;  (3) Feraheme® (ferumoxytol), an in-licensed intravenous iron replacement therapeutic agent used to treat iron deficiency anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and in patients requiring hemodialysis; (4) Voclosporin, an in-licensed next generation calcineurin inhibitor being developed for use in the prevention of organ rejection following transplantation and the treatment of autoimmune diseases; (5) Pegsiticase (Uricase-PEG 20), a modified pegylated recombinant uricase derived from Candida utilis, being developed for the treatment of refractory gout and tumor lysis syndrome; (6) NuPIAO, our second-generation EPIAO;  (7) a human papilloma virus, or HPV, vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer; and, (8) an anti-TNF monoclonal antibody product candidate for treating rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and potentially other inflammatory diseases.  In addition, we have a targeted cancer therapeutic development program through collaboration, focusing on programmed cell death, or apoptosis, which at this time includes (1) AT-101, a pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common form of lung cancer; and (2) AT-406, a multi-IAP inhibitor (including XIAP, cIAP1, cIAP2, ML-IAP) with a broad range of potential indications encompassing solid tumors and leukemia. A new indication for our TPIAO to treat idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is approved for manufacturing, as of January 2011.

 

We believe that each of these product candidates, if successfully developed or licensed and approved, would address significant market opportunities. We are required to conduct extensive preclinical and clinical trials in order to generate safety and efficacy data to support a filing for approval by the SFDA.

 

We are currently expanding the indications for our marketed products, developing next generation, enhanced versions of our marketed products, and bringing novel protein-based therapeutics to market.

 

The table below* summarizes the respective point of development for our product candidates as of March 31, 2011:

 

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*The development and commercialization of our product candidates are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, as noted in “3.D Risk factors.”

 

Phases I, II and III described in the table above are comparable to the similar phases of clinical trials involved in obtaining marketing approval from the US FDA. Under the Administrative Measures on the Registration of Pharmaceutical Products promulgated by the SFDA, the three phases refer to: “Phase I”, evaluation of safety; “Phase II”, evaluation of safety, dosing and efficacy; “Phase III”: larger scale evaluation of safety and efficacy.

 

4.B.1.6  Expanded Discussion of Products

 

Our Principal Products

 

EPIAO

 

EPIAO, our flagship product, is an injectable recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) that stimulates the production of red blood cells, cells that transport oxygen from the lungs to all cells of the body. EPO is a naturally occurring growth factor that is normally produced in healthy kidneys and regulates production of red blood cells. Adequate amounts of EPO are required to produce a sufficient number of red blood cells. A significant reduction in the number of circulating red blood cells results in anemia, a condition in which insufficient oxygen is delivered to the body’s organs and tissues. For example, patients with chronic renal failure suffer from anemia because they do not produce sufficient amounts of EPO. Anemia can also be a side effect of chemotherapy treatments for patients, sometimes forcing patients to discontinue chemotherapy.

 

According to IMS Health, revenues from all EPO drug sales in China were estimated at approximately RMB733.6 million (US$111.1 million) in 2010, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 19.3% from 2003 to 2010.

 

EPIAO is utilized as a replacement protein therapy to restore EPO to normal or physiological levels, stimulate red blood cell production and relieve the symptoms of anemia, thereby improving the quality of life for patients with renal disease and cancer in addition to reducing the need for continuous blood transfusions. Our EPIAO products are available in four different strengths (2,000 IU/vial, 3,000 IU/vial, 4,000 IU/vial and 10,000 IU/vial) and approved for three distinct medical indications. To date, no other EPO product has been approved in China for all three indications.

 

·                  In 1998, we received approval for the first indication, anemia associated with chronic renal failure;

·                  In 2000, we received approval for the use of EPIAO to mobilize red blood cell in patients before, during and

 

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after surgery to facilitate a quicker recovery and reduce the need for blood transfusion; and

·                  In 2001, we received approval for anemia associated with chemotherapy in cancer patients with non-myeloid malignancies. These patients become anemic as a side effect of chemotherapy and as a general complication associated with cancer.

 

We were among the first biotechnology companies to introduce a recombinant form of EPO in China. According to IMS Health, our EPIAO was the most widely used recombinant EPO in China in each of the 36 consecutive quarters ending with the first quarter of 2011. EPIAO is on the State Basic Medical Insurance, Work Injury Insurance, and Maternity Insurance Drug Catalogue as a Category B drug, for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic renal failure, and on the provincial medicine catalog for the treatment of anemia associated with chemotherapy in non-myeloid malignancies in certain provinces and cities such as Hubei Province and Shanghai Municipality. (See “4.B.11-b.5 Consumer — Urban personnel basic medical insurance program.”) According to data from IMS Health, our EPIAO has been the market leader in China since 2002 both in terms of revenues and sales volume, with market shares of 41.0% and 27.1% respectively at the year end of 2010.

 

In 2007, we received from the SFDA licenses to produce and sell pre-filled syringe EPIAO in 2,000 IU, 3,000 IU, 4,000 IU, 10,000 IU strengths. We launched these new EPIAO formats in June 2007.  The pre-filled syringe EPIAO has been an important addition to our product portfolio because of its increased safety, ease of use and the flexibility to self-administer the medication at home.

 

We completed the Phase III clinical trial for our high dose (36,000 IU/vial) formulation of our first generation EPIAO and applied for SFDA approval in 2008.  We expect the product to be the first of its kind in China.

 

In addition, as announced in February 2010, we submitted the application for a Phase I clinical trial to SFDA for NuPIAO, our second-generation EPIAO.  NuPIAO is a highly glycosylated ESA (erythropoiesis-stimulating agent) with extended half-life and increased biologic activity. We believe that it is comparable to Amgen’s Aranesp.  We have already filed a patent application in China for NuPIAO.

 

We believe EPIAO’s competitive advantages include:

 

Focus on quality. We implemented our proprietary process technology and developed quality assurance and control system in compliance with the Chinese GMP standards. Since 2004, we have applied the European Pharmacopoeia (2002 version) standards, which we believe are higher production quality standards than those required for domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers.

 

Broadest applications and specifications. Since 2002, our EPIAO products have been the only EPO products approved for each of the following three indications: anemia associated with chronic renal failure; red blood cell mobilization; and chemotherapy induced anemia in cancer patients. We provide our EPIAO products in four dosage forms to meet the needs of our patients and their doctors. We applied for marketing approval from the SFDA of an additional high dosage form for use in chemotherapy induced anemia in 2008, which we believe, if approved, will be the highest approved dosage formulation of an EPO drug on the Chinese market.

 

Competitive pricing. Our economy of scale, favorable cost structure and experience in manufacturing afford us the opportunity to competitively price EPIAO while still maintaining attractive margins. In order to secure and maintain a large customer base, we have been pricing our EPIAO products substantially lower than the comparable products produced overseas.

 

Strong brand awareness. We believe our sustained marketing efforts with medical practitioners and our focus on pre-sale and post-sale services have established EPIAO and Shenyang Sunshine as well-recognized and well-received brands. We have implemented a focused marketing strategy since launching the product in 1998. As part of this strategy, our sales representatives promote our products to doctors by visiting hospitals to better educate physicians and develop brand awareness. We continue to expand our dedicated sales team which focuses specifically on the oncology areas to supplement our existing focus in nephrology.

 

Clinical Trials:

 

In 1997, we completed a multicenter, randomized clinical trial with EPIAO in 194 end-stage renal disease patients. This trial compared the efficacy of our product to that of Epogen, Amgen’s recombinant EPO. The data demonstrated that our product was biologically equivalent to Epogen, as demonstrated by comparable restoration of hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, indicators of red blood cell reemergence. Additionally we did not observe any severe adverse reactions. We obtained approval from a branch of the Ministry of Health, or the MOH, in November 1997 and launched EPIAO in China in August 1998.

 

In 2001, we completed a multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical extension trial to evaluate the efficacy of EPIAO in 121 cancer patients with anemia resulting from their chemotherapy regimens. The

 

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primary endpoint of this clinical trial was restoration of hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Patients received either EPIAO or a placebo three times a week for 12 weeks. The results demonstrated that EPIAO was effective in restoring hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in this patient setting. We obtained SFDA approval for this indication in September 2001 and launched EPIAO for this indication in December 2002.

 

In 2000, we completed a multicenter, randomized placebo controlled extension trial in 105 patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery to evaluate the efficacy of EPIAO in mobilization of red blood cells in patients undergoing surgery. Typically, these patients require allogeneic blood transfusion, where blood comes from a donor instead of the patient himself, thereby exposing the patients to the risk of contracting blood-borne diseases. The primary endpoint of this clinical trial was also restoration of hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Compared with placebo-controlled patients, patients who received EPIAO before, during and after surgery had higher levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit. We received SFDA approval for this indication in 2000 and launched EPIAO for this indication in December 2002.

 

A study sponsored by Amgen and published in September 2008 by the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, “Biochemical Assessment Of Erythropoietin Products From Asia Versus US Epoetin Alfa Manufactured By Amgen”, has pointed to EPIAO as the product in Asia most similar to EPOGEN, the original proprietary EPO developed by Amgen.

 

We are aware of certain concerns in the U.S. connected with the overusage of EPO products but believe that such concerns may not be of high relevance in China market, where the conservative clinical practice and costs restraint suppress the administering of the drug for a high target hemoglobin level.

 

TPIAO

 

TPIAO is our recombinant human thrombopoietin product and we were the first company globally to research, develop and commercialize a recombinant human thrombopoietin product.  TPIAO was launched in January 2006 for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, or platelet deficiency, and represents the first such protein-based therapeutic approved and launched for this indication in China. TPO is a hemopoietic, or blood or blood cell-related, growth factor protein found in plasma. TPO naturally stimulates production of megakaryoctyes, cells with a mutilobed nucleus in the bone marrow and liver, thereby releasing mature platelets and raising the circulating platelet count without increasing the platelet function. Patients undergoing blood stem cell transplantation or cancer chemotherapy, or with late-stage liver diseases, or for unknown pathological reasons may suffer from platelet deficiency. We market TPIAO in two strengths: 7,500 IU/vial and 15,000 IU/vial. We began marketing our TPIAO products at the end of 2005 on a trial basis and recorded revenues of RMB67.6 million, RMB89.7 million and RMB128.7 million (US$19.5 million) for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. TPIAO is on the State Basic Medical Insurance, Work Injury Insurance, and Maternity Insurance Drug Catalogue as a Category B drug for work injury insurance.

 

We began our research and development efforts on TPIAO in 1995 as part of the national “863” scientific program. After successful discovery and pre-clinical studies, we initiated clinical trials in 1999. Phase I and Phase II clinical trials were completed in 2001 and 2002, respectively, which demonstrated TPIAO’s safety and efficacy.

 

In 2003, we completed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind placebo self-controlled Phase III trial in 305 patients, 223 of whom were cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and 82 of whom were ITP patients who had failed to respond to any other form of treatment. Patients were treated with TPIAO within six to 24 hours after the first chemotherapy cycle daily for 14 days. The primary endpoints were platelet counts and reduction in the number of transfusions. In this trial, TPIAO treatment resulted in a higher platelet count in approximately 78% of the cancer patients and approximately 85% of the ITP patients. There were 18 cases of mild adverse reactions relating to TPIAO treatment, including transient flu-like symptoms, but patients spontaneously recovered without discontinuing treatment.

 

Although we obtained SFDA approval for TPIAO in May 2005, the SFDA has required us to conduct a Phase IV post-marketing trial on TPIAO as a supportive cancer care product.  The three-arm trial included approximately 1,000 cancer patients being treated with chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was the time to recovery of platelet count to normal levels. We initiated this trial in the fourth quarter of 2006.  We completed this trial with satisfactory results and submitted the results report to the Food and Drug Administration of Liaoning Province, or Liaoning FDA, in April 2010, which fulfilled SFDA’s requirement.

 

TPIAO was approved in May 2005 for treatment of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia with a monitoring period of five years, which was expired in May 2010. During the monitoring period, other pharmaceutical companies were prohibited from manufacturing or importing a similar drug except those whose application for clinical trial were approved by the SFDA prior to May 2005, the commencement of TPIAO’s monitoring period, pursuant to the PRC Administrative Measures for the Registration of Medicine. Since the monitoring period is expired, other manufacturers in China may apply for approval of the SFDA to conduct clinical trials and then to manufacture and market their TPO products.  However, we are not aware of any clinical trial application for TPO products submitted to the SFDA, which must be completed prior to the application for manufacturing the product, and the SFDA review process usually spans

 

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multiple years. In addition, we expect that our technology know-hows related to TPIAO provide us with significant competitive advantage.  TPIAO is a unique molecule, the molecular structure of which is heavily glycosylated and presents a manufacturing barrier.  We also believe that future new entrants into the TPO market could contribute to the overall growth of this segment.

 

We have two issued patents in relation to TPIAO.

 

Legacy Products

 

In addition to EPIAO and TPIAO, we market two protein-based therapeutics that used to be significant contributors to our overall revenue. Due to unfavorable pricing and increased competition, we refocused our sales and marketing efforts since early 2004 and no longer heavily market these products with our own sales force.

 

Intefen

 

Intefen is our recombinant human interferon alpha-2a product for the treatment of malignancies of the lymphatic or hematopoietic system, and viral infectious diseases, including adult chronic hepatitis B, acute and chronic hepatitis C, and genital warts. Interferon is a protein that occurs naturally in the body in very small amounts and comes in three main types: alpha, beta and gamma. When exposed to viruses, certain cells produce interferon, which is released into the bloodstream or intercellular fluid to induce healthy cells to produce enzymes and proteins that counter and combat the infection. The anti-cellular or immuno-regulatory functions of IFN can enable interferon products to play a central role against certain tumor and auto-immune diseases. Interferon alpha has been manufactured by pharmaceutical companies for therapeutic use against hairy-cell leukemia, hepatitis C and hepatitis B, as well as for treatment of genital warts and some rare cancers of blood and bone marrow.

 

We obtained SFDA approval to market Intefen in April 1995 and launched the product in December 1995. Our Intefen is available in lyophilized powder and injectable solution. Both the powder and solution come in three strengths: 1 MIU (million international unit)/vial, 3 MIU/vial and 5 MIU/vial. Revenues from our Intefen products were RMB5.4 million (US$0.8 million) in 2010, representing a decrease of 3.0% over 2009.

 

In 1994, we completed a multicenter, randomized Phase III clinical trial with Intefen in 127 patients with hepatitis C virus, or HCV. The primary endpoints of the trial were the change in Alanine Amino Transferase recovery rates, or ALT, a measurement of liver function and HCV RNA clearance rates, a measure of the number of viruses present in the patient. The data indicated that Intefen was comparable to Schering Plough’s Intron A when measured with these two tests. The observed side effects were flu-like symptoms that were relatively minor and reversed upon discontinuation of the therapy.

 

Inleusin

 

Inleusin is our recombinant human interleukin-2, or IL-2, product that is structurally and functionally the same to naturally occurring IL-2, a body immune regulator. Inleusin is indicated for treatment of renal cell carcinoma, melanoma, thoratic fluid build-up caused by cancer, and tuberculosis. IL-2 is a natural part of the body’s immune response to microbial infection. IL-2 promotes the proliferation and maturation of, among others, T-cells and natural killer cells, both of which are capable of destroying cancer cells directly. IL-2 plays a role in the development of white blood cells or lymphocytes, and anti-inflammatory reactions which are part of the regulation of the immune response.

 

We obtained SFDA approval to market Inleusin in the Chinese market in June 1995 and launched the product in March 1996. It was the first interleukin product introduced into the Chinese market. Our Inleusin products come in four strengths: 0.1 MIU/vial, 0.2 MIU/vial, 0.5 MIU/vial and 1 MIU/vial. Revenues from our Inleusin products were RMB2.0 million (US$0.3 million) in 2010, representing an increase of 27% over 2009.

 

In 2002, we completed a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled extension study in 209 patients with tuberculosis. The primary endpoint was the reduction of severity of infection as measured by thoracic X-Ray imaging the reduction in the number of tuberculosis bacilli, an infectious organism, in a sputum smear. The data demonstrated that Inleusin effectively reduced the severity of tuberculosis in these patients.

 

In-Licensed Products

 

Iron Sucrose SupplementIron Sucrose Supplement is a complex of polynuclear iron (III)-hydroxide, a bioavailable form of iron, in a sucrose solution for intravenous use. It is indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in patients with end-stage renal disease and generally considered to have a superior safety profile compared to other forms of iron supplements.  Iron sucrose supplement is on the State Basic Medical Insurance, Work Injury

 

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Insurance, and Maternity Insurance Drug Catalogue as a Category B drug.

 

This Iron Sucrose Supplement was launched in China in 2005 by Shenyang Borui Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Borui”). We in-licensed five-year exclusive PRC distribution rights for this product from Borui in May 2006. We began to generate revenues from the sale of Iron Sucrose Supplement in the beginning of 2007. We believe this product is complementary to our EPIAO product lines as we have a strong brand reputation in the nephrology market in China, and Iron Sucrose Supplement is designed to treat anemia associated with iron deficiency for patients with renal disease.

 

In 2008, we entered into various agreements with Borui and Chengdu Tiantaishan Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., or Tiantaishan, the manufacturer for this product, to acquire additional rights to the Iron Sucrose Supplement.  Pursuant to these agreements, we hold the technical know-how and the exclusive national distribution rights to this product until 2013.

 

Our Product Candidates

 

TPIAO for the treatment of ITP (Approved)

 

ITP is characterized by thrombocytopenia that results in bruising and bleeding that can be severe. In certain ITP patients, the immune system malfunctions, perceiving the body’s platelets as foreign and destroying them, potentially resulting in dangerously low platelet counts. Platelets are disc-shaped cells in blood that assist in the clotting process to stop bleeding. TPIAO is being explored as a new approach to treat ITP by stimulating the TPO receptor, directly increasing platelet production to outpace platelet destruction by the immune system.

 

We have completed a Phase III clinical trial to study TPIAO for the treatment of ITP. The Phase III trial is a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study in 120 ITP patients. All patients are administered Danazol, a synthetic steroid hormone drug routinely used to treat ITP. The treatment group is administered an additional 1.0 µg (or microgram)/kg TPIAO once daily for 14 days. The primary endpoint of this trial is the measurement of platelet counts during the 14 day treatment.

 

We have received SFDA approval for manufacturing as announced in January 2011.

 

High-Dose EPIAO

 

In 2007, we completed enrollment registration of patients for a clinical trial for our 36,000 IU/vial formulation of EPIAO, which is an initial step in the trial process.  This product is designed for rapid restoration of hemoglobin to normal levels among cancer patients.  We filed an application for SFDA approval of the high-dosage EPIAO at the end of 2008. There currently is no dosage form of this kind on the market in China.  In 2006, we initiated a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial in 200 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. In this trial, 100 patients are administered with a 36,000 IU/vial EPIAO once a week for eight weeks. The control group is administered the 10,000 IU/vial EPIAO once every other day. The primary endpoint is the restoration of hemoglobin level. We have not received SFDA approval as of year end of 2010.

 

NuLeusin (IL-2)

 

NuLeusin, our second-generation IL-2, is a genetically modified form of IL-2 possessing the same properties as naturally occurring IL-2. It is capable of activating the immune system to recognize and eliminate certain kinds of cancer cells. The genetic modification enabled us to produce a high dosage form of IL-2 that has increased stability, which we believe has superior efficacy and tolerable therapeutic reactions profile. We believe NuLeusin is comparable to Chiron’s Proleukin, which received US FDA approval for treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma in 1992, and for treatment of metastatic melanoma in 1998.

 

In 2005, we completed an open-label, nonrandomized Phase II trial of Nuleusin in 22 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Patients were treated subcutaneously with Nuleusin every 12 hours for the first five days and then daily for five weeks. The primary endpoints were whether the patients respond to the treatment in terms of the reduction in size of their tumors after receiving treatment. The data demonstrated that Nuleusin effectively reduced the size of the tumors in these patients. There were no serious adverse events reported in this study.

 

We have completed a multicenter, open-label Phase III clinical study for NuLeusin for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma and filed for SFDA approval in 2008. We have not received SFDA approval as of year-end 2010.

 

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Ferumoxytol  (Feraheme® )

 

As announced in May 2008, we entered into a development and commercialization agreement with AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“AMAG”) (NASDAQ:AMAG), a US biopharmaceutical company, for ferumoxytol, an intravenous iron replacement therapeutic agent being developed to treat iron deficiency anemia in CKD patients and in patients requiring hemodialysis.

 

Under the terms of the agreement, AMAG granted us exclusive rights to develop and commercialize ferumoxytol in the PRC, initially for CKD, and with an option to expand into additional indications.  We will be responsible for the clinical development, registration, and commercialization of ferumoxytol in the PRC. We and AMAG will form a joint steering committee, with equal representation from both parties, to oversee and guide the development and commercialization of ferumoxytol in China. The agreement has an initial duration of 13 years and will be automatically renewed for a set term if minimum sales thresholds are achieved.  AMAG will retain all manufacturing rights for ferumoxytol and will provide, under a separate agreement, commercial supply to us at a predetermined supply price.

 

Ferumoxytol was approved in June 2009 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat iron deficiency anemia in CKD patients and launched commercially in the U.S. by AMAG in July 2009.  We have submitted the application for a registrational clinical trial for Ferumoxytol to SFDA, as announced in January 2010.  Once approved by the SFDA, we will commence a multi-center randomized efficacy and safety study in China with approximately 200 CKD patients, measuring the mean change in hemoglobin from baseline at Day 35 after first dose.

 

After the launch of the product, there was certain adverse post-market experience reported.  AMAG has resolved this with U.S. FDA through an updated product label as of November 2010. We will monitor the issues reported closely in our registration clinical trial.

 

Voclosporin

 

We entered into a development and commercialization agreement with Isotechnika Pharma Inc. (“Isotechnika”) (TSX: ISA), a Canada-based biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of immune modulating therapeutics, for voclosporin, a next generation calcineurin inhibitor being developed for use in the prevention of organ rejection following transplantation and the treatment of autoimmune diseases, as announced in August 2010.

 

Under the terms of the agreement, Isotechnika grants us exclusive rights to all transplant and autoimmune indications of voclosporin in China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan, excluding ophthalmic indications and medical devices which were previously licensed to Lux Biosciences, Inc. and Atrium Medical Corporation, respectively. We will be responsible for the clinical development, registration and commercialization of voclosporin in China. Isotechnika will provide, under a separate agreement, commercial supply to us on a cost-plus basis.  We have made an upfront non-refundable licensing payment of US$1.5 million to Isotechnika in December 2010.  We may also pay milestone payments when certain criteria are met, as well as ongoing royalties based on our sales of voclosporin.  In addition, we invested US$4.5 million in Isotechnika through a three-year convertible debenture with interest rate of 7% per annum, which were fully converted into common equity of Isotechnika at a conversion price of Canada $0.155 per share by November 2010. As of December 31, 2010, we held 18% equity interest in Isotechnika and are entitled to nominating one member to Isotechnika’s six-member Board of Directors.

 

In April 2010, voclosporin completed a phase IIb North American trial for the prevention of kidney rejection following transplantation.  It is noted that, in U.S., New Onset Diabetes after Transplant (“NODAT”) is common and has become a major concern in transplantation of all organs, and, in kidney transplantation, it is shown to be associated with inferior long term graft and patient survival while increasing the cost of patient management. Voclosporin appears to have not only demonstrated equal efficacy with improvements in safety, but to be easy to use for clinicians. We are preparing to file a dossier for SFDA regulatory approval to begin a phase III trial for voclosporin in China.  We also plan to participate in the global phase III trial sponsored by Isotechnika, which, if successful, may considerably benefit regulatory review and approval in China. It is estimated China has approximately 100,000 transplant recipients, a population which is growing by about 10,000 new patients per year.

 

Apoptosis Collaboration Program

 

In March 2010, we entered into a strategic alliance with APGC, a Hong Kong based therapeutic research company, to research, develop and commercialize best-in-class targeted cancer therapeutics focusing on programmed cell

 

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death, or apoptosis.  Apoptosis-targeted small molecules have the potential to play a key role in the next generation of highly effective targeted cancer drugs.

 

Under the terms of the agreement between us and APGC and between us and APGC’s affiliated entity, Ascentage SH, we paid a total consideration of approximately US$3 million in equity investment and research and development funding.  Pursuant to the agreements, we acquired 40% equity interests in both APGC and its affiliated entity, Ascentage SH, and provided US$2.5 million (RMB17 million) prepayments in funding APGC’s apoptosis related R&D programs (“APGC programs”). We thus obtained the exclusive right to develop and commercialize in Mainland China the cancer therapeutics that are developed through APGC programs.

 

The alliance leverages APGC’s expertise in structure-based small molecule design, leads optimization and preclinical development with our proven drug development and commercialization capabilities in China. This investment allows us to gain access to one of the best external science and small molecule drug discovery platforms in China.

 

Ascentage SH is a spin-off of Ascenta (Shanghai) R&D Center, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ascenta Therapeutics, Inc. (“Ascenta”), which was established in August 2005.  Ascentage SH has an established track record in late stage discovery, preclinical and IND enabling work, working with both China’s SFDA and the US FDA. Ascentage SH focuses on research and development in oncology new chemical entity (NCE) drug using cutting edge apoptosis technology, building on molecules and compounds licensed from the University of Michigan. It aims to develop best-in-class targeted therapeutics for the unmet medical needs of both China and global markets.

 

In December 2010, APGC announced the formation of a strategic collaboration with Ascenta to develop Ascenta’s clinical stage, apoptosis-triggering small molecules, AT-101 and AT-406, in China. AT-101 is a pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor in Phase II development for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common form of lung cancer. Regulatory approval for clinical development of AT-101 has already been granted by the Chinese SFDA and Phase II clinical trials are expected to begin in China in 2011. AT-406 is a multi-IAP inhibitor (including XIAP, cIAP1, cIAP2, ML-IAP) with a broad range of potential indications encompassing solid tumors and leukemia. An Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application for AT-406 was recently submitted in China. APGC acquired the exclusive rights to AT-406 in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, as well as exclusive rights to AT-101 in all regions worldwide outside USA, Canada and Europe.  Pursuant to our agreements as outlined above, we have the exclusive right to develop and commercialize AT-101 and AT-406 in mainland China.

 

Pegsiticase

 

We have acquired worldwide rights, exclusive of Taiwan, of pegsiticase for all indications from EnzymeRx LLC (“EnzymeRX”), a U.S. based biotechnology company, for a total consideration of US$6.25 million, as announced in November 2010.

 

Pegsiticase (Uricase-PEG 20) is a pegylated recombinant uricase derived from Candida utilis, modified by the attachment of multiple 20 kilodalton molecules of polyethylene glycol (PEG), and is being developed for the treatment of refractory gout and tumor lysis syndrome. It has been shown to profoundly lower uric acid when administered as by intravenous infusion and intramuscular injection, and was safe and well-tolerated in a pair of recent phase I clinical studies sponsored by EnzymeRx. Pegsiticase has received Orphan Drug designation from U.S. FDA for refractory gout, tumor lysis syndrome and Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.

 

We intend to develop pegsticase in China and will seek partnerships for its development outside of China.  Gout is a common rheumatic disease in China, with prevalence of gout and hyperuricemia estimated to be 0.22%—0.43% and 12.1%—25.2% respectively, according to Rheumatol Int ((2009) 29:481—490).  The number of patients in China suffering from gout and hyperuricemia is expected to continue to grow rapidly due to changes in diet and lifestyle.  While currently focusing on gout and hyperuricemia, we may choose to explore and develop the other indications in the future.

 

NuPIAO

 

As announced in February 2010, we submitted the application for a Phase I clinical trial to SFDA for NuPIAO, our second-generation EPIAO that is designed to have a longer half life and is expected to be comparable in structure to Amgen’s Aranesp. Aranesp (darbepoietin alpha) is a novel erythropoiesis-stimulating protein with a longer circulating half-life than EPO. By using molecular biology and recombinant DNA techniques, we synthesized a series of novel erythropoiesis-stimulating proteins and identified NuPIAO through an activity screening assay. Preliminary testing of NuPIAO has demonstrated an enhanced half-life comparable to the half-life of darbepoietin alpha.

 

The effect of extended half-life and increased biologic activity as compared with EPIAO would allow for less

 

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frequent administration, which is more convenient for both the patient and the caregiver. We have already filed a patent application in China for NuPIAO.

 

NuPIAO will be investigated to treat anemia associated with both chronic kidney disease and cancer.

 

SSS08 (HPV Vaccine)

 

HPV is a common virus that is often passed on through genital contact, typically during sexual contact. At least 50% of sexually active people will get HPV at some time in their lives. About 40 types of HPV can infect the genital areas of men and women. While most strains of HPV cause no symptoms and resolve without treatment, some strains of HPV can cause cervical cancer in women.

 

Worldwide, cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, and causes significant numbers of deaths in both developed and developing countries. In 1995, scientists from Merck & Co., Inc. and MedImmune Inc. separately demonstrated that expression of the papilloma virus major capsid gene L1 alone, or together with the minor capsid protein L2, is sufficient for the generation of virus-like particles, or VLPs. VLPs mimic in some aspects the infection with virions and induce virus-neutralizing antibodies, making them an attractive candidate for developing a prophylactic vaccine against HPV infections. In June 2006, Merck received approval from the US FDA for its vaccine targeting four strains of HPV that cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers and approximately 90% of genital warts. Our HPV vaccine candidate also targets VLPs of HPV-16 and HPV-18.

 

SSS07 (Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases)

 

SSS07 is our anti-TNF monoclonal antibody product candidate that we are developing in collaboration with Epitomics, Inc., a United States-based biotechnology company that is recognized for its proprietary high-affinity rabbit monoclonal antibody technology. Tumor necrosis factor a (TNF) is one of the key chemical messengers that help regulate the inflammatory process and plays an important role in the underlying mechanisms of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and many other inflammatory disorders. When the body produces too much TNF, it overwhelms the immune system’s ability to control inflammation of the joints or of psoriasis-affected skin areas. The TNF inhibitors are molecules that disrupt the TNF function by blocking the binding of TNF to the TNF receptors. Blockage of these receptors can result in a significant reduction in inflammatory activity and reduce symptoms, inhibit the progression of structural damage, and improve physical function in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. SSS07 is a genetically engineered anti-TNF humanized monoclonal antibody designed to bind and deactivate certain TNF molecules. By binding to the native TNF molecule, SSS07 is designed to prevent activation of the inflammation signalling cascade. Several TNF inhibitors developed by other companies have been approved by the US FDA, including Enbrel (entanercept), Remicade (infliximab) and Humira (adalimumab).

 

In March 2006, we entered into a collaboration agreement with Epitomics Inc. under which we were granted an exclusive, royalty bearing, non-transferable and perpetual license in the field of therapeutic usage in order to develop and conduct clinical trials to obtain SFDA approval for the humanized rabbit anti-TNF alpha monoclonal antibody compounds. Under the agreement, we were also granted the right to manufacture, sell, market and distribute (including distributions by engaging third parties) in China anti-TNF alpha monoclonal antibody therapeutics covered under the intellectual property rights owned by Epitomics. We were required to pay an upfront lump sum fee and a royalty payment equivalent to a certain percentage of the net sales of therapeutic products should they reach market. Under the agreement, we granted Epitomics the right to use all intellectual property generated during the development of the therapeutic product. However, if Epitomics uses this intellectual property for the development of the same therapeutic product outside of China, Epitomics shall pay us a royalty equivalent to a certain percentage of the financial benefit from licenses and product sales. If any new developments or agents are created as a result of the collaboration agreement, we will grant to Epitomics a “right of first refusal” with regard to the commercialization of such agents. The details of a development program to commercialize the therapeutic products and the mechanism for calculating the royalties will be determined between Epitomics and us at a later date.

 

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4.B.2  Competition and Principal Markets

 

In China, our EPIAO competes primarily with Kirin’s ESPO, Roche’s Recormon and the EPO products offered by domestic companies including Harbin Pharmaceuticals, Beijing Sihuan, Shanghai Kelong, Di’ao Group Chengdu Di’ao Jiuhong Pharmaceutical Factory and others. Competitors for the Iron Sucrose Supplement in China include Beijing Novartis Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Nanjing Hencer Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

 

While we believe TPIAO, our internally developed protein-based therapeutic product, is the only recombinant human thrombopoietin, or TPO-based therapeutic, available in the Chinese market to date, the monitoring period for our TPIAO product expired as of May 2010, and other companies may, subject to the review and approval of the SFDA, conduct clinical trials and manufacture and market their TPO products.

 

We believe that our leadership position in our industry is based on managerial and technological superiority, and the ability to identify and exploit commercially viable products. Other factors affecting our competitive position include time to market, patent position, product efficacy, safety, convenience, reliability, availability and pricing. We believe we are well positioned to compete in the fast-developing Chinese pharmaceutical market with our strong Shenyang Sunshine brand, diverse product portfolio, proven research and development capabilities, established sales and marketing network and favorable cost structure.

 

Please also see Item 3.D.1 — “Our products face substantial competition, and we may not be able to compete effectively against current and future competitors” and — Our competitors may have the ability to manufacture pharmaceutical products substantially similar to ours”.

 

4.B.2.1 Export Sales

 

In addition to our domestic sales, we currently export certain of our products to certain developing countries, where we have been approved to sell these products in compliance with local laws and regulations. We initiated our export business in 2003 to a country in the Middle East through an export company in China. Increasingly in subsequent years, we have worked with local agents in countries in the Middle East, South America and Southeast Asia. Our export sales primarily consist of sales of EPIAO injection, Intefen injection and TPIAO injection, and bulk sales of the active pharmaceutical ingredient of Iron Sucrose Supplement.

 

Export sales accounted for 3.4%, 4.2% and 2.9% of our total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.

 

 

 

For the Years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Revenues by geography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Egypt

 

407

 

1,210

 

1,611

 

Korea

 

1,220

 

1,524

 

1,542

 

Brazil

 

1,124

 

2,375

 

568

 

Pakistan

 

3,123

 

3,108

 

1,699

 

Thailand

 

1,279

 

3,379

 

3,842

 

Bengal

 

694

 

1,004

 

1,403

 

Rest of World

 

442

 

616

 

1,546

 

Total Revenues

 

8,289

 

13,216

 

12,211

 

 

We are currently seeking regulatory approvals in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and South Africa.  We plan to expand exports because of growing opportunities in the global market. Particularly, we believe market opportunities exist in Europe and other selected regulated markets for new versions of biopharmaceutical products whose patents have expired (known as biosimilar products). With regard to that objective, we are preparing for the process of seeking requisite international certification and regulatory approvals.

 

4.B.3 Seasonality of Business

 

Not applicable.

 

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4.B.4 Supply of Raw Materials

 

Our top five suppliers and the single largest supplier as a percentage of our total inventories purchased were 34.1% and 9.9%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2010. We primarily source our raw materials from a variety of international suppliers through their local distributors.  We do not anticipate any significant fluctuations in price or any significant disruptions in the supply of our raw materials in the near future. It is our current belief that our switching cost for our suppliers is not high because alternative suppliers are readily available.

 

4.B.5 Marketing, Sales and Distribution

 

Our sales force in China benefits from over ten years of experience in marketing protein-based therapeutics. As a result of our history as a provider of therapeutics to the Chinese market, we believe our Shenyang Sunshine brand is widely recognized throughout the PRC medical community for quality and reliability.

 

We maintain a sales and marketing force in 31 provinces and major cities in China, including the municipalities of Beijing and Shanghai and the city of Guangzhou. As of December 31, 2010, our principal products EPIAO and TPIAO were marketed by our 327 sales and marketing professionals and sold by our network of approximately 120 distributors to healthcare providers including, based on our internal estimates, approximately 3,300 hospitals, clinics and dialysis centers.

 

Our internal sales and marketing staff details our products to physicians and hospital administrators, and as required by PRC laws, our distributors are engaged to contract with our customers for the sale of our products to physicians and hospitals. In addition, our legacy products Intefen and Inleusin are marketed and sold by distributors.

 

Our network of approximately120 distributors distributes our own and our in-licensed products. We select our distributors based on their reputation, market coverage and sales experience. We conduct credit assessments of each of our distributors or hospital customers before we enter into a purchase agreement. We do not have an exclusive distribution arrangement with any of our distributors, and some of our distributors market competing brands. For every calendar year, we enter into a distribution agreement with each distributor which provides general terms for the distribution arrangement, such as the designated sales area, place and method for delivery, targets for annual sales volume and receivable collection. Under our standard distribution agreement, a distributor cannot sell our products outside the designated geographical area without first obtaining our written consent. The term of a distributor contract is typically for one year, reflecting the prevailing pricing arrangement under the local competitive bidding process. The price under the agreement may be adjusted by a number of factors, such as the outcome of the competitive bidding process, or regulatory changes during the calendar year.

 

Hospitals in China typically purchase medical products on credit and sometimes do not make payment until more than a year after the purchase. By contrast, the average credit terms that we give to our distributors range from 30 days to 120 days, with the majority averaging around 83 days from the date of our delivery, regardless of whether payments from the hospital to the distributors are received. We believe by selling our products through distributors, we achieve an improved collection rate on our accounts receivable and reduce bad debt expense.

 

We have a sales department centered in Beijing. We also have a marketing department located in Shanghai.

 

We have established relationships with many hospital administrators at prominent hospitals and other leading medical institutions, many of whom we believe are advocates for our products. We believe our relationships with these major hospitals and medical institutions raise our profile, enhance awareness of our products in the medical community, medical equipment and supplies industry and among patients, provide us with valuable clinical data to improve our products and keep us abreast of industry trends and developments, all of which in turn helps us market and sell our products.

 

In export sales, we market our products through distribution agreements with local agents.

 

A significant amount of our revenue is generated by product sales to relatively few distributors, whose mix changes from year to year.  For in each of the past three years, sales to our top five distributors accounted for approximately 30% to 40% of our revenue.  Sales to our top ten distributors accounted for approximately 55%, 54%, and 54% of our total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.

 

4.B.6  Research and Development

 

As of the date of this annual report, our research and development team consisted of 25 research personnel and medical professionals, including three PhDs, one MD, and eight holders of master’s degrees, many of whom have experience in the healthcare and biotechnology research fields, including experience working in research institutions and

 

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hospitals and in proceeding through the SFDA drug approval process.

 

We conduct research and development activities at our Shenyang facilities. To date, our primary sources of new clinical products have been our internal research and development activities and the licensing of compounds from third parties. We believe by complementing our internal research and development efforts with a disciplined strategy of entering into collaborative relationships, we can build a pipeline of diversified pharmaceuticals to drive sustainable revenue growth. For a detailed description of our product pipeline, see “4.B.1.5 Product Pipeline” and “4.B.1.6 Expanded Discussion of Products” above.

 

Our research and development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were RMB22.5 million, RMB19.4 million, and RMB 39.4 million (US$6.0 million), respectively.

 

4.B.7 Intellectual Property

 

We expect that we may, in the future, rely more on patents to protect our proprietary technology. While we have previously sought patent protection only in China, we have acquired intellectual property outside China and may opportunistically seek patents to protect our innovations in jurisdictions outside China in the future.

 

In China, patents relating to pharmaceutical inventions are effective for 20 years from the date the patent application is filed.

 

We currently own five issued PRC patents relating to:

 

·   the composition of matter of TPIAO, expiring in 2015;

 

·   a method of manufacturing TPIAO, expiring in 2020;

 

·   a method and application thereof relating to our manufacturing processes, expiring in 2021;

 

·   the composition of matter of pegylated-uricase expiring in 2022, and

 

·   a formulation of EPIAO, expiring in 2023;

 

We have filed one pending PRC patent application related to the manufacturing of a novel erythropoiesis stimulating protein analogue. In addition, we have acquired a United State patent related to the composition of matter of pegylated-uricase expiring in 2021, and licensed PRC, Hong Kong and Taiwan patents related to voclosporin expiring in 2022.

 

We are aware of intellectual property rights held by third parties that relate to products or technologies we are developing. For example, we are aware of certain patents held by some third parties that may relate to our TPIAO product and pegylated uricase. We believe, as to any claim in the respective patents, that we either do not infringe the claim of the patent or that the claim is invalid. While the validity of issued patents, patentability of pending patent applications and applicability of any of them to our programs are uncertain, if asserted against us, any related patent rights could adversely affect our ability to commercialize our products.

 

We own 11 registered trademarks relating to EPIAO, TPIAO, Intefen and Inleusin.

 

We also rely on trade secrets, proprietary know-how and continuing technological innovation to develop and maintain a competitive position in our product areas. We generally require our employees, consultants and advisors to enter into confidentiality agreements. These agreements provide that all confidential information developed or made known to the individual during the course of the individual’s relationship with us is to be kept confidential and not disclosed to third parties except under specific circumstances. In the case of our employees, the agreements provide that all of the technology which is conceived by the individual during the course of employment is our exclusive property. The development of our technology and many of our processes are dependent upon the knowledge, experience and skills of key scientific and technical personnel. Further, as a matter of company policy, all scientific and technical employees have entered into agreements that generally require disclosure and assignment to us of ideas, developments, discoveries and inventions made by them. However, these agreements may not effectively prevent disclosure of our confidential information or provide meaningful protection for our confidential information if there is unauthorized use or disclosure.

 

The research, development and commercialization of a biopharmaceutical often involve alternative development

 

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and optimization routes, which are presented at various stages in the development process. The preferred routes cannot be predicted at the outset of a research and development program because they will depend upon subsequent discoveries and test results. There are numerous third-party patents in our field, and it is possible that to pursue the preferred development route of one or more of our products we will need to obtain a license to a patent, which would decrease the ultimate profitability of the applicable product. If we cannot negotiate a license, we might have to pursue a less desirable development route or terminate the program altogether. PRC patent and trademark laws are discussed in greater detail in 4.B.11-c.1 PRC patent law and 4.B.11-c.2 Trademarks.

 

We cannot assure you that any of our intellectual properties will be able to provide us with meaningful protection or commercial advantages. Despite any measures we take to protect our intellectual property, no assurance can be made that unauthorized parties will not attempt to copy aspects of our products, manufacturing processes or our proprietary technology or to otherwise obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. The protection of intellectual property rights and proprietary information in China may not be as effective as in the United States or other countries. For example, implementation and enforcement of PRC intellectual property-related laws have historically been deficient and ineffective and may be hampered by corruption and local protectionism. Policing unauthorized use of proprietary technology is difficult and expensive, and we might need to resort to litigation to enforce or defend patents issued to us or to determine the enforceability, scope and validity of our proprietary rights or those of others. The experience and capabilities of PRC courts in handling intellectual property litigation varies, and outcomes are unpredictable. Further, such litigation may require significant expenditure of cash and management efforts and could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

To date, we have not been involved in any significant intellectual property disputes or encountered major difficulties in enforcing our intellectual property rights in China.

 

See “4.B.11-c Intellectual Property” for general discussions on the intellectual property regulations in the Chinese pharmaceutical industry.

 

Our license agreement with Panacor Bioscience Limited (“Panacor”), a Taiwanese biopharmaceutical company, granted us a license to the patent rights and know-how of ferric compounds or Nephoxil®, as announced in early 2010. Subsequently, however, the Taiwanese regulatory authorities did not approve the related upfront equity investment in Panacor.

 

4.B.8 Manufacturing

 

Our Shenyang-based manufacturing operations consist of bulk manufacturing and formulation, fill and finish activities for the production of EPIAO, TPIAO, Intefen, Inleusin and other product candidates for both clinical and commercial purposes. We also manufacture our product candidates for clinical trials at this facility. All fill, finish and packaging activities in relation to our domestic sales are conducted at our Shenyang facility. A portion of our exported products are packaged in our Shenyang facility, and the rest is shipped overseas in bulk format as concentrated solutions of recombinant human erythropoietin, interferon alpha-2a or interleukin-2 and finished and packaged locally. Our Shenyang facilities are certified in accordance with Chinese current GMP, and the GMP certificates are valid for five years, currently through 2015. We specialize in manufacturing proteins with mammalian expression systems, although we are capable of manufacturing with bacterial expression systems.

 

We generally produce our products based on quarterly order forecasts and anticipated additional orders that we are reasonably confident will be obtained. Lead times for raw materials and components vary and depend on the specific supplier and the availability and demand for the raw materials. Raw materials and supplies are generally available from various suppliers in quantities adequate to meet our needs. However, we have single-source suppliers for some components and value-added steps, including EPO Elisa Kit by R&D systems Inc, GIBCO cell culture medium by Invitrogen Inc., Pharmacia chromatography purification medium by GE Healthcare, a division of GE, and Disc, a microcarrier for cell cultures, by New Brunswick  Scientific Inc.

 

We have not experienced any disruptions in the supply of these raw materials in the past. Unlike in the United States, we do not need SFDA approval to change suppliers. In the event that any one of these supply arrangements or agreements is terminated or the ability of any one of these suppliers to perform under our agreements were to be materially adversely affected, we believe that we will be able to locate, qualify and enter into an agreement with a new supplier on a timely basis. We maintain long-term relationships with most of our suppliers and place orders from these suppliers from time to time on an as-needed basis.

 

We expect that our existing manufacturing facilities and outside sources will allow us to meet manufacturing needs for our commercial products and other products that are in clinical trials.

 

As part of our overall strategy to increase our manufacturing capacity, we have completed construction of new manufacturing facilities in early 2010. Our new facilities will support the future growth of EPIAO and TPIAO in China, and serve as a key step towards exploring global biosimilar opportunities.

 

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4.B.8.1 Quality Control and Assurance

 

We have our own independent quality control system and devote significant attention to quality control for the designing, manufacturing and testing of our products. We have established a quality control system in accordance with SFDA regulations. Our laboratories fully comply with the Chinese GMP guidelines and are staffed with highly educated and skilled technicians to ensure quality of all batches of product release. We implemented European Pharmacopoeia 2002 version on quality control in 2004.  European Pharmacopeia of the Council of Europe is a wide range of active substances and excipients used to prepare pharmaceutical products in Europe.

 

Our quality assurance team is also responsible for ensuring that we are in compliance with all applicable regulations, standards and internal policies. Our senior management team is actively involved in setting quality policies and managing internal and external quality performance.

 

4.B.9  Facilities

 

Our state-of-art manufacturing facilities are located in the Shenyang Economy & Technology Development Zone, where, after the completion of new facilities, we own four buildings with an aggregate of approximately 28,692 square meters of office, research and development, and manufacturing space. Our facilities in Shenyang consist of three separate divisions capable of producing bulk products, including bacterial expressed proteins and mammalian expressed proteins, and formulating final products. Our manufacturing facilities are equipped with state-of-art and top-line branded equipment, such as bioreactors, centrifuges, chromatography systems and lyophilizers. We own all of our manufacturing facilities in Shenyang. Please refer to “4.B.8 Manufacturing” for productive capacity, products, and other information.  Our manufacturing facilities are compliant with Chinese environmental regulations.

 

In early 2010, we completed building new manufacturing facilities in Shenyang.  We commenced construction in November 2007, and have expended, including contracted amounts that are not yet paid, approximately RMB163 million as of December 31, 2010 for this construction project, inclusive of related machinery and equipment.  The new facilities are estimated to increase our manufacturing capacity by approximately four times, subject to actual conditions and operating parameters.  We have funded such capital expenditures with a combination of cash generated from operating activities and proceeds from our initial public offering in February 2007.

 

We have leased office space used for local sales and services in various cities of China.

 

The following table contains information concerning our significant real properties, all owned by us through Shenyang Sunshine:

 

Location

 

General Character, Size and Use of Property

 

 

 

 

 

Shenyang, China

 

approximately 28,692 square meters, used for office, manufacturing, and research and development.

 

 

 

 

 

Shenyang, China

 

400 square meters, used for general corporate purposes.

 

 

 

 

 

Beijing, China

 

1,000 square meters, used for sales and marketing.and corporate purposes

 

 

We believe that our facilities and equipment are in good working condition.

 

4.B.10 Employees

 

We had 483, 550 and 718 employees as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The following table sets forth the number of our employees categorized by function as of December 31, 2010:

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

Manufacturing and services

 

181

 

Research and development

 

25

 

General and administration

 

105

 

Marketing and sales

 

407

 

Total

 

718

 

 

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From time to time, we may also employ independent contractors to support our marketing and sales and clinical support and research. We may hire additional employees for marketing and sales, customer service, manufacturing and assembly as we grow our business.  We have a labor union in accordance with Chinese law and practice, and we consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

 

In accordance with applicable regulations in the PRC, we participate in a pension contribution plan, a medical insurance plan, an unemployment insurance plan and a personal injury insurance plan for our employees. We have made adequate provisions in accordance with applicable regulations, amounting to RMB3.3 million, RMB3.9 million and RMB5.2 million (US$0.8 million) for year 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.

 

Also, in accordance with PRC regulations, we make annual contributions towards a housing fund, a supplemental medical insurance fund and a maternity fund.

 

4.B.11 Regulations

 

The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated in the PRC. This section summarizes the principal PRC regulations related to our business.

 

4.B.11-a Regulatory Authorities

 

In the PRC, the SFDA, is the authority that monitors and supervises the administration of pharmaceutical products, medical appliances and equipment as well as food, health food and cosmetics. The SFDA’s predecessor, the State Drug Administration, or the SDA, was established on August 19, 1998 as an organization under the State Council to assume the responsibilities previously handled by the MOH, the State Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau of the PRC and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the PRC. The SFDA was founded in March 2003 to replace the SDA and reported to the State Council until the MOH was reorganized and assumed administrative responsibility for the SFDA in March 2008.

 

The primary responsibilities of the SFDA include:

 

·                  monitoring and supervising the administration of pharmaceutical products, medical appliances and equipment as well as food, health food and cosmetics in the PRC;

·                  formulating administrative rules and policies concerning the supervision and administration of food, health food, cosmetics and the pharmaceutical industry;

·                  evaluating, registering and approving of new drugs, generic drugs, imported drugs and traditional Chinese medicine;

·                  approving and issuing permits for the manufacture and export/import of pharmaceutical products, medical appliances and equipment and approving the establishment of enterprises to be engaged in the manufacture and distribution of pharmaceutical products; and

·                  examining and evaluating the safety of food, health food and cosmetics and handling significant accidents involving these products.

 

The MOH is a ministerial-level authority under the State Council and is primarily responsible for national public health. Following the establishment of the SFDA in 2003, the MOH was put in charge of the overall administration of the national health system in the PRC excluding the pharmaceutical industry.  In March 2008, the MOH was reorganized and assumed administrative responsibility for the SFDA. The MOH performs a variety of tasks in relation to the health industry such as establishing social medical institutes, promulgating national regulations, and producing professional codes of ethics for public medical personnel. The MOH is also responsible for international issues, such as those pertinent to foreign companies and governments, and NGOs.

 

Other than SFDA and MOH, certain aspects of our operations may also come under the jurisdiction of other government authorities at various levels such as NDRC.

 

4.B.11-b.1 Drug Administration General

 

Drug administration laws and regulations

 

The PRC Drug Administration Law as promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in 1984 and the Implementing Measures of the PRC Drug Administration Law as promulgated by the MOH in 1989 have laid down the legal framework for the establishment of pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises, pharmaceutical trading

 

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enterprises and for the administration of pharmaceutical products including the development and manufacturing of new drugs and medicinal preparations by medical institutions. The PRC Drug Administration Law also regulates the packaging, trademarks and the advertisements of pharmaceutical products in the PRC.

 

Certain revisions to the PRC Drug Administration Law took effect on December 1, 2001. They were formulated to strengthen the supervision and administration of pharmaceutical products, and to ensure the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products for human use. This revised PRC Drug Administration Law applies to entities and individuals engaged in the development, production, trade, application, supervision and administration of pharmaceutical products. It regulates and prescribes a framework for the administration of pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmaceutical trading companies, medicinal preparations of medical institutions and the research, development, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, pricing and advertisements of pharmaceutical products.

 

The PRC Drug Administration Implementation Regulations promulgated by the State Council took effect on September 15, 2002 which provides detailed implementation regulations for the revised PRC Drug Administration Law.

 

4.B.11-b.2 Medicine Approval and Manufacturing

 

Examination and approval of new medicines

 

In October 2002, the SFDA promulgated the Administrative Measures on the Registration of Pharmaceutical Products, which were later revised on February 28, 2005 and subsequently replaced by the new Administrative Measures on the Registration of Pharmaceutical Products on October 1, 2007. Under the current regulations, new medicines generally refer to those medicines that have not yet been marketed in the PRC. In addition, certain marketed medicines may also be treated as new medicines if the type or application method of such medicines has been changed or new therapeutic functions have been added to such medicines. According to the Administrative Measures on the Registration of Pharmaceutical Products, the approval of new medicines requires the following steps:

 

·                  Upon completion of the pre-clinical research of the new medicine, application for registration of the new medicine shall be submitted to the drug regulatory authorities at the provincial level for review. After completion of their review, such drug regulatory authorities shall submit their opinion and report to the SFDA for review;

·                  If all the requirements are complied with, the SFDA will issue a notice of acceptance of application and proceed with its assessment on whether or not to grant the approval for conducting the clinical research on the new medicine;

·                  After obtaining the SFDA’s approval for conducting the clinical research, the applicant may proceed with the relevant clinical research (which is generally conducted in three phases for a new medicine) at institutions with appropriate qualification:

 

·                  Phase I refers to the preliminary clinical trial for clinical pharmacology and body safety. It is conducted to observe the human body tolerance for new medicine and pharmacokinetics, so as to provide a basis for determining the prescription plan;

·                  Phase II refers to the stage of preliminary evaluation of clinical effectiveness. The purpose is to preliminarily evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of the medicine used on patients with targeted indication, as well as to provide a basis for determining the Phase III clinical trial research plan and the dosage under the prescription plan; and

·                  Phase III is a clinical trial stage to verify the clinical effectiveness. The purpose is to test and determine the clinical effectiveness and safety of the medicine used on patients with targeted indication, to evaluate the benefits and risks thereof, and, eventually, to provide sufficient basis for review of the medicine registration application.

 

·                  After completion of the relevant clinical research, the applicant shall submit its clinical research report together with the relevant supporting documents to the drug regulatory authorities at the provincial level and shall provide raw materials of the standard products to the PRC National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products;

·                  The drug regulatory authorities at the provincial level shall then review the relevant documents, conduct site inspections and sample examinations and thereafter submit their opinion, inspection report and other application materials to the SFDA for review;

·                  The PRC National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products will arrange for the examination of the sample new drug supplied by the relevant medicine examination institutes and will then issue the examination result report to the SFDA; and

·                  If all the regulatory requirements are satisfied, the SFDA will grant a new drug certificate and a

 

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pharmaceutical approval number (assuming the applicant has a valid pharmaceutical manufacturing permit and the requisite production conditions for the new medicine have been met).

 

Permits and licenses for manufacturing and registration of drugs

 

Production License. To manufacture pharmaceutical products in the PRC, a pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprise must first obtain a pharmaceutical manufacturing permit issued by the relevant pharmaceutical administrative authorities at the provincial level where the enterprise is located. Among other things, such a permit must set forth the permit number, the name, legal representative and registered address of the enterprise, the site and scope of production, issuing institution, date of issuance and effective period.

 

Each pharmaceutical manufacturing permit issued to a pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprise is effective for a period of five years. Any enterprise holding a pharmaceutical manufacturing permit is subject to review by the relevant regulatory authorities on an annual basis. The enterprise is required to apply for renewal of such permit within six months prior to its expiry and will be subject to reassessment by the issuing authorities in accordance with the then prevailing legal and regulatory requirements for the purposes of such renewal.

 

Business Licenses. In addition to a pharmaceutical manufacturing permit, the manufacturing enterprise must also obtain a business license from the administrative bureau of industry and commerce at the local level after it has obtained the requisite pharmaceutical manufacturing permit. The name, legal representative and registered address of the enterprise specified in the business license must be identical to that set forth in the pharmaceutical manufacturing permit.

 

Registration of Pharmaceutical Products. All pharmaceutical products that are produced in the PRC must bear a registered number issued by the SFDA, with the exception of Chinese herbs and Chinese herbal medicines in soluble form. The pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises must obtain the medicine registration number before manufacturing any medicine.

 

GMP Certificates. The World Health Organization encourages the adoption of GMP standards in pharmaceutical production in order to minimize the risks involved in any pharmaceutical production that cannot be eliminated through testing the final products.

 

China’s Guidelines on Good Manufacturing Practices for Pharmaceuticals, as amended in 2010, or the Guidelines, took effect on March 1, 2011 and set the basic standards for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. The Guidelines cover issues such as production facilities, qualification of staff at the management level, production plant and facilities, documentation, material packaging and labeling, inspection, production management, sales and return of products and customers’ complaints. On September 7, 2005, the SFDA issued the revised Administrative Measures on Accreditation of Good Manufacturing Practice for Pharmaceuticals, which stipulates the procedures of GMP accreditation, including documents and materials to be submitted to the SFDA or to the relevant drug regulatory authorities at the provincial level and on-site and follow-up examinations to be conducted by the relevant SFDA agencies. Each GMP certificate is valid for a term of five years and application for renewal must be submitted six months prior to its expiration date.

 

4.B.11-b.3  Distribution

 

Distribution of pharmaceutical products

 

According to the PRC Drug Administration Law and its implementing regulations and the Measures for Supervision and Administration of Distribution of Pharmaceutical Products, a manufacturer of pharmaceutical products in the PRC can only engage in the trading of the pharmaceutical products that the manufacturer has produced itself. In addition, such manufacturer can only sell its products to:

 

·                  wholesalers and retailers holding pharmaceutical trading permits;

 

·                  other holders of pharmaceutical manufacturing permits; or

 

·                  medical practitioners holding medical institution practice permits.

 

A pharmaceutical manufacturer in the PRC is prohibited from selling its products to end-users, or any individuals or entities other than holders of pharmaceutical trading permits, pharmaceutical manufacturing permits or medical institution practice permits.

 

The granting of a pharmaceutical trading permit to wholesalers shall be subject to approval of the relevant drug regulatory authorities at the provincial level, while the granting of pharmaceutical trading permit to retailers shall be subject to the approval of the relevant drug regulatory authorities above the county level. Unless otherwise expressly approved, no pharmaceutical wholesaler may engage in the retail of pharmaceutical products, and neither may pharmaceutical retailers engage in wholesale distribution.

 

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A pharmaceutical distributor (including wholesalers and retailers) shall satisfy the following requirements:

 

·                  retaining qualified personnel with pharmaceutical expertise as required by the law;

 

·                  operating in business site, facilities, warehousing and sanitary environment compatible to the distributed pharmaceutical products;

 

·                  engaging quality management system and personnel compatible to the distributed pharmaceutical products; and

 

·                  complying with relevant rules and regulations to ensure the quality of the distributed pharmaceutical products.

 

Operations of pharmaceutical distributors shall be conducted in accordance with the Pharmaceutical Operation Quality Management Rules and shall be granted a certificate under such rules by the SFDA.

 

Pharmaceutical distributors must keep true and complete records of any pharmaceutical products purchased, distributed or sold with the generic name of such products, specification, approval code, term, manufacturer, purchasing or selling party, price and date of purchase or sale. A pharmaceutical distributor must keep such record until one year after the expiry date of such products and in any case, such record must be kept for no less than three years. Penalties may be imposed for any violation of record-keeping.

 

Pharmaceutical distributors can only distribute pharmaceutical products obtained from those with a pharmaceutical manufacturing permit and a pharmaceutical trading permit.

 

Restrictions on foreign ownership in pharmaceutical wholesale and retail businesses

 

Under Foreign Investment Industrial Guidance Catalogue, as amended, foreign investment in wholesale and retail sales and distribution of pharmaceutical products is restricted.

 

The Administration Rules on Foreign Investment in Sales and Distribution and related administrative pronouncements permit foreign companies to establish or invest in wholly-foreign-owned enterprises or joint ventures that engage in wholesale or retail sales of pharmaceutical products in China, subject to approvals from the SFDA and MOFCOM or the respective provincial level delegate agencies and certain review and filing requirements.

 

Price control

 

The administration of price control of pharmaceutical products is vested in the national and provincial price administration authorities. Depending on the categories of pharmaceutical products in question, the prices of pharmaceutical products listed in the State Basic Medical Insurance, Work Injury Insurance, and Maternity Insurance Drug Catalogue, as amended, or Catalogue, drugs with patents and other drugs whose production or trading may constitute monopolies are subject to the control of the National Development and Reform Commission of the PRC and the relevant provincial or local price administration authorities. In respect of pharmaceutical products manufactured in the PRC, the national price administration authority from time to time publishes price control lists setting out the names of pharmaceutical products and their respective price ceilings. The provincial price administration authorities also publish price control lists in respect of the pharmaceutical products which are manufactured within their respective areas. The main purpose of the price control policy is to set an upper limit to the prices of pharmaceutical products to prevent excessive increases in the prices of such products. Pursuant to the Measures for Medicine Pricing by the Government, the price ceiling is determined mainly by reference to the quality of the product, whether it is a newly developed product, and the status of implementing the GMP Guidelines by its manufacturer.

 

The prices of pharmaceutical products included in the price control lists are subject to adjustment upon approval by the price administration authorities from time to time. Pharmaceutical enterprises in the PRC are required to submit cost related information such as raw material prices regularly to the relevant price administration authorities, so that the authorities could take into account the market conditions when setting the prices. The price administration authorities may approve adjustments to the prices upon request if material changes in production costs or significant changes in demand for these pharmaceutical products are recognized.

 

Competitive bidding

 

In each province where we market our products, we participate in a government-sponsored competitive bidding process every year or every few years for procurement by state-owned hospitals of medicines included in the provincial medicine catalogs. A government-appointed committee reviews bids submitted and selects one or more medicines for treatment of a particular medical condition. The selection is based on a number of factors, including bid price, quality of the product and manufacturer’s reputation and service.  The bid price of the selected medicine will become the purchase

 

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price of that medicine to be paid by all state-owned hospitals in the relevant province or local district. This bidding mechanism was first instituted in 2004 and has been adopted across China, with provincial variations.

 

4.B.11-b.4 Key Certificates and Permits

 

Shenyang Sunshine’s current pharmaceutical manufacturing permit was issued by Liaoning FDA on January 1, 2011 and will expire on December 31, 2015. Shenyang Sunshine’s current GMP certificate in relation to TPIAO was issued by the SFDA on June 12, 2010 and will expire on July 11, 2015. Shenyang Sunshine’s current GMP certificate in relation to EPIAO and our legacy products was issued by the SFDA on February 10, 2010 and will expire on February 9, 2015.  Liaoning Sunshine’s current pharmaceutical trading permit was issued by Liaoning FDA on December 30, 2009 and will expire on December 29, 2014. Liaoning Sunshine’s current certificate for good operation management practice, or GSP certificate, in relation to pharmaceutical wholesales was issued by Liaoning FDA on December 8, 2008 and will expire on December 7, 2013.

 

4.B.11-b.5 Consumer and Government Insurance Reimbursement

 

Product liability

 

In addition to the strict new drug approval process, certain PRC laws have been promulgated to protect the rights of consumers and to strengthen the control of medical products in the PRC.

 

Under current PRC law, manufacturers and vendors of defective products in the PRC may incur liability for loss and injury caused by such products. Pursuant to the General Principles of the Civil Law of the PRC, or the PRC Civil Law, promulgated on April 12, 1986, as amended in 2009, a defective product which causes property damage or physical injury to any person may subject the manufacturer or vendor of such product to civil liability for such damage or injury.

 

On February 22, 1993, the Product Quality Law of the PRC, or the Product Quality Law, was promulgated to supplement the PRC Civil Law aiming to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the end-users and consumers and to strengthen the supervision and control of the quality of products. The Product Quality Law was revised by the Ninth National People’s Congress on July 8, 2000. Pursuant to the Product Quality Law, manufacturers who produce defective products may be subject to civil or criminal liability and have their business licenses revoked.

 

On October 31, 1993, the PRC Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Consumers, or the Consumers Protection Law, was promulgated, which provides further protection to the legal rights and interests of consumers in connection with the purchase or use of goods and services. Under this law, in addition to other damages and compensations, any company engaged in fraudulent conduct in connection with services and goods supplied, at the request of the aggrieved consumer, may be liable for an incremental damage equal to the amount paid for such service or goods. At present, all business operations must observe and comply with the Consumers Protection Law when they provide their goods and/or consumer services.

 

On December 26, 2009, the PRC Tort Liability Law, or the Tort Liability Law, was promulgated, and took effect on July 1, 2010. The Tort Liability Law provides basis for a variety of tort claims resulted from defective products, motor accidents, medical malpractice, environmental pollution, and highly dangerous activities and animals. In particular, according to the Tort Liability Law, where any producer or seller knowingly produces or sells defective products that cause death or serious injury to the health of others, the injured party may claim appropriate punitive damages.

 

Government Medical Insurance Coverage

 

China has a complex government-sponsored medical insurance system that is currently undergoing reform. Generally, once those covered by medical insurance have paid for medical services, they may seek available reimbursement according to applicable medical insurance programs in which they participate. For public servants and others covered by the 1989 Administrative Measure on State Provision of Healthcare, the PRC government currently either fully or partially reimburses medical expenses for certain approved treatment services. Urban residents in China that are not covered by the 1989 Administrative Measure on State Provision of Healthcare are generally covered by one of two nationwide public medical insurance schemes, which are the Urban personnel basic medical insurance program launched in 1998 and the Urban Residents Basic Medical Insurance Program launched in 2007. Rural residents in China are generally covered under a New Rural Cooperative Medical Program launched in 2003.

 

The Urban personnel basic medical insurance program which mainly covers employed urban residents, fully or partially reimburses urban workers for certain approved treatments services. The Urban personnel basic medical insurance program is funded by the mandatory medical insurance contribution by employees and their employers and the contribution rates vary based on the economic development status and individual income level of different regions. All of

 

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the employee’s contribution and a small portion of the employer’s contribution are allocated to the individual’s reimbursement account, and the remaining portion of the employer’s contribution is aggregated into a social medical expense pool. Participants of the Urban personnel basic medical insurance program may seek reimbursement from both the individual account and the social medical expense pool up to the stipulated reimbursement caps.

 

Urban residents who are not covered by the Urban personnel basic medical insurance program such as students, children and other non-employees, may voluntarily participate in the Urban Residents Basic Medical Insurance Program on a per family’s basis. The Urban Residents Basic Medical Insurance Program is mainly funded by the monthly contributions of each participating family and a fixed amount of annual government subsidies for each individual participant, all of which can be aggregated into a social medical expense pool. There is no specific requirement or guidance from the central government. Local governments separately determine the respective reimbursement policy. Individual participants of the Urban Residents Basic Medical Insurance Program may seek reimbursement from the social medical expense pool up to the stipulated reimbursement cap.

 

Rural residents can voluntarily participate in the New Rural Cooperative Medical Program on a per family basis. The New Rural Cooperative Medical Program is mainly funded by the monthly contribution of each participating family and a fixed amount of government subsidies for each individual participant, all of which can be aggregated into a social medical expense pool. The individual participants of the New Rural Cooperative Medical Program may seek reimbursement from the social medical expense pool up to the stipulated reimbursement cap.

 

In general, for participants who are covered by the Urban Residents Basic Medical Insurance Program and the New Rural Cooperative Medical Program, the types of medical treatments covered are generally set with reference to the policy for urban personnel in the same region of the country. However, the reimbursement levels for covered medical expenses for urban non-employees and rural residents, which vary widely from region to region and treatment to treatment, are generally lower than those for urban employees in the same region.

 

According to the Opinions by the Central Committee of Communist Party of China and the State Council concerning Further Reforms of Medical and Health Care System and the Implementation Plan for the Recent Priorities of the Health Care System Reform (2009-2011), the Chinese government is now planning to strengthen and develop the social medical insurance system through, among others, expanding the coverage of medical insurance programs, increasing the government subsidies for the Urban Residents Basic Medical Insurance Program and the New Rural Cooperative Medical Program and increasing the reimbursement caps for the social medical expense pools of the three medical insurance programs.

 

Urban personnel basic medical insurance program

 

According to the State Council Decision on the Establishment of the Basic Medical Insurance System of Personnel in Cities and Townships promulgated by the State Council in December 1998, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security assumed the responsibilities for the reform of the medical insurance system. As part of the reform of the state basic medical insurance system for employees in the urban areas, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, the MOH, the SDFA and various other governmental departments jointly issued the State Basic Medical Insurance, Work Injury Insurance, and Maternity Insurance Drug Catalogue, or the Catalogue, with a view to enhancing the management of the use of drugs under the medical insurance system. The drugs listed in the Catalogue are covered by the Urban Personnel Basic Medical Insurance Program, or Program.

 

— Reimbursement under the urban personnel basic medical insurance program

 

The Ministry of Labor and Social Security, together with other government authorities, determines which medicines are to be included in or removed from the Catalogue for the Program, and under which category a medicine should fall, both of which affect the amounts reimbursable to program participants for their purchases of those medicines. These determinations are based on a number of factors, including whether the medicine is consumed in large quantities and commonly prescribed for clinical use, and whether the medicine is considered to be important in meeting the basic healthcare needs of the general public. A program participant can be reimbursed for the full cost of a Category A medicine and 80 to 90% of the cost of a Category B medicine. Although it is designated as a national program, the implementation of the Program is delegated to various provincial governments, each of which has established its own medicine catalog. A provincial government must include all Category A medicines listed in the Catalogue in its provincial medicine catalog, but may use its discretion based on its own selection criteria to add other medicines to, or exclude Category B medicines listed in the Catalogue from, its provincial medicine catalog, so long as the combined numbers of the medicines added and excluded do not exceed 15% of the number of the Category B medicines listed in the Catalogue. In addition, provincial governments may not downgrade a nationally classified Category A medicine to Category B.

 

According to the national guideline as issued by the State Council, the total amount of reimbursement for the cost

 

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of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, in addition to other medical expenses, for an individual program participant in a calendar year is generally capped at four times the local average annual salary level; all the costs below the reimbursement threshold and a percentage above the threshold need to be paid from the individual account, with the other portions paid from the social medical expense pool. The amount in a participant’s account varies, depending upon the amount of contributions made by the participant and his or her employer. Generally, program participants who are from relatively wealthier eastern parts of China or metropolitan cities have greater amounts in their accounts than those from less developed areas.

 

While inclusion of a medicine in the Catalogue or the provincial medical catalogues may improve the sales volume of the medicine, a selected medicine generally is subject to various price controls, including fixed retail price or retail price ceiling, and periodical government-imposed price adjustments.

 

National Essential Drugs Registry

 

In August 2009, the PRC Ministry of Health released the National Essential Drugs Registry, or Registry, which includes 307 medicines selected with a view towards meeting the basic requirements of medical care in China. None of our products is included in the Registry.  The Administration Measures for National Essential Drugs Registry (Tentative Implementation) was promulgated to accompany the Registry.  Eligible participants in the government-sponsored medical insurance programs are entitled to reimbursement for varying percentages of the cost of the medicines that are included in the Registry.  All the medicines in the Registry are subject to the government price control.

 

Prescription regulations

 

As announced by Ministry of Health, the Prescription Administrative Measures,  took effect on May 1, 2007, which stipulates that doctors may only use the generic names of drugs in their prescriptions instead of brand names and that medical institutions may offer patients the same type of drug from no more than two separate pharmaceutical companies. The purpose of this regulation is to combat the practice of doctors receiving kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies for prescribing higher priced, or even unneeded, drugs to patients.

 

4.B.11-c  Intellectual Property

 

4.B.11-c.1 PRC patent law

 

The PRC government first allowed patents for the protection of proprietary rights, as set forth in the 1985 China Patent Law (revised on December 27, 2008, effective as of October 1, 2009). Pharmaceutical inventions were not patentable under the China Patent Law until 1994. Patents relating to pharmaceutical inventions are effective for 20 years from the date the patent application is filed.

 

Patent prosecution

 

The Chinese patent prosecution system is different from the United States system in a number of ways. The Chinese patent system, like most countries other than the United States, adopts the principle of “first to file.” This means that, where more than one person files a patent application for the same invention, a patent will be granted to the person who first filed the application. The United States uses a principle of first to discover to determine the granting of patents. In addition, the PRC requires absolute novelty in order for an invention to be patentable. Pursuant to this requirement, any prior written or oral publication, demonstration or use before filing the patent application prevents an invention from being patented in the PRC. Conversely, inventors in the United States have a one year grace period after publication of the invention in which they may file a patent. Patents issued in the PRC are not enforceable in Hong Kong, Taiwan or Macau, each of which has independent patent systems. Patents are filed at the State Intellectual Property Office, or SIPO, in Beijing.

 

Patent enforcement

 

A patent holder who believes the patent is being infringed may either file a civil legal suit or file an administrative complaint with a provincial or municipal office of SIPO. A PRC court may issue a preliminary injunction upon the patent holder’s or an interested party’s request before instituting any legal proceedings or during the proceedings. Damages for infringement are calculated as: (1) the loss actually suffered by the patent holder arising from the infringement; (2) if such actual loss cannot be ascertained, the benefit gained by the infringing party from the infringement;  (3) if such actual loss or benefit cannot be ascertained, a reasonable amount by reference to certain times of the patent’s license fees; or (4) if damages cannot be established by method (1) through (3), statutory damages in the range from RMB10,000 to RMB1,000,000 to be imposed by the court. The reasonable costs expended by the patent holder to cause infringement to cease are required to be added to the amount calculated under (1) through (3) above.

 

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As in other jurisdictions, with one notable exception, the patent holder in the PRC has the burden of proving that the patent is being infringed. However, if the holder of a manufacturing process patent alleges infringement of such patent, the alleged infringing party has the burden of proving that there has been no infringement.

 

Compulsory license

 

Pursuant to the PRC Patent Law, as amended, the SIPO may, on the basis of the application of any entity or individual that is qualified to exploit an invention patent or utility model patent, grant a compulsory license to any such entity or individual if: (1) where, within three years of the date on which the patent right is granted and within four years of the date of patent application, the patent owner has not exploited the patent,  or not done so adequately, without any reasonable justification; or (2) where, the patent owner’s act of exploitation of the patent is held in accordance with law to be monopolistic and it is necessary to grant the compulsory license to remove or reduce any anti-competitive and adverse effect.

 

Under the PRC Patent Law, as amended, for public health purposes, the SIPO may grant a compulsory license for manufacturing patented medicines and exporting them to countries or regions which comply with the provisions of relevant international treaties acceded to by the PRC.

 

A compulsory license can also be granted where a national emergency or any extraordinary state of affairs occurs or where the public interest so requires. We do not believe a compulsory license has yet been granted by the SIPO.

 

International patent treaties

 

The PRC is also a signatory to all major intellectual property conventions, including Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, Madrid Agreement on the International Registration of Marks and Madrid Protocol, Patent Cooperation Treaty, Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, or TRIPs.

 

Although patent rights are national rights, there is also a large degree of international cooperation under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, or the PCT, to which China is a signatory. Under the PCT, applicants in one country can seek patent protection for an invention simultaneously in a number of other member countries by filing a single international patent application. The fact that a patent application is pending is no guarantee that a patent will be granted, and even if granted, the scope of a patent may not be as broad as the subject of the initial application.

 

4.B.11-c.2 Trademarks

 

The PRC Trademark Law was promulgated in 1982, followed by the PRC Trademark Implementing Regulations in 1988, and was amended on October 27, 2001. As noted above, the PRC is signatory to the Madrid Agreement and the Madrid Protocol. These agreements provide a mechanism whereby an international registration produces the same effects as an application for registration of the mark made in each of the countries designated by the applicant.

 

The PRC Trademark Office is responsible for the registration and administration of trademarks throughout the country. Like patents, the PRC has adopted a “first-to-file” principle with respect to trademarks.

 

PRC law provides that the following acts constitute infringement of the exclusive right to use a registered trademark:

 

·                  use of a trademark that is identical with or similar to a registered trademark in respect of the same or similar commodities without the authorization of the trademark registrant;

 

·                  sale of commodities infringing upon the exclusive right to use the trademark;

 

·                  counterfeiting or making, without authorization, representations of a registered trademark of another person, or sale of such representations of a registered trademark as were counterfeited, or made without authorization;

 

·                  changing a registered trademark and putting commodities on which the changed registered trademark is used into the market without the consent of the trademark registrant; and

 

·                  otherwise infringing upon the exclusive right of another person to use a registered trademark.

 

In the PRC, a trademark owner who believes the trademark is being infringed has three options:

 

·                  The trademark owner can provide his trademark registration certificate and other relevant evidence to the State or local administrative bureau of industry and commerce (“AIC”) which can, at its discretion, launch an investigation. The AIC may take such actions as order the infringer to immediately cease the infringing behavior, seize and destroy the representations of the trademark in question and impose a fine. If the trademark owner is dissatisfied with the AIC’s decision, he may apply to have the decision reconsidered.

 

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·                  The trademark owner may institute civil proceedings directly with a court. Civil redress for trademark infringement includes:

 

·                  injunctions;

 

·                  requiring the infringer to take steps to mitigate the damage (i.e., print notices in newspapers); and

 

·                  damages (i.e; compensation for the economic loss and injury to reputation as a result of trademark infringement suffered by the trademark holder).

 

·                  The amount of compensation is calculated according to either the gains acquired by the infringer from the infringement or the loss suffered by the trademark owner, including expenses incurred by the trademark holder to deter such infringement. If it is difficult to determine the gains acquired by the infringer from the infringement, or the loss suffered by the trademark owner, the court may elect to award compensation of not more than RMB500,000.

 

·                  If the case is so serious as to constitute a crime, the trademark owner may lodge a complaint with the relevant public security organ.

 

4.B.11-c.3 Administrative protection and monitoring periods for new drugs

 

In April 1999, the SFDA promulgated the Regulations for New Drug Protection and Related Technology Transfer, or the 1999 Regulations, which provided a six to 12 year administrative protection period for different categories of new drugs. During the protection period of a new drug manufactured by a specific pharmaceutical company, other enterprises or individuals are prohibited from manufacturing a similar drug or expanding the label of any existing drug to include the same indication. In December 2002, the 1999 Regulations were replaced by the Administrative Measures on the Registration of Pharmaceutical Products, or the 2002 Regulations, which were later revised in February 2005 and October 2007. However, according to an official notice of the SFDA, administrative protection periods granted prior to September 2002 pursuant to the 1999 Regulations will stay valid until their respective expiration dates.

 

According to the 2002 Regulations, as amended, with a view to protecting public health, the SFDA may provide for administrative monitoring periods of up to five years for new drugs approved to be manufactured, to continually monitor the safety of those new drugs. The key element in determining the availability and duration of the monitoring period is the safety of the new drug. The SFDA will consider, among other things, whether the new drug has been previously launched domestically or overseas, what type of new drug it is and what process and technology are involved in the production of the new drug.

 

During the monitoring period of a new drug, the SFDA will not approve any other enterprise’s application to manufacture or import a similar new drug. The only exception is that the SFDA will continue to handle any application if, prior to the commencement of the monitoring period, the SFDA has already approved the applicant’s clinical trial for a similar new drug. If such application conforms to the relevant provisions, the SFDA may approve such applicant to manufacture or import the similar new drug during the remainder of the monitoring period.

 

Any applicant who is not satisfied with the SFDA’s decision can appeal within 60 days of its receipt of the SFDA’s decision. If the applicant is dissatisfied with the result of the appeal, it may apply for an administrative review with a special committee consisting of senior officials of the SFDA or file an administrative lawsuit with a People’s Court in China.

 

EPIAO for anemia associated with chemotherapy in cancer patients with non-myeloid malignancies enjoyed exclusivity under a 6-year administrative protection period till September 2007. TPIAO for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia enjoyed exclusivity under a 5-year administrative protection period till May 2010.

 

4.B.11-d  PRC Enterprise Income Tax

 

The PRC government has provided various incentives to high technology companies in order to encourage development of the high technology industry and foreign investments. Such incentives include reduced tax rates and other measures.

 

On March 16, 2007, the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, was enacted.  Under the EIT Law, effective January 1, 2008, China adopted a uniform tax rate of 25% for all enterprises (including foreign-invested enterprises) and revoked the then current tax exemption, reduction and preferential treatments applicable to foreign-invested enterprises.

 

There is a transition period for enterprises, whether foreign-invested or domestic, that were receiving preferential tax treatments granted by relevant tax authorities at the time the EIT Law became effective. Enterprises that

 

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are subject to an enterprise income tax, or EIT, rate lower than 25% may continue to enjoy the lower rate and gradually transition to the new tax rate within five years after the effective date of the EIT Law. Enterprises that are currently entitled to exemptions or reductions from the standard income tax rate for a fixed term may continue to enjoy such treatment until the fixed term expires.

 

Preferential tax treatments will continue to be granted to industries and projects that are strongly supported and encouraged by the state, and enterprises otherwise classified as such “encouraged” high-tech enterprises will be entitled to a 15% EIT rate.  On April 14, 2008, the Measures for the Recognition and Administration of New and High-tech Enterprises, or the Measures, were promulgated jointly by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation and became retroactively effective from January 1, 2008. Under the Measures, the term “new- and high-tech enterprise” is defined as a resident enterprise that has been registered in the PRC (excluding Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan) for more than one year, conducts business in the new and high-tech fields encouraged by government as listed in an appendix to the Measures, continuously undertakes research and development and technology conversion, and relies on self-owned intellectual property rights as the basis of its business operation. Such new and high-tech enterprises may apply for tax incentives.

 

On December 5, 2008, Shenyang Sunshine obtained the “New and High Technology Enterprise” certificate that entitled it to a preferential EIT rate of 15%, which was effective retroactively from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010.  We are currently applying for, and expect to be able to receive, renewal of this certification. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain this certification through any future renewal applications, and cannot assure you that such preferential rate will continue in future periods.

 

Under the EIT law and the implementation rules issued by the State Council, PRC income tax is applicable to all dividends payable to: (1) investors that are “non-resident enterprises”, which do not have an establishment or place of business in the PRC, or which have such establishment or place of business but the relevant income is not effectively connected with the establishment or place of business, generally at the rate of 10% (subject to any applicable tax treaty), and (2) non-resident individual investors, at the individual rate of 20%, to the extent such dividends have their sources within the PRC. Similarly, any gain realized on the transfer of ADSs or ordinary shares by such investors is also subject to PRC income tax at the same rate if such gain is regarded as income derived from sources within the PRC.  Such taxes are subject to withholding (“WHT”).

 

Under the EIT Law and related regulations, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with “de facto management bodies” within the PRC is deemed a PRC resident enterprise and is subject to the EIT at the 25% statutory rate or any rate applicable to such resident enterprise on its worldwide income. The related regulations define the term “de facto management bodies” as “establishments that carry out substantial and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel, accounting, properties, etc. of an enterprise.” In April 2009, the PRC National Tax Administration issued Circular No. 82 “Issues concerning the Identification of China-controlled Overseas-incorporated Enterprise as Resident Enterprise on the Basis of the Standard of De Facto Management Bodies.”  This Circular limits the applicability of the tax residency determination employing the de facto management bodies standard to such enterprises incorporated outside China whose principal control investors are enterprises or enterprise groups within China.  While substantially all of our management functions are currently based in China, and will likely remain in China for the foreseeable future, we do not have any enterprise or enterprise group within China as our principal control investors.  Please see Item 7.A “Major Shareholders”.  We have not been taxed as a resident enterprise at any time since the promulgation of the EIT Law.  It remains, however, unclear whether PRC tax authorities would require or permit us to be treated as a PRC resident enterprise.

 

Risk and uncertainties as to residency

 

Notwithstanding the discussions above, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation, application and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations, including, that PRC National Tax Administration and local and other authorities may change their views on this issue in future.  See “3.D.3 — Our operations are subject to the uncertainty associated with the legal system in China, which could adversely affect our business, or limit the legal protection available to us or to existing or potential investors.

 

If we were deemed a PRC resident enterprise, we could be subject to the EIT at 25%, or any preferential rate, if obtained, on our global income, except that the dividends we receive from our PRC subsidiaries may be exempt from the EIT to the extent such dividends constitute “dividends among qualified PRC resident enterprises.”  It is, however, unclear what type of enterprises would be deemed a “qualified PRC resident enterprise” for such purposes.  If we were considered a resident enterprise and determined to have earned income other than exempted dividends from our PRC subsidiaries, the EIT on our global income could significantly increase our tax burden and materially and adversely affect

 

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our cash flow and profitability.

 

Further, If we were deemed a PRC resident enterprise under the EIT Law, our shareholders and ADS holders who are deemed non-resident enterprises could be subject to the WHT upon the dividends payable by us or upon any gains realized from the transfer of our shares or ADSs, if such income is deemed derived from China, provided that (i) such non-resident enterprise investor has no establishment or premises in China, or (ii) it has establishment or premises in China but its income derived from China has no real connection with such establishment or premises; and our non-resident individual shareholders and ADS holders could be subject to the WHT upon the dividends payable by us or upon any gains realized from the transfer of our shares or ADSs, if such income is deemed derived from China. It is unclear whether, if we were deemed a PRC resident enterprise, our shareholders and ADS holders might be able to claim the benefit of income tax treaties entered into between China and other countries. If we were required under the EIT Law to withhold PRC income tax on our dividends payable to our non-resident shareholders and ADS holders, or if any gains realized from the transfer of our shares or ADSs by our non-resident shareholders and ADS holders were subject to the WHT, your investment in our shares or ADSs could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Alternatively, if we, as to the holding entities outside China, are deemed non-resident enterprises, the WHT may apply to the dividends (and interests on intra-company loans) paid by our PRC subsidiaries to the holding entities outside China.  For the information regarding our holding structure, please refer to “4.C Organization Structure”.

 

4.B.11-e Regulation of foreign currency exchange, dividend distribution, and overseas listing

 

Foreign currency exchange

 

Foreign currency exchange regulation in China is primarily governed by the following rules:

 

·                  the Foreign Currency Administration Rules (1996), as amended, or the Exchange Rules; and

 

·                  the Administration Rules of the Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange (1996), or the Administration Rules.

 

Under the Exchange Rules, the Renminbi is convertible for current account items, including the distribution of dividends, interest payments, trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions. Conversion of Renminbi for capital account items, such as direct investment, loan, security investment and repatriation of investment, however, is still subject to the approval of the SAFE.

 

Under the Administration Rules, foreign-invested enterprises in China, such as Shenyang Sunshine, may only buy, sell and/or remit foreign currencies at those banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange business after providing valid commercial documents and, in the case of capital account item transactions, obtaining approval from the SAFE. Capital investments by foreign-invested enterprises outside of China are also subject to limitations, which include but not limited to registration with approvals by the SAFE, MOFCOM and other relevant government authorities.

 

Dividend distribution

 

The principal regulations governing distribution of dividends paid by wholly foreign owned enterprises include:

 

·                  the Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise Law (1986), as amended; and

 

·                  the Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise Law Implementation Rules (1990), as amended.

 

Under these regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, foreign-invested enterprises in China are required to set aside certain amounts out of their accumulated profits each year, if any, to fund certain reserve funds, bonus and welfare funds. These funds are not distributable as cash dividends.

 

Regulation of foreign exchange in certain onshore and offshore transactions

 

On October 21, 2005, the SAFE issued the Notice on Issues Relating to the Administration of Foreign Exchange in Fund-raising and Reverse Investment Activities of Domestic Residents Conducted via Offshore Special Purpose Companies, or Notice No. 75, which became effective as of November 1, 2005.

 

Pursuant to Notice No.75, prior to establishing or assuming control of an offshore company for the purpose of financing that offshore company with assets or equity interests in an onshore enterprise in the PRC, each PRC resident who is an ultimate controller, whether a natural or legal person, must complete the overseas investment foreign exchange registration procedures with the relevant local SAFE branch. An amendment to the registration with the local SAFE branch is required to be filed by any PRC resident that directly or indirectly holds interests in that offshore company upon either the injection of equity interests or assets of an onshore enterprise to the offshore company, or the completion

 

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of any overseas fundraising by such offshore company. An amendment to the registration with the local SAFE branch is also required to be filed by such PRC resident when there is any material change involving a change in the capital of the offshore company, such as (a) an increase or decrease in its capital, (b) a transfer or swap of shares, (c) a merger or division, (d) a long-term equity or debt investment or (e) the provision of a guarantee to third parties.

 

Under Notice No. 75, failure to comply with the registration procedures set forth in Notice 75 may result in restrictions being imposed on the foreign exchange activities of the relevant onshore company, including the payment of dividends and other distributions to its offshore parent or affiliate and the capital inflow from the offshore entity, and may also subject relevant PRC residents to penalties under PRC foreign exchange administration regulations.

 

4.B.11-f  Other national and provincial level laws and regulations

 

We are subject to changing regulations under many other laws and regulations administered by governmental authorities at the national, provincial and municipal levels, some of which are or may become applicable to our business. Our hospital customers are also subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations that could affect the nature and scope of their relationships with us.

 

For example, regulations control the confidentiality of patients’ medical information and the circumstances under which patient medical information may be released for inclusion in our databases, or released by us to third parties. These laws and regulations governing both the disclosure and the use of confidential patient medical information may become more restrictive in the future.

 

We also comply with numerous additional state and local laws relating to matters such as safe working conditions, manufacturing practices, environmental protection and fire hazard control. We believe that we are currently in compliance with these laws and regulations; however, we may be required to incur significant costs to comply with these laws and regulations in the future. Unanticipated changes in existing regulatory requirements or adoption of new requirements could therefore have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

4.C Organizational Structure

 

The following is a list of our subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities as of the date of this annual report on Form 20-F:

 

Name

 

Time of Formation

 

Place of
Formation

 

Relationship

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collected Mind

 

July 2006

 

British Virgin Islands

 

Wholly-owned subsidiary of 3SBio Inc.

— China Sansheng Medical Limited*

 

November 2009

 

Hong Kong

 

Wholly-owned subsidiary of Collected Mind

— Shenyang Sunshine Pharmaceutical Co., Limited

 

January 1993

 

PRC

 

Wholly-owned subsidiary of Collected Mind

Jiangsu Sunshine Pharmaceutical Technology Company Limited *

 

December 2010

 

PRC

 

95% owned by Shenyang Sunshine and 5% owned by Liaoning Sunshine

Taizhou Huan Sheng Investment Management Company Limited *

 

December 2010

 

PRC

 

Wholly-owned subsidiary of Shenyang Sunshine

IP Assets Series of 3SBio, LLC* (Note1)

 

November 2010

 

USA

 

Shenyang Sunshine as the sole series member

US Assets Series of 3SBio, LLC* (Note1)

 

November 2010

 

USA

 

3SBio Inc. as the sole series member

Liaoning Sunshine Bio-Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Liaoning Sunshine”)

 

February 2000

 

PRC

 

Consolidated affiliated entity

— Liaoning Sunshine Scientific Development Company Limited

 

December 2009

 

PRC

 

Wholly-owned subsidiary of Liaoning Sunshine, consolidated affiliated entity

 


*As of December 31, 2010, not involved in any business activities.

 

Note 1: each assets series is a segregated assets series, as provided under the Delaware Limited Liability

 

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Company Act, of 3SBio, LLC, a limited liability company formed in Delaware in November 2010. For the year ended December 31, 2010, IP Assets Series has no U.S. taxable income; and, with respect to US Assets Series, we had submitted an application for the extension of filing federal taxes return before the tax filing deadline.

 

4.C.1 Affiliated Entities

 

Historically, we conducted our manufacturing and marketing activities through our wholly owned subsidiary, Shenyang Sunshine, and certain distribution and logistics activities through Beijing Sunshine (now dissolved) and Liaoning Sunshine.

 

Under Foreign Investment Industrial Guidance Catalogue, as amended, foreign investment in wholesale and retail sales and distribution of pharmaceutical products is restricted. We had held equity interests in Liaoning Sunshine and Beijing Sunshine, and divested these interests as part of our corporate reorganization in 2006.

 

Liaoning Sunshine is primarily engaged in the distribution of our in-licensed products, currently comprising Iron Sucrose Supplement, as Shenyang Sunshine, our principal subsidiary, may only engage in the trading of the pharmaceutical products that it has produced itself. Since Beijing Sunshine was duplicative in its role in relation to Liaoning Sunshine, it was dissolved in October 2008.

 

For the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, Liaoning Sunshine’s revenue represented approximately 4.9%, 4.5% and 5.4% of our total net revenue, respectively. Before dissolution, for the year ended December 31, 2008, Beijing Sunshine generated no revenue.

 

4.C.2 Economic and Control Arrangements

 

Shenyang Sunshine entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Liaoning Sunshine and its 100% shareholder, our chairman, Mr. Dan Lou, to enable us to maintain control over it, including: (1) a business cooperation agreement; (2) a purchase agreements for the acquisition of equity interest in Liaoning Sunshine; (3) a voting agreement; and (4) an equity pledge agreement.  Please see “7.B Related Party Transactions - Transactions with Liaoning Sunshine” for more details about these contractual arrangements. Beijing Sunshine had similar contractual arrangements with us before dissolution. Liaoning Sunshine and Beijing Sunshine have been included in our consolidated financial statements as variable interest entities (“VIEs”). VIEs are those entities of which a company, through contractual and/or other arrangements, bears the risks of, and enjoys the rewards normally associated with ownership, and of which therefore the company is the primary beneficiary.

 

4.D. Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Please refer to “4.B.9 Facilities” for a discussion of our property, plant and equipment.

 

ITEM 4A.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 5.    OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

You should read the following in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements for the periods covered by this report, together with the accompanying notes, all included elsewhere in this annual report.  This discussion contains forward-looking statements and other information and statements that are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and limitations. Our actual results could differ materially from such information and statements.  In evaluating our business, you should carefully consider the information provided under the caption “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” and other information about risks, uncertainties, assumption in this report and our other disclosures.  Please also read the information under the heading “Cautionary Statement concerning Forward-looking Statement” at beginning of this annual report.

 

5.A  Operating Results

 

5.A.1   Significant Trends, Factors, and Developments

 

Certain significant trends, factors, and developments, as discussed below, have historically affected or had a material effect on our results of operations, or, are reasonably likely to affect or have a material effect on our results of operations in future periods.

 

Significant Market Potential

 

With its growing economy, healthcare expenditures in China are rising rapidly. According to the PRC Ministry of Health, total healthcare expenditures are projected to grow from 2008 to 2016 at a CAGR of 13%; notably, in US dollar amounts, China’s per capita healthcare expenditures in 2006 were only US$90, compared to the United States’ per capita healthcare expenditures in 2006 of US$6,700; and, during the period between 1999 and 2009, China’s overall healthcare expenditures represented less than 6% of its GDP, compared to approximately 13% to 16% of GDP in the United States for the same period. Urbanization and aging population in China are expected to continue to contribute to the growth of healthcare spending. The healthcare reform started from 2009 is aimed at healthcare accessibility and affordability, with significant commitments of healthcare expenditures.

 

Our year-on-year revenues increase for 2008, 2009 and 2010 are 35.0%, 30.3%, and 32.1%, respectively.  We are serving a market sector that is greatly under-penetrated.  For example, in the US, approximately 80% of patients with end-stage renal diseases are on dialysis, while this figure is estimated to be at 10-15% in China; more than 90% of patients on dialysis receive EPO treatment, our EPIAO being the leading product in China’s EPO market for the past 35 consecutive quarters and accounting for 41.0% of total EPO sale revenues in China as of year-end 2010.  The ongoing healthcare reform is expected to allow a significantly greater number of patients to receive dialysis treatment. We are also continually promoting our marketing and sales development.

 

Continuing Pricing Pressure

 

The selling prices of some of our products have declined over time due to increased pricing pressure from industry peers and various government price control measures and the bidding mechanism in China. Please see under Item 4.B.11-b.3 Distribution Price control and “— Competitive bidding.” On the other hand, price decreases are usually accompanied by improved sales volumes.

 

The average selling prices of our legacy products and lower dosage EPIAO products have declined over time. We were able to maintain stable overall average selling prices for our TPIAO and higher dosage EPIAO products over the past few years. We remain focused on our strategy of growing sales for our high-dosage products and increasing sales volumes in order to maintain healthy margins for our EPIAO products. In addition, the stable average prices of our TPIAO products, combined with their market acceptance since launch, have contributed to our revenue growth and favorable overall margins.

 

We believe our ability to continue to grow our revenue and remain profitable in the face of downward pricing pressure is primarily dependent on the following factors:

 

Enhancing Product Mix.  We are continually enhancing our product mix through the introduction of new products, such as our proprietary drug, TPIAO, with the newly approved indication for ITP, our pre-filled syringe EPIAO and our Iron Sucrose supplement.  We believe the product candidates in our pipeline will further contribute to an enhanced product mix. The new introductions generally can maintain higher pricing due to potential status as innovative drugs or first-to-market generics, which (1) would often be accompanied by patents or the administratively enforced exclusivity in the form of monitoring periods; (2) may come with inherent technology barriers to competitors; (3) if not included in any

 

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reimbursement list, may allow more freedom in setting the price with less regulatory intervention; or (4) may be eligible for premium pricing in any regulatory reviews such as conducted by the NDRC.  Please also see “TPIAO Growth and Reduced Reliance on EPIAO Sales” below.

 

Realigning Sales and Marketing Resources.   As pricing pressures drive down the average selling price of a product, we may focus our internal sales force on other more profitable products, thereby improving our overall product mix and sales force efficiency. For example, since 2004 we have devoted a decreasing amount of resources to the marketing of our two legacy products, Intefen and Inleusin, as we strategically realigned our internal focus on EPIAO, and, in particular, its higher dosage forms, and TPIAO. At the same time, we began outsourcing the sales efforts for the two legacy products to distributors who manage their own sales forces.

 

Export Sales.  While export sales accounted for a small percentage of our total revenues in past periods, as we are seeking to expand internationally and pursue global biosimilar opportunities, future growth in export sales may assist us in offsetting pricing pressures in our domestic market.  See “4.B.2.1 Export Sales.

 

The NDRC is currently reviewing and considering price cuts in the pricing of all the products included in the Catalogue.  This development may affect all of our products, as all of our products are included in the Catalogue.

 

TPIAO Growth

 

Our net revenue growth has been primarily driven by sales of EPIAO.  We have established a market leadership position in China with respect to EPIAO, which accounted for 59.9% of our total sales in 2010. In January 2006, we launched our TPIAO product, which has outpaced EPIAO growth and become our second largest revenue contributor, with net sales revenue of RMB 128.7 million (US$19.5 million) and accounting for 30.7% of our overall sales in 2010.  For the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, EPIAO generated approximately 63.5%, 61.9% and 59.9% of our total revenues, respectively; and TPIAO, 27.8%, 28.3% and 30.7%, respectively.  We will continue to promote TPIAO products to diversify our revenue sources, and the recent approval of the ITP indication, as announced in January 2011, may further enhance TPIAO’s revenue contribution.

 

Although the monitoring period of TPIAO expired as of May 2010, we are not aware of any clinical trial application for TPO products submitted to the SFDA, which must be completed prior to the application for manufacturing the product.  The SFDA review process usually spans multiple years.  In addition, we expect that our technology know-how related to TPIAO provides us with significant competitive advantage. TPIAO is a unique molecule, the molecular structure of which is heavily glycosylated and presents a manufacturing barrier. We also believe that future new entrants into the TPO market could contribute to the overall market growth of this segment.

 

Government Insurance Reimbursement and Competitive Bidding

 

Eligible participants in the government-sponsored medical insurance programs in China are entitled to reimbursement for varying percentages of the cost for any medicines that are included in the Registry and applicable reimbursement lists. See the relevant sections under 4.B.11-b.5. Factors that affect the inclusion of medicines in the Registry and any applicable reimbursement list may include whether the medicine is consumed in large volumes and commonly prescribed for clinical use in China and whether it is considered to be important in meeting the basic healthcare needs of the general public. The inclusion of a medicine in the Registry and any applicable reimbursement list can substantially improve the sales volume of the medicine due to the availability of third-party reimbursements. However, pharmaceuticals included in the Registry and any applicable reimbursement list, usually, are subject to price controls in the form of fixed retail prices or retail price ceilings, and are subject to periodical price adjustments by the regulatory authorities. All of our products are included in the Catalogue.

 

In each province where we market our products, we participate in a government-sponsored competitive bidding process every year or every few years for procurement by state-owned hospitals of medicines included in the provincial medicine catalogs. A government-appointed committee reviews bids submitted and selects one or more medicines for treatment of a particular medical condition. The selection is based on a number of factors, including bid price, quality of the product and manufacturer’s reputation and service.  The bid price of the selected medicine will become the purchase price of that medicine to be paid by all state-owned hospitals in the relevant province or local district.  The competitive bidding in effect sets price ceilings for our products, thereby limiting our profitability; and, if we are not selected in these competitive biddings, we may lose market share to our competitors, and our business may be adversely affected.

 

Healthcare Reform and Government Policies

 

Starting in 2009, the Chinese government has pursued a comprehensive reform to the healthcare system in China, to improve the affordability of healthcare services, the rural healthcare system and healthcare service quality.   With a total spending and commitment of RMB850 billion in three years, the government aims to: (i) establish a basic healthcare

 

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medical insurance regime; (ii) increase the amount of rural and urban population covered by the basic medical insurance system or the new rural cooperative healthcare medical system to at least 90% by 2011; (iii) build a basic medicine system that includes a registry of essential drugs produced and distributed under government control and supervision; and (iv) enhance healthcare facilities, including building clinics and hospitals.  The government also outlined plans to encourage private and international investment in the healthcare service sector.

 

We believe that the improvement in basic health services, particularly in urban community healthcare centers and clinics, especially those in lower-tier cities, as well as in rural clinics, may result in more patients being properly diagnosed with conditions that can be treated using our products. We believe that the number of dialysis clinics and services could see significant growth, bringing a larger number of patients in for dialysis treatment.  This could considerably boost our sales of EPIAO products, with approximately 70% of which comes from dialysis segment.

 

In November 2009, NDRC, MOH and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security jointly issued a Notice of Opinion on Reform of Pricing System of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Services that, among other proposals, endorses greater profit margins to be allowed for innovative drugs and first-to-market generics. We believe promotion of innovative drugs and first-to-market generics generally would favor companies with strong research and development capabilities like us.

 

On the other hand, the need to make medical care more affordable and accessible may mandate additional pricing controls, potentially adverse to pharmaceutical producers like us.

 

In October 2010, the State Council issued the Decision on Speeding up the Development and Promotion of Strategic New Industries, with the biopharmaceutical industry among the selected. In addition, the NDRC is compiling an official guidance document titled the Development of the Biopharmaceutical Industry in the Twelfth Five-year Plan, to be released sometime this year. Thus a generally favorable policy environment may be expected for the biopharmaceutical industry.

 

International Expansion

 

We plan to expand exports because of growing opportunities in the global market. Particularly, we believe market opportunities exist in Europe and other selected regulated markets for new versions of biopharmaceutical products whose patents have expired (known as biosimilar products).  We seek suitable partners to collaborate with us in this undertaking.

 

In 2010, we completed construction of new manufacturing facilities in Shenyang, PRC, which have been certified with the Chinese current GMP. The new facilities are also designed to be compliant with the EMEA and other major international regulatory guidelines.

 

We are preparing for the process of seeking requisite international certification and regulatory approvals. We plan to first seek international recognition through the Pharmaceutical Inspection Convention and Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (jointly referred to as PIC/S). PIC/S are two international instruments between countries and pharmaceutical inspection authorities, which provide together an active and constructive co-operation in the field of GMP. There are now 39 participating authorities of 33 countries, including the regulatory agencies in many countries of Europe, Australia, Canada, and others. Approval by a participant country will facilitate the review process by other participants. After PIC/S recognition, we plan then to initiate EMEA application. The process and the timing of events, however, may be impacted by many factors that are not within our control.

 

5.A.2  Significant Components of Revenue and Expenses

 

Net revenues

 

Net revenues consist of the invoiced value of goods sold, net of VAT, trade discounts and allowances, and, in very rare circumstances, discretionary sales returns. In the PRC, VAT on the invoice amount is collected on behalf of tax authorities in respect of the sales of goods. Revenue is stated net of VAT. VAT collected from customers is offset by VAT paid for purchases, with the net amount recorded as a liability in the consolidated balance sheet until it is paid to the authorities.

 

We sell our products primarily to distributors, who resell them to healthcare providers, including hospitals and dialysis centers. With respect to our principal products, EPIAO and TPIAO, we rely on our own sales force to promote them to the hospitals and other customers. Because of PRC regulations governing the distribution of pharmaceuticals by manufacturers, we direct our customers to purchase our products from designated distributors. We generally sell our products to these distributors at a discount of approximately 8% off the wholesale prices to healthcare providers such as

 

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hospitals and dialysis centers. With respect to legacy products, Intefen and Inleusin, we primarily rely on distributors to market, as well as sell, our products with their own sales force. We reimburse the related costs of these distributors’ sales efforts in the form of a negotiated discount.

 

We generally recognize revenue at the time our products are delivered and the customers take ownership and assume risk of loss, collection of the relevant receivable is probable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and the sales price is fixed or determinable.   We are a party to binding purchase agreements with our distributors each time we make a sale of our products. Under these purchase agreements, our distributors agree to pay a fixed amount of money per unit of our products over a period of time. Our distributors take ownership of our products when they accept our products.

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the failure of our customers to make required payments. We review the accounts receivable on a periodic basis and make general and specific allowances when there is doubt as to the collectability of individual balances. In evaluating the collectability of our customers’ balances, we consider many factors, including the aging of the receivables, the customers’ past payment history and current credit-worthiness. We are subject to stringent requirements mandated by scrutiny of the local Chinese tax authorities on write-offs of bad debts. For example, bad debts must be aged over three years and sufficient evidence must be provided to prove customers’ inability to make payments. As a result, this creates a substantial time lag between the time when our bad debt provision is made and the removal of such doubtful debt from our books.  We made an allowance for doubtful accounts of RMB2,663,000 (US$403,000) as at December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2010, there were no material amounts of receivables outstanding for more than one year that was not reserved.

 

VAT

 

Our revenues are recorded net of VAT. VAT is charged based on the selling price of our products at a general rate of 17%. In China, pharmaceutical companies are accustomed to having the market sales data referenced to revenue inclusive of the VAT, which is referred to as “gross revenue. Gross revenue is mainly presented for non-financial purpose. For example, the data quoted by IMS Health throughout this annual report are quoted on gross revenue.

 

Cost of revenue

 

Our cost of revenue includes costs of raw materials, packaging, labor costs and manufacturing overhead. Our manufacturing overhead is primarily comprised of factory staff costs, allocated utilities and depreciation of our production facilities. We believe the relatively low cost of labor in the PRC provides us with a significant competitive advantage compared to international competitors that are not producing products in the PRC. We expect that, after we commence operations in our new manufacturing facilities, depreciation charges will increase on a per unit basis in early years before the full deployment of the capacity of our new manufacturing facilities.

 

Operating expenses

 

Our operating expenses include research and development costs, or R&D costs, sales, marketing and distribution expenses and general and administrative expenses. The key components of our operating expenses are described below.

 

Research and development costs. Our research and development costs are related to activities such as preclinical studies and clinical trials and consist primarily of:

 

·                  Direct and allocated salaries and related expenses for research and development personnel;

 

·                  Fees paid to consultants and clinical research organizations in conjunction with their monitoring our clinical trials and acquiring and evaluating data in conjunction with our clinical trials;

 

·                  Direct cost of materials used in research and development;

 

·                  Direct cost of equipment that lacks an alternative future use;

 

·                  Fees paid to independent research organizations in conjunction with preclinical animal studies;

 

·                  Allocated depreciation of research equipment and laboratory facilities;

 

·                  Manufacturing costs of our clinical trial supply quantities for our product candidates;

 

 ·               Non-refundable upfront payments paid and/or milestone payments related to our in-licensing agreements;

 

·                  Costs associated with other clinical development such as seminar hosting and process optimization; and

 

·                  Costs for seeking EMEA approval so that we may enter the European market for biosimilar products.

 

We expense both internal and external research and development costs as incurred, other than laboratory

 

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equipment with alternative future uses, which we capitalize.

 

The following table shows the research and development costs that have been incurred for our two principal products, EPIAO and TPIAO, and others during each of the years indicated.

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

US$

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Research and development costs by product

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPIAO

 

3,539

 

2,394

 

6,004

 

910

 

TPIAO

 

5,271

 

5,293

 

1,700

 

258

 

Others

 

13,667

 

11,740

 

31,705

 

4,803

 

 

 

22,477

 

19,427

 

39,409

 

5,971

 

 

The table above contains research and development costs attributable to the ongoing clinical trials for expanded indications of our marketed products, as well as preclinical and clinical trials for our product candidates.

 

Sales, marketing and distribution expenses. Our sales, marketing and distribution expenses primarily consist of salaries, employee benefits, bonuses and related expenses, including share-based compensation for our sales and marketing staff. They also include the direct costs attributable to our sales and marketing activities, such as conferences and seminar hosting and attendance, travel, entertainment and advertising expenses. We expect our sales, marketing and distribution expenses to increase in absolute dollar amounts in the future as we continue to expand the portfolio of our products.

 

General and administrative expenses. Our general and administrative expenses primarily consist of salaries and employee benefits, including share-based compensation for our administrative staff, as well as depreciation charges of office premises and equipment. We expect our general and administrative expenses to increase in absolute monetary amounts in line with our continued growth.

 

Other income

 

We record our other income net of interest expense and foreign currency exchange losses. Our other income principally comprises interest income, grant income, foreign currency exchange differences, and various non-recurring items that are not part of our normal operating activities.  Other income, or expenses, also includes income, or loss on available-for-sale securities.

 

5.A.3 Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The discussion and analysis of our operating results and financial condition are primarily based on our audited financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our operating results and consolidated financial condition are sensitive to accounting methods, assumptions and estimates that underlie the preparation of our financial statements. We base our assumptions and estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable and which form the basis for making judgments about matters that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our management evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates as facts, circumstances and conditions change or as a result of different assumptions.

 

The selection of critical accounting policies, the judgments and other uncertainties affecting application of those policies, and the sensitivity of reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions are factors to be considered when reviewing our financial statements. Our principal accounting policies are set forth in detail in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. We believe the following critical accounting policies involve the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.

 

Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, including the VIEs that the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions between the Company, its subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs have been eliminated upon consolidation.

 

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Revenue recognition

 

Sales of pharmaceutical products represent the invoiced value of goods, net of VAT, sales returns, trade discounts and allowances. We recognize revenue when products are delivered and the customer takes ownership and assumes risk of loss, collection of the relevant receivable is probable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and the sales price is fixed or determinable. Shipping and handling costs that we pay on shipment and recover from the customers are included in revenue and sales, marketing and distribution expenses.

 

In the PRC, VAT at a general rate of 17% on invoice amount is collected on behalf of tax authorities in respect of the sales of goods.  Revenue is stated net of VAT.  VAT collected from customers is offset with VAT paid by us for purchases, with the net amount recorded as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets until it is paid to the tax authorities.

 

Determination of other-than-temporary impairment of investment securities

 

A decline in the market value of any investment security, including those that are available-for-sale that is deemed to be other-than-temporary, results in an impairment to reduce the carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established.  To determine whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, we consider whether we have the ability and intent to hold the investment until a market price recovery and consider whether evidence indicating the cost of the investment is recoverable outweighs evidence to the contrary.  Evidence considered in this assessment includes the reasons for the impairment, the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in value subsequent to year-end, forecasted performance of the investee, and the general market condition in the geographic area or industry the investee operates in.

 

Research and development costs

 

We critically identify any research and development activities that could be objectively measured and recognized and are aimed at the discovery of new products, indications, or betterment of processes. We capitalize the costs of tangible and intangible assets used for research and development purpose and having future alternative uses. We amortize these assets over their useful lives. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs consist primarily of the remuneration of research and development staff, depreciation, material, clinical trial costs as well as amortization of acquired technology and know-how used in research and development with alternative future uses. Research and development expenses also include costs associated with collaborative research and development and in-licensing arrangements, including upfront fees paid to collaboration partners in connection with technologies which have not reached technological feasibility and did not have an alternative future use. Reimbursement of research and development costs for arrangements with our collaboration partners is recognized when the obligations are incurred. Expenses relating to new products are charged to the statement of income until such time that we obtain the new medicine certificate. The costs of research and development services such as pre-clinical tests outsourced or contract consulting services for upgrading our facilities are also included in research and development costs. Upfront and milestone payments made to third parties in connection with particular research and development collaborations with no alternative uses are expensed as incurred. The determination of alternative use requires judgment about the application of developed processes and know-how as well as market acceptance of related products. Different judgments regarding alternative uses could result in a change in the timing and amount of costs capitalized as materials and equipment.

 

Estimated useful lives and impairment of long-lived assets

 

We make estimates of the useful lives of property, plant and equipment with finite useful lives, in order to determine the amount of depreciation expense to be recorded during any reporting period. Our total depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 was RMB5.7 million, RMB7.0 and RMB13.9  million (US$2.1 million), respectively. The useful lives are estimated at the time the assets are acquired and are based on historical experience with similar assets as well as anticipated technological or other changes. If technological changes were to occur more rapidly than anticipated or in a different form than anticipated, the useful lives assigned to these assets may need to be shortened, resulting in the recognition of increased depreciation expense in future periods. We make estimates of useful lives of the intangible assets based on the estimation of the period that the intangible assets can generate expected future cash flows for us. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 of RMB0.3 million, RMB1.1 million and RMB1.1 million (US$0.2 million) respectively, was included in cost of revenue. In progress research and development (“IPR&D”) assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized.

 

Long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets with finite useful lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management’s judgment, that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.  Fair value is measured by the asset’s discounted cash flows or market value, if readily determinable.

 

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If intangible assets with indefinite use lives are subsequently determined to have finite useful lives, amortization will be provided prospectively over their estimated remaining useful lives and will be accounted for in the same manner as other intangible assets that are subject to amortization. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. There have been no impairment charges on the Company’s intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

We evaluate the recoverability of our account receivables based on a combination of factors. We regularly analyze our significant customer accounts, and, when we become aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to us, such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position, we record a specific reserve for bad debt to reduce the related receivable to the amount we reasonably believe is collectible. We also record reserves for bad debt for all other customers based on a variety of factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, the financial health of the customer and historical experience. If circumstances related to specific customers change, our estimates of the recoverability of receivables could be further adjusted. In the event that our account receivables become uncollectible, we record additional adjustments to receivables to reflect the amounts at net realizable value. The accounting effect of this entry would be a charge to income. We believe that the current charges to income are sufficient to reflect the recoverability of our accounts receivable.

 

Inventories

 

We state all inventories at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined using the weighted average cost method. Write-down on inventories is made when conditions indicate that the selling price could be less than cost due to physical deterioration, usage, obsolescence and reductions in estimated future demand. We balance the need to maintain strategic inventory levels with the risk of obsolescence due to varying customer demand levels and changing technology, although this rarely happens. Unfavorable changes in market conditions may result in additional inventory reserves that could adversely impact our gross margins. Conversely, favorable changes in demand could result in higher gross margins when we sell products.

 

Share-based Compensation

 

We record share-based compensation at fair value and expenses at fair value over underlying service period, which is presumed to be the vesting period. We estimate the fair value of each stock option grant using an option-pricing model, which requires us to make certain assumptions related to volatility, expected life, dividend yield and interest-free interest rate.

 

Deferred tax assets and valuation allowance

 

We account for income tax using the liability method and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences. In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, we have considered whether it is more likely than not based on all sources of positive and negative evidence that some or all of the deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Based on the level of projected future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, we have provided a valuation allowance to reduce the amount of deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that we will not be able to realize the benefits of certain deductible differences.

 

Uncertain tax positions

 

We evaluate our income tax positions and recognize in the financial statements the effects of tax positions when it is more likely than not these positions will be sustained upon examination. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. We accrue interest, and penalties if necessary, related to our balance of unrecognized tax benefits.

 

5.A.4  Results of Operations

 

The table below sets forth selected results of operations data expressed as a percentage of total revenues, for the years indicated. Our historical results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results for any future period.

 

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Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

 

 

%

 

%

 

%

 

Statement of Income Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPIAO

 

63.5

 

61.9

 

59.9

 

TPIAO

 

27.8

 

28.3

 

30.7

 

Intefen

 

2.1

 

1.7

 

1.3

 

Inleusin

 

0.3

 

0.5

 

0.5

 

Iron Sucrose Supplement

 

2.9

 

3.4

 

4.1

 

Export

 

3.4

 

4.2

 

2.9

 

Others

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

0.6

 

Total net revenue

 

100

 

100

 

100

 

Cost of revenue

 

(8.9

)

(8.0

)

(10.0

)

Gross margin

 

91.1

 

92.0

 

90.0

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development

 

(9.3

)

(6.1

)

(9.4

)

Sales, marketing and distribution

 

(49.3

)

(47.9

)

(46.6

)

General and administrative

 

(12.9

)

(11.4

)

(13.3

)

Total operating expenses

 

(71.5

)

(65.4

)

(69.3

)

Income from operations

 

19.6

 

26.6

 

20.7

 

Other income/(expense),net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

9.8

 

3.7

 

3.0

 

Grant income

 

0.2

 

0.2

 

0.3

 

Net realized gain/(loss) on available-for-sale securities

 

(7.8

)

0.5

 

 

Impairment loss on available-for-sale securities

 

(1.8

)

(1.5

)

 

Others

 

0.8

 

0.5

 

0.6

 

Total other income, net

 

1.2

 

3.4

 

3.9

 

Income before income tax expense

 

20.8

 

30.0

 

24.6

 

Income tax expense

 

(4.8

)

(3.7

)

(5.2

)

Net income

 

16.0

 

26.3

 

19.4

 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

 

0.3

 

 

 

Net income attributable to 3SBio Inc.

 

16.3

 

26.3

 

19.4

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2010 compared with year ended December 31, 2009

 

Net revenue. Our net revenue increased by 32.1%, from RMB316.9 million in 2009 to RMB418.6 million (US$63.4 million) in 2010. This increase was primarily attributable to the rapid market adoption of our TPIAO products, which grew 43.5% to RMB128.7 million (US$19.5 million) in 2010, compared to RMB89.7 million in 2009.  TPIAO was our second largest revenue contributor in both 2009 and 2010, accounting for 28.3% and 30.7% of total revenue, respectively.  The increase was also attributable to greater revenue from our leading EPIAO products, which increased by 27.9%, from RMB196.1 million in 2009 to RMB250.9 million (US$38.0 million) in 2010. The EPIAO growth was primarily due to the expansion of our oncology sales force and concurrent increase in market share.

 

Cost of revenue. Our cost of revenue was RMB25.2 million and RMB41.7 million (US$6.3 million), for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively.   The increase of 65.5% was primarily due to the increase in sales volume and the RMB6.8 million in depreciation charges related to the new plant.  Cost of revenue as a percentage of net revenue remained relatively stable at approximately 8% to 10% for 2009 and 2010 due to enhancement of cost controls and improvement of our raw material utilization rates.

 

Operating expenses. Our total operating expenses increased by 40.0 % from RMB207.3 million in 2009 to RMB290.1 million (US$44.0 million) in 2010.

 

·     Research and development costs. R&D costs increased by 102.9% to RMB39.4 million (US$6.0 million) in 2010 from RMB19.4 million in 2009, which was primarily due to: (1) the expensing in 2010 of the US$1.5 million (RMB9.9 million) up-front payment to acquire exclusive rights to all transplant and autoimmune indications of voclosporin in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan from Isotechnika;  and (2) expensing of RMB5.0 million of the RMB17.0 million prepayment made to Ascentage Pharma pursuant to the research and development contracts, based on research and development activities preformed to date. We incurred no such expenses in 2009.

 

·     Sales, marketing and distribution (SMD) expenses. Our SMD expenses increased by 28.5% to RMB194.9 million (US$29.5 million) in 2010 from RMB 151.7 million in 2009. The increase in SMD is broadly in line with overall sales growth. SMD expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased slightly

 

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from 47.9% in 2009 to 46.6% in 2010.

 

·     General and administrative expenses. Our general and administrative expenses increased by 54.3% from RMB36.2 million in 2009 to RMB55.9 million (US$8.5 million) in 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to employee compensation, legal, auditing and office renovation expenses.

 

Other income, net. We had other income of RMB16.2 million (US$2.5 million) in 2010, compared to other income of RMB10.8 million in 2009, primarily due to the fact that we incurred a net realized loss on disposal of available-for-sale securities of RMB4.6 million and a net realized gain on available-for-sale securities of RMB1.6 million in 2009. However, no such losses were incurred in 2010.

 

Income before income tax expense.  As a result of the foregoing, our income before income tax expense increased by 8.3% from RMB95.2 million in 2009 to RMB103.1 million (US$15.6 million) in 2010.

 

Income tax expense.  Our income tax expense increased by 85.5% from RMB11.7 million in 2009 to RMB21.8 million (US$3.3 million) in 2010.  The increase in income tax expense is primarily due to a one-off uncollectible accounts receivable of RMB 18.3million being deducted before income tax in 2009, which led to a lower level of income tax expense, as well as China income tax at rate of 10% for interest income Collected Mind earned in mainland China

 

Net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. As a result of the foregoing, our net income decreased by 2.6% from RMB83.4 million in 2009 to RMB81.3 million (US$12.3 million) in 2010.

 

Year ended December 31, 2009 compared with year ended December 31, 2008

 

Net revenue. Our net revenue increased by 30.3%, from RMB243.2 million in 2008 to RMB316.9 million in 2009. This increase was primarily attributable to the rapid market adoption of our TPIAO products, which grew 32.7% to RMB89.7 million in 2009, compared to RMB67.6 million in 2008.  TPIAO was our second largest revenue contributor in both 2008 and 2009, accounting for 27.8% and 28.3% of total revenue, respectively.  The increase was also attributable to greater revenue from our leading EPIAO products, which increased by 26.9%, from RMB154.6 million in 2008 to RMB196.1 million in 2009.  The EPIAO growth was primarily due to the expansion of our oncology sales force and concurrent increase in market share.

 

Cost of revenue. Our cost of revenue was RMB21.7 million and RMB25.2 million (US$3.7 million), for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively. The increase of 16.1% was primarily due to the increase in sales volume. Cost of revenue as a percentage of net revenue remained relatively stable at approximately 8% to 9% for 2008 and 2009 due to enhancement of cost controls and improvement of our raw material utilization rates.

 

Operating expenses. Our total operating expenses increased by 19.3% from RMB173.7 million in 2008 to RMB207.3 million in 2009.

 

·     Research and development costs. R&D costs decreased by 13.6% to RMB19.4 million in 2009 from RMB22.5 million in 2008, which was primarily due to the fact that in 2008 we paid a non-refundable upfront fee of US$1 million (RMB6.9 million) to AMAG, which was expensed and classified as R&D cost for the year ended December 31, 2008.  We incurred no such expenses in 2009.

 

·     Sales, marketing and distribution (SMD) expenses. Our SMD expenses increased by 26.6% to RMB151.7 million in 2009 from RMB119.8 million in 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to increased marketing activities, travel expenses, increased headcount associated with our sales volume increase, and as well as increased stock-based compensation expenses, SMD expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased slightly from 49.3% in 2008 to 47.9% in 2009.

 

·     General and administrative expenses. Our general and administrative expenses increased by 15.1% from RMB31.5 million in 2008 to RMB36.2 million in 2009. The increase was primarily attributable to higher staff costs and bonuses in connection with increased headcount.

 

Other income, net. We had other income of RMB10.8 million in 2009, compared to other income of RMB2.9 million in 2008, primarily due to the fact that we incurred a net realized loss on disposal of available-for-sale securities in the amount of RMB19.0 million in 2008, compared to a net realized gain on available-for-sale securities of RMB1.6 million in 2009.

 

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Income before income tax expense.  As a result of the foregoing, our income before income tax expense increased by 87.9% from RMB50.6 million in 2008 to RMB95.2 million in 2009.

 

Income tax expense.  Our income tax expense increased by 0.7% from RMB11.6 million in 2008 to RMB11.7 million in 2009.

 

Net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. As a result of the foregoing, our net income increased by 111.0% from RMB39.5 million in 2008 to RMB83.4 million in 2009.

 

5.B Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Overview

 

As of December 31, 2010, we had cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and time deposits of RMB653.3 million (US$99.0 million) and working capital of RMB745.5 million (US$113.0 million). For the year ended December 31, 2010, our primary sources of funding for both our working capital and our long-term funding needs have been the net proceeds from our initial public offering in 2007 and cash flows from operating activities. Our primary uses of funds in 2010 have been for the completion of the construction of new manufacturing facilities, upgrading of existing facilities, procurement of new manufacturing equipment, acquisition of Pegsiticase-related tangible and intangible assets, investment in available-for-sale securities, equity investments, as well as prepayments and upfront payments for product licenses. As of December 31, 2010, our cash and time deposits position denominated in RMB totaled RMB 470.2 million (US$71.2million) and our cash and time deposits position denominated in foreign currencies (mainly US$) totaled US$25.8 million. As of December 31, 2010, we had cash and cash equivalents of RMB 153.3 million (US$23.2 million), restricted cash of RMB1.7 million (US$0.3 million) and time deposits of RMB498.4 million (US$75.5 million).  As of December 31, 2010, we had RMB63.4 million (US$9.6 million) invested in equity securities and investment-grade bond securities.

 

The following table summarizes the sources of our cash flows for the years indicated:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

US$

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

60,468

 

88,638

 

58,133

 

8,809

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(368,889

)

(266,114

)

(165,234

)

(25,035

)

Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities

 

(14,467

)

132

 

6,764

 

1,025

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

Our net cash provided by operating activities was RMB58.1 million (US$8.8 million) in 2010 compared to RMB88.6 million in 2009. The decrease of RMB30.5 million in cash provided by operating activities in 2010 from 2009 reflects decrease in net income of RMB2.1 million and in net operating receivables of RMB54.4 million, including accounts and notes receivables, other receivables, inventories, accounts payable, other payables, income tax payables, accrued expenses, long-term receivable, deferred grant income and payment to related parties, partially offset by RMB17.9 million increase in share-based compensation.

 

Our net cash provided by operating activities was RMB88.6 million in 2009 compared to RMB60.5 million in 2008. The increase of RMB28.1 million in cash provided by operating activities in 2010 from 2009 reflects a significant increase in net income of RMB44.4 million and increase in net operating receivables of RMB3.8 million, including accounts and notes receivables, other receivables, inventories, accounts payable, other payables, income tax receivables, income tax payables, and accrued expenses, partially offset by RMB20.6 million decrease in realized loss on available-for-sale securities.

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

Our net cash used in investing activities was RMB165.2 million (US$25.0 million) in 2010, compared to net cash used in investing activities of RMB266.1 million in 2009. The cash outlay in investing activities in 2010 consisted primarily of RMB40.8 million for renovation of existing facilities and procurement of new manufacturing equipment;

 

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RMB32.0 million for purchasing available-for-sale securities; RMB41.3 million for acquiring Pegsiticase related tangible and intangible assets; RMB30.0 million for net purchasing of time deposits with financial institutions; RMB26.4 million for purchasing loan receivable; and RMB3.1 million for  40% equity investments in APGC and Ascentage SH, partially offset by RMB9.3 million from the release of cash put in restriction.

 

Our net cash used in investing activities was RMB266.1 million in 2009, compared to net cash used in investing activities of RMB368.9 million in 2008. The cash outlay in investing activities in 2009 consisted primarily of RMB95.8 million for construction of our new manufacturing facilities, renovation of existing facilities and procurement of new manufacturing equipment, RMB174.6 million for net purchasing of time deposits with financial institutions, cash put in restriction of RMB9.3 million, partially offset by RMB17.0 million of proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities.

 

Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities in 2010 was RMB6.8 million (US$1.0 million), compared to net cash provided by financing activities of RMB0.1 million in 2009. The increase is caused by greater gross proceeds in 2010 from issuance of ordinary shares upon grantees’ exercise of share options granted through our share-based compensation arrangements than in 2009.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities in 2009 was RMB0.1 million, which represented the amount of the gross proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares upon grantees’ exercise of share options, compared to RMB14.5 million used in financing activities in 2008, primarily due to our repurchase of ordinary shares in 2008 that we did not have activities in 2009.

 

We believe that our current cash and anticipated cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs, including planned capital expenditures for upgrading existing facilities and building new manufacturing facilities in Shenyang, other working capital needs for investing in research and development and increasing sales and marketing efforts, at least for the next two years.

 

Our indebtedness as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 was nil.

 

We do not expect to pay dividends in the near future as we plan to use our resources for our growth. However, should we decide to pay dividends, our wholly-owned subsidiary’s ability to pay dividends to us is subject to various restrictions, including legal restriction in the PRC, which permits payment of dividends only out of net income determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, under PRC law, our China-based subsidiaries and consolidated VIE is required to set aside 10% of its net income as reserve funds, until such reserves have reached at least 50% of its respective registered capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends to us for use by us to satisfy our obligations, such as debt incurred at the holding company level. Such dividends may be subject to the EIT, as discussed under Paragraph 4.B.11-d “PRC Enterprise Income Tax”. These restrictions have not had any material impact on our ability to meet our cash obligations.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Historically, most of our capital expenditures were incurred for construction of new manufacturing facility, purchases of production and office equipment, upgrade of our research laboratory, and upgrades for our plant and office renovation.

 

In the year ended December 31, 2010, our capital expenditures of RMB 85.2 million (US$12.9 million) related primarily to renovation of existing facilities, procurement of new manufacturing equipment, and acquisition of Pegsiticase related tangible and intangible assets.

 

In the year ended December 31, 2009, our capital expenditures of RMB95.8 million related primarily to construction of our new manufacturing facilities, renovation of existing facilities and procurement of new manufacturing equipment.

 

In the year ended December 31, 2008, our capital expenditure of RMB42.3 million related primarily to upgrading of existing facilities, construction of new manufacturing facilities, and purchases of office equipment and other fixed assets and intangible assets.

 

Our future capital requirements may include, but are not limited to: upgrading our existing facilities for our development and production, potential investments, and building new facilities. We are not obligated to meet any absolute minimum dollar spending requirements, and our future capital requirements will depend on many factors. The major components of our capital expenditures for 2011 may be the construction of new manufacturing facilities and procurement of new manufacturing equipment.

 

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We expect to fund our capital expenditure needs with a combination of cash generated from operating activities and our existing cash, cash equivalents and time deposits. We do not anticipate that we will require debt financing to fund our capital expenditures in the near term, although this may change in future periods.

 

5.A-B.1  Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

ASC 810

 

On January 1, 2010, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) subtopic 810, Consolidation: VIE (“ASC 810”) ASC 810, which requires an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity as the enterprise that has both of the following characteristics, among others: (a) the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity, or the right to receive benefits from the entity, that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. Under this guidance, ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity are required. The guidance is applicable to all new and existing VIEs. The adoption of ASC 810 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU 2010-06

 

On January 1, 2010, we adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements (“ASU 2010-06”) related to the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements and provides clarification for existing disclosures requirements. More specifically, this update will require (a) an entity to disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 fair value measurements and to describe the reasons for the transfers; and (b) information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements to be presented separately (i.e. present the activity on a gross basis rather than net) in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs). This guidance also provides clarification of existing disclosure requirements for (a) determine each class of assets and liabilities based on the nature and risks of the investments rather than by major security type, and (b) for each class of assets and liabilities, disclose the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both Level 2 and Level 3 inputs. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosure are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosure requirements related to the purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward activity of Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosure requirements are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of ASU 2010-06 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU 2010-17

 

The FASB has issued ASU No. 2010-17, Revenue Recognition - Milestone Method (ASC 605): Milestone Method of Revenue Recognition. This ASU provides guidance on defining a milestone and determining when it may be appropriate to apply the milestone method of revenue recognition for research or development transactions.  Consideration that is contingent on achievement of a milestone in its entirety may be recognized as revenue in the period in which the milestone is achieved only if the milestone is judged to meet certain criteria to be considered substantive. Milestones should be considered substantive in their entirety and may not be bifurcated. An arrangement may contain both substantive and non-substantive milestones that should be evaluated individually. An entity can recognize consideration that is contingent upon achievement of a milestone in its entirety as revenue in the period in which the milestone is achieved only if the milestone meets all criteria to be considered substantive. Determining whether a milestone is substantive is a matter of judgment made at the inception of the arrangement. This ASU is not expected to impact our consolidated financial statements; however, it could have an impact in future periods to the extent that we were to enter into contractual arrangements where the we would receive milestone payments.

 

ASU 2009-13

 

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13 (“ASU 2009-13”), Revenue Recognition (ASC 605): Multiple-deliverable Revenue Recognition. The guidance provides for a new methodology for establishing the fair value for a deliverable in a multiple-element arrangement. When vendor specific objective or third-party evidence for deliverables in a multiple-element arrangement cannot be determined, an enterprise is required to develop a best estimate of the selling price of separate deliverables and to allocate the arrangement consideration using the relative selling price method. This guidance will be effective on January 1, 2011 and is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. However, it could have an impact in future periods to the extent that we were to enter into contractual arrangements where we would generate revenue from multiple deliverables.

 

ASU 2010-13

 

In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-13 (“ASU 2010-13”), Compensation-Stock Compensation (ASC

 

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718): Effect of Denominating the Exercise Price of a Share-Based Payment Award in the Currency of the Market in Which the Underlying Equity Security Trades. ASU 2010-13 affects entities that issue employee share-based payment awards with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity securities trades that differs from the functional currency of the employer entity or payroll currency of the employee. The amendments clarifies that an employee share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity securities trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, an entity would not classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. The amendments in this standard are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 31, 2010. Early application is permitted. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to impact our consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU 2010-28

 

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-28 (“ASU 2010-28”), Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (ASC 350): When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts. Under this guidance, an entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. The qualitative factors are consistent with the existing guidance, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010. Early adoption is not permitted. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to impact our consolidated financial statements.

 

5.A-B.2   Inflation

 

According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the change of consumer price index in China was 5.9%, -0.7%, and 3.3% in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. We can be affected by high rates of inflation in China. For example, certain operating costs and expenses, such as employee compensation and office operating expenses may increase as a result of higher inflation. Additionally, because a substantial portion of our assets consists of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, high inflation could significantly reduce the value and purchasing power of these assets. We are not able to hedge our exposure to higher inflation in China.

 

5.C  Research and Development

 

See “4.B.6  Research and Development”

 

5.D  Trend Information

 

Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F, as of the date of this annual report, we are not aware of any significant recent trends in production, sales and inventory, the state of the order book and costs and selling prices since fiscal year 2010.

 

For fiscal year 2011, other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F, as of the date of this report, we are not aware of any known trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments, or events that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our net revenue, income from continuing operations, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause reported financial information not necessarily to be indicative of future operating results or financial condition.

 

5.E  Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any outstanding derivative financial instruments, interest rate swap transactions, foreign currency forward contracts, or other off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

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5.F  Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

The following table sets forth our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2010.

 

 

 

Payment due by period

 

 

 

Total

 

less than
1 year

 

1-3 years

 

3-5 years

 

after 5
years

 

 

 

(RMB in thousands)

 

Operating Lease Obligations

 

849

 

778

 

71

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Commitments

 

16,876

 

16,876

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Obligation and commitments

 

17,725

 

17,654

 

71

 

 

 

 

Milestone, Royalty and Other Payments (not included in the table above)

 

Under our development and commercialization agreement with AMAG for ferumoxytol, AMAG received an upfront payment of US$1 million from us and is eligible to receive additional milestone payments upon regulatory approval of ferumoxytol in China for CKD and other specified indications developed in China. AMAG is also entitled to receive tiered, double-digit royalties, of up to 25%, based on sales of ferumoxytol by us.

 

Under the terms of the agreements between us and APGC and Ascentage SH, we paid a total consideration of approximately US$3.1 million to acquire 40% equity interests in both APGC and Ascentage SH, and to fund APGC research and development programs, and acquired the exclusive right to develop and commercialize in mainland China the cancer therapeutics that are developed through APGC research and development programs. We may also make future milestone payments when certain criteria are met, and may make royalty payments from our future product sales in China.

 

Under our collaboration agreement with Epitomics Inc., we will be required to pay a royalty payment equivalent to a certain percentage of the net sales of therapeutic products developed through the collaboration, should such products reach market.  The details of a development program to commercialize the therapeutic products and the mechanism for calculating the royalties will be determined between Epitomics and us at a later date.

 

Under our license agreement with Panacor, Panacor granted us the exclusive commercialization rights to Nephoxil within the PRC in return for certain milestone payments, and royalties on future product sales. However, the Taiwanese regulatory authorities did not approve the related upfront equity investment of US$1 million in Panacor.

 

Cautionary Statement:

 

Not to affect the general applicability of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to this or other parts of this annual report, as more fully discussed in “Cautionary Statement concerning Forward-looking Statements” at the beginning of this annual report, the information contained in above table and descriptions regarding future milestone, royalty and other payments constitutes, as provided under Form 20-F Item 5.G, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of those laws, and  are subject to various risks and uncertainties, such as changes in the circumstances surrounding the subject contracts or commitments.

 

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ITEM 6.    DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

6.A  Executive Officers and Directors

 

The following table sets forth our executive officers and directors, their ages as of December 31, 2010 and the positions held by them. The business address for each of our executive officers and directors is Shenyang Sunshine Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., No. 3 A1, Road 10, Economic & Technology Development Zone, Shenyang 110027, the People’s Republic of China.

 

Name

 

Age

 

Position

Dan Lou(2)

 

76

 

Chairman of Board of Directors

Dr. Jing Lou

 

48

 

Chief Executive Officer, Director

Peiguo Cong

 

56

 

Independent Director

Bin Huang

 

50

 

Vice President of Human Resources, Director

Bo Tan

 

38

 

Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)

Lawrence S. Wizel(1)(3)

 

68

 

Independent Director

Mingde Yu(1) (2)(3)

 

65

 

Independent Director

Moujia Qi(1) (2)(3)

 

78

 

Independent Director

Dr. David Chen

 

46

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Dongmei Su

 

41

 

Chief Technology Officer

Dr. Yingfei Wei

 

50

 

Chief Scientific Officer, Vice President of Business Development

Ke Li

 

43

 

Corporate Secretary

 


(1)

Member of the audit committee

(2)

Member of the nominating committee

(3)

Member of the compensation committee

 

Dan Lou is our co-founder and chairman. Mr. Lou established Shenyang Sunshine in 1993 and served as president and chief engineer until 2003. From 1961 to 1993, Mr. Lou served several positions in Shenhou Institute of Military Medicine, including assistant military doctor, military doctor, deputy director and director of Department of Microbiology and Immunology.  Mr. Lou graduated from the Third Military Medical University in 1955.

 

Dr. Jing Lou is our co-founder, chief executive officer and director. He has served as the chief executive officer of Shenyang Sunshine since 2000. He joined Shenyang Sunshine as director of research and development in 1995. Prior to joining us, Dr. Lou founded Lifegen, Inc., a Maryland corporation and an investee company of Shenyang Sunshine, to optimize the manufacturing processes for EPIAO and TPIAO in the United States. Dr. Lou completed his post-doctoral study at the United States National Institute of Health in 1995. He received his Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology in 1993 from Fordham University, where he researched interferon signal transduction of gene regulation, and received his medical doctor degree in 1985 from Shanghai Second Military Medical University.  Dr. Lou also received an EMBA degree in 2007 from China Europe International Business School, a business school included in Financial Times’ world top-25 business school list.  Mr. Dan Lou is the father of Dr. Jing Lou.

 

Bin Huang is our vice president of human resources and a director. Mr. Huang has served as vice president in charge of human resources and legal matters since joining Shenyang Sunshine in 1993. Before that, he acted as office manager for the Shenyang Army Medical Research Center from 1976 to 1993. He received his master’s degree in Business Administration from Qinghua University in 2002 and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Northeast University in 1987.

 

Peiguo Cong has served as a member of our board of directors since March 2010.  He has been the managing partner of Beijing Jun You Law Firm since 1994. Mr. Cong also currently serves as a member on the Finance and Securities Committee of the China National Lawyers Association, member of the All China Federation of Industry and Commerce, director of the Chinese Society of Mergers and Acquisitions, and independent committee member of the Credit Committee of the National Development Bank.  He teaches as a part-time professor at Peking University. In addition, Mr. Cong serves as an independent director of China Southern Fund Management Company and Tianjin Lishen Battery Joint-Stock Co., Ltd. Mr. Cong obtained his bachelor’s degree in law and master’s degree in economics law from Peking University in 1982 and 1984, respectively.  He was an associate professor at Peking University, a visiting professor at UCLA, and a visiting scholar at University of Michigan and other U.S. universities.

 

Bo Tan has served as our CFO since February 2009. He has extensive experience within the financial and pharmaceutical industries, having worked across private equity, equity research and commercial practice. Previously, he served as the Executive Director and a member of Investment Committee for Bohai Industrial Fund Management Company, a private equity fund in China.  Earlier in his career, he spent six years in the pharmaceutical industry with Eli Lilly & Company and EMD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in North America and went on to serve as a China healthcare and

 

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consumer analyst at Lehman Brothers Asia and Macquarie Securities in Hong Kong. He received his MBA degree from Thunderbird School of International Management, an MA degree in economics from the University of Connecticut and a BA degree in economics from Renmin University of China. Mr. Tan is also a Chartered Financial Analyst.

 

Lawrence S. Wizel has served as a director since September 2006.  Since August 2007, Mr. Wizel has been a member of the board of directors of Puda Coal, Inc. (OTC:PUDC), a supplier of metallurgical coking coal to the industrial sector in China.  Since 2006, Mr. Wizel has served on the board of directors of American Oriental Bioengineering, Inc. (NYSE: AOB), a Chinese company focused on certain prescription and OTC pharmaceutical products and nutraceutical products.  He was a partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP from 1980 to June 2006. He also served as deputy professional practice director and northeast region China service group leader of Deloitte & Touche LLP from 2002 to 2006. He has extensive experience serving a diverse client base of both publicly-held and private companies and has also assisted numerous Chinese companies with their filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. He also serves as a Member on the Board of Trustees of Helen Keller Services for the Blind. He received his bachelor’s degree in science from Michigan State University.

 

Mingde Yu has served as a director since February 2008.  He has extensive experience in manufacturing and distribution management in the pharmaceutical industry in China. He has held a number of senior positions both in the government and the private sectors, including as the Chief Technology Officer and the Head of Manufacturing at both Liaoning Fuxi Pharmaceutical Co. and Fuxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Co. (from 1978 to 1983), Bureau Chief of the Fuxi City Food & Drug Administration from 1983 to 1991, Bureau Chief of the Liaoning Provincial Food & Drug Administration from 1991 to 1997, Drug Department Chief of the Economic Operations Bureau of the State Economic and Trade Committee from 1997 to 1998 and Vice-Director of Economic Operations Department of NDRC from 1998 to 2003. Mr. Yu is currently the honorary Chairman and Director of the Beijing Pharmaceutical Group and is the Chair for the China Pharmaceutical Enterprises Administrative Association and China Medical Entrepreneur Association. Mr. Yu also holds senior consultancy roles with the China Chemical Drug Association and the National Pharmaceutical Industry & Commerce Association. Mr. Yu graduated from the Macromolecule Materials and Engineering Department, Chemical Technology School at Dalian University of Technology.

 

Moujia Qi has served as one of our directors since August 2006. He currently serves as an independent member on the board of directors of China Pharmaceutical Group Limited (Hong Kong Stock Exchange: 1093), and as an independent member on the supervisory board of Wuhan Humanwell Hi-Tech Industry Co., LTD (Shanghai Stock Exchange: 600079). He has also served as the Chairman of the China Starch Industry Association for the past five years. He was the deputy director and chief engineer of Huabei Pharmaceutical Factory and has held several management positions in various state-owned companies in the pharmaceutical industry. He has also served as the deputy director and chief director of the State Medicine Administration of the PRC before he retired in 1994.

 

Dr. David Chen is our executive vice president and chief operating officer.  Dr. Chen held various managerial positions in the United States pharmaceutical industry, including business development, sales and marketing, market research, new product development and research and development portfolio management both with Eli Lilly and GlaxoSmithKline from 1998 to 2006.   Prior to his experience in the United States, Dr. Chen was a practicing orthopedic surgeon at Shanghai Medical University from 1989 to 1992. He received a medical degree from the First Military Medical University in Guangzhou, China and received a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

 

Dr. Dongmei Su is our chief technology officer responsible for research and development and manufacturing process engineering. She is the named co-inventor for four of our patents. Ms. Su joined Shenyang Sunshine in 1993. She served as director of research and development and manufacturing since 1997. She received her bachelor’s degree in biochemical engineering from Jilin University in 1992, and her master’s and doctor’s degree in microbiology and pharmacology from Shenyang Pharmaceutical University in 2001 and 2010, respectively.

 

Dr. Yingfei Wei, our chief scientific officer and vice president for Business Development, joined us in August 2006. She has over fifteen years of research and development experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Before joining us, she was the co-founder, president and chief executive officer of Elixirin Corporation from 2004 to 2005, responsible for overseeing contract research, manufacturing, regulatory approvals and marketing of anti-aging products in the United States and China. Before that, she was director of biotechnology research at Bayer HealthCare Global from 1998 to 2004 and group leader at the discovery research department of Human Genome Sciences Inc. from 1993 to 1998. Dr. Wei is named inventor for 37 patents and has authored several publications, primarily in the areas of protein and antibody drug discovery and genomics. Dr. Wei was a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University’s School of Public Health in 1993. She received her Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of California in 1990 and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Beijing University in 1983.

 

Ke Li, our corporate secretary, is responsible for all corporate and government regulatory matters. Mr. Li has served as the corporate secretary of Shenyang Sunshine since 1996. He joined us in 1993 and held various administrative positions at Shenyang Sunshine before he was appointed corporate secretary. Mr. Li received his master’s degree in Business Administration from Liaoning University in 2001 and his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Jilin University in 1988.

 

6.B  Compensation

 

Our executive officers receive compensation in the form of annual salaries and bonuses. While we do not have a specific bonus plan setting the calculation of our annual bonuses, each executive officer is entitled to receive an annual discretionary bonus based upon his or her performance of such amount as shall be determined by the board of directors and approved by the independent directors.  Our non-executive directors receive annual cash compensation and share-based awards for their board services.

 

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In 2010, the aggregate cash compensation we paid to our directors and executive officers was approximately RMB9.4 million (US$1.4 million); and we also granted restricted stock to our directors and executive officers, as set forth in “6.E — Equity Grant to Directors and Senior Officers”.

 

Other than described in the foregoing, our executive officers may participate in compensatory or benefits plans or arrangements that is available by its terms to employees, officers or directors generally, the operation of which plan or arrangement uses the same method to allocate benefits to management and non-management participants.

 

Our board of directors and the compensation committee review and approve management compensation.

 

6.C  Board Practices

 

Our board of directors currently consists of seven members, among whom, as determined by our board of directors, Mr. Lawrence S. Wizel, Mr. Mingde Yu, Mr. Moujia Qi, and Mr. Peiguo Cong are independent directors within the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules as amended from time to time.

 

6.C.1 Audit Committee

 

Our audit committee of the board of directors, consisting of Mr. Lawrence S. Wizel (Chair), Mr. Mingde Yu, and Mr. Moujia Qi was established in October 2006. Since there are no specific requirements under Cayman Islands law on the composition of our audit committee, our practice was established by our board of directors by reference to similarly situated issuers. Our practice is in line with Rule 5605(c) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules that requires the audit committees of United States companies to have a minimum of three independent directors. All members of our audit committee satisfy the “independence” requirements of each of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and Section 10A(m)(3)(B)(i) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. In addition, our board of directors has determined that Mr. Lawrence S. Wizel qualifies as an audit committee financial expert as defined in Item 16A of Form 20-F. The audit committee is responsible for overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of our company and audits of our financial statements, including the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of our independent auditors.

 

6.C.2  Compensation Committee

 

Our compensation committee of the board of directors, consisting of Mr. Mingde Yu (Chair), Mr. Lawrence S. Wizel and Mr. Moujia Qi, was established in January 2009. All members of our compensation committee satisfy the “independence” requirements of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. The compensation committee is responsible for assisting the board of directors to oversee our compensation and benefits programs, and to determine the compensation package of chief executive officer and other executive officers.

 

6.C.3  Nominating Committee

 

Our nominating committee of the board of directors, consisting of Mr. Dan Lou (Chair), Mr. Mingde Yu, and Mr. Moujia Qi, was established in February 2010.  Mr. Yu and Mr. Qi satisfy the “independence” requirements of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. The nominating committee is responsible for assisting the Board of Directors in selecting nominees for election to the Board and to monitor the composition of the Board and other governance matters.

 

6.C.4 Investment Committee

 

Our investment committee is appointed by the board of directors to assist the board in fulfilling its responsibility to oversee our investment policy.   The investment committee currently consists of the three independent directors, our chief executive officer, chief operating officer and chief financial officer.  In carrying out its responsibilities, the investment committee evaluates our investment policy periodically, approves any exceptions to the existing investment policy, and, recommends appropriate material policy changes to our board of directors.

 

6.C.5 Terms of Directors and Executive Officers

 

Our articles of association provide for a staggered board of directors. At each annual general meeting of our shareholders, one third of our directors (or, if their number is not a multiple of three, the number nearest to but not greater than one-third) are required to stand for reelection. The Chairman shall not be required to stand for reelection at any annual meeting, and will serve for an indefinite term. In addition, the Chairman will not be taken into account in determining the number of directors who must stand for reelection in each year.

 

The particular directors that must stand for reelection at each annual general meeting are determined according to a rotation. Should a director choose not to offer himself or herself for reelection at an annual meeting, the number of directors who must stand for reelection at that meeting is reduced accordingly. Directors who have been longest in office since their last re-election or appointment shall stand for reelection at the annual meeting, provided that, in the case of

 

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directors who were last elected on the same day, which director must stand for reelection shall (unless they otherwise agree among themselves) be determined by lot.

 

Any director appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve only until the next annual meeting, and shall not be taken into account in determining which particular directors or the number of directors who are stand for reelection at such annual meeting.

 

Our executive officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion of our board of directors.

 

6.C.6  Employment Agreements and Director Services Appointment

 

We have entered into employment agreements with all of our executive officers. Under these agreements, each of our executive officers is employed for a specified time period. We may terminate his or her employment for cause at any time, without notice or remuneration, for certain acts of the employee, including but not limited to a conviction or plea of guilty to a felony or to an act of fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement, negligence or dishonest act to the detriment of the company, or misconduct of the employee and failure to perform his or her agreed-to duties after a reasonable opportunity to cure the failure. Furthermore, we may terminate the employment without cause at any time, in which case we will pay the employee severance amount equal to one month of his or her salary for each year of his or her service for our company. An executive officer may terminate the employment at any time upon one-month advance written notice.

 

Each executive officer has agreed to hold, both during and subsequent to the term of the employment agreement, our confidential information in strict confidence and not to disclose such information to anyone except our other employees who have a need to know such information in connection with our business. The executive officers have also agreed to assign to us all rights, titles and interests to or in any inventions that they may conceive or develop during the period of employment, including any copyrights, patents, mark work rights, trade secrets or other intellectual property rights pertaining to such inventions. Specifically, each executive officer has agreed not to, while employed by us and for a period of three years following the termination or expiration of the employment agreement, (i) approach our clients, customers or contacts or other persons or entities introduced to the executive officer for the purposes of doing business with such persons or entities, and will not interfere with the business relationship between us and such persons and/or entities; (ii) assume employment with or provide services as a director or otherwise for any of our competitors, or engage, whether as principal, partner, licensor or otherwise, in any business which is in direct or indirect competition with our business; or (iii) seek directly or indirectly, to solicit the services of any of our employees employed by us at or after the date of the executive officer’s termination, or in the year preceding such termination.

 

Such employment agreement is the only agreement between us and our employee directors with respect to their services to us.

 

Each of our independent directors has received an appointment letter from us, which contains customary terms and conditions, including advance notice of termination, service compensation, confidentiality obligations, directorship termination, and indemnification.  The appointment letters do not provide for any benefit upon termination of appointment.

 

6.D  Employees

 

See “4.B.10 Employees.”

 

6.E Share Ownership

 

Directors and Senior Officers Share Ownership

 

Please refer to the applicable part under Item 7.A “Major Shareholders”.

 

Employee Participation in the Company Capital: 2006 Stock Plan

 

The following is a summary description of our 2006 stock plan, as amended, which is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text thereof as contained in Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2 to this annual report.

 

We adopted our 2006 stock plan in September 2006, as amended in April 2010, and it provides for the grant of

 

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stock, stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, each of which we refer to as “awards.” The purpose of the plan is to provide additional incentive to those officers, employees, directors, consultants and other service providers whose contributions are essential to the growth and success of our business, in order to strengthen the commitment of such persons to us and motivate such persons to faithfully and diligently perform their responsibilities and attract and retain competent and dedicated persons whose efforts will result in our long-term growth and profitability.

 

Not more than 10,000,000 ordinary shares plus a number of shares equal to 10% of any additional shares of the Company issued following the date of the adoption of the 2006 stock plan by the board of directors may be issued under this plan.  The 2006 stock plan provides for the grant to our employees, directors, and consultants or any other participants that the board of directors shall decide in good faith. The board of directors has complete discretion to select the grantees and to establish the terms and conditions of the grants, subject to the provisions of the 2006 stock plan.

 

Plan Administration. Our 2006 stock plan is administered by the board of directors or the compensation committee of the board of directors. With respect to the grant of the awards to employees or consultants who are neither directors nor officers, the board of directors may authorize one or more officers to grant such awards.

 

Award Agreement. Awards to be granted under our 2006 stock plan are evidenced by an award agreement that sets forth the terms and conditions for each award grant, which may include, among other things, the vesting schedule, exercise price, type of option and expiration date of each award grant.

 

Eligibility. We may grant awards to an officer, director, employee, consultant, advisor or a service provider of our company or any of our parent or subsidiaries, provided that directors of our company or any of our parent or subsidiary who are not also employees of our company or any of our parent or subsidiaries, and consultants or advisors to our company or any of our parent or subsidiaries may not be granted incentive stock options.

 

Option Term. The term of each option to be granted under the 2006 stock plan may not exceed five years from the date of grant.

 

Exercise Price. In the case of non-qualified stock options, the per share exercise price of shares purchasable under an option shall be determined by the plan administrator in the administrator’s sole discretion at the time of grant. In the case of incentive stock options, the per share exercise price of shares purchasable under an option shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value per share at the time of grant. However, if we grant an incentive stock option to an employee, who at the time of that grant owns shares representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of our share capital, the exercise price cannot be less than 110% of the fair market value of our ordinary shares on the date of that grant.

 

Amendment and Termination. Subject to certain exceptions, our board of directors may amend, suspend or terminate the 2006 stock plan at any time and for any reason. No such termination or amendment shall affect any shares previously issued or any option previously granted. Subject to extension by amendment, the 2006 stock plan will terminate automatically 10 years after the later of (i) its adoption by the board of directors or (ii) the most recent increase in the number of shares reserved that was approved by our shareholders.

 

Employee Participation in the Company Capital: 2010 Equity Incentive Plan

 

The following is a summary description of our 2010 equity incentive plan, which is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text thereof as contained in Exhibit 4.3 to this annual report.

 

We adopted our 2010 equity incentive plan in March 2010, and it provides for the grant of share options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, shares, restricted shares, and restricted share units, each of which we refer to as “awards”. The purpose of the plan is to attract and retain the best available personnel, to provide additional incentives to employees, directors and consultants and to promote the success of the company’s business. Subject to annual adjustments equal to 15% of new issuances of shares, the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued pursuant to awards is 22,500,000 ordinary shares. The 2010 equity incentive plan provides for the grant of awards to our employees, directors, and consultants.

 

Plan Administration. The 2010 equity incentive plan is administered by the board of directors or the compensation committee of the board of directors. With respect to the grant of awards to employees or consultants who are neither directors nor officers, the board of directors may authorize one or more officers to grant such awards.

 

Award Agreement. Awards granted under our 2010 equity incentive plan are evidenced by an award agreement that sets forth the terms and conditions for each award grant, which may include, among other things, types of awards; vesting schedule; exercisability; exercise price; repurchase; right of first refusal; forfeiture; transferability of awards; form of payment; payment contingencies; satisfaction of any performance criteria upon termination of employment; and term of award.

 

Eligibility. We may grant awards to employees, directors, and consultants of us, any parent corporation or

 

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subsidiary corporation of ours, or any variable interest entities of them, except that special rules apply to the grant of incentive stock options.

 

Exercise or Purchase Price.  The exercise or purchase price of an award is generally established in reference to the fair market value per share on the date of grant.

 

Amendment and Termination. Our board of directors may at any time terminate, suspend, or amend the 2010 equity incentive plan in any respect, provided that no termination, suspension or amendment may adversely affect any award previously granted. The 2010 equity incentive plan shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated.

 

Equity Grant to Directors and Senior Officers

 

The following table summarizes, as of March 31, 2011, the latest practicable date, options, restricted stock and restricted share units (or RSUs) that we granted to several of our directors and executive officers under our stock plans:

 

 

 

Number of ADSs
to be issued upon
exercise of options (or
upon settlement or
vesting of restricted
shares and RSUs)

 

Per ordinary
share

exercise

price (US$)

 

Grant date

 

Date of Expiration

Dan Lou

 

20,000***

 

n/a

 

March 11, 2011

 

n/a

Dr. Jing Lou

 

168,000

 

1.15

 

March 7, 2008

 

October 1, 2011

 

 

350,000

 

0.779

 

March 20, 2009

 

April 1, 2014

 

 

300,000**

 

n/a

 

November 9, 2009

 

n/a

 

 

252,500***

 

n/a

 

April 8, 2010

 

n/a

 

 

230,000***

 

n/a

 

March 11, 2011

 

n/a

Bin Huang

 

12,000

 

1.15

 

March 7, 2008

 

October 1, 2011

 

 

12,000

 

0.779

 

March 20, 2009

 

April 1, 2014

 

 

10,000**

 

n/a

 

November 9, 2009

 

n/a

 

 

10,000***

 

n/a

 

April 8, 2010

 

n/a

 

 

10,000***

 

n/a

 

March 11, 2011

 

n/a

Bo Tan

 

*

 

0.779

 

March 20, 2009

 

April 1, 2014

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

November 9, 2009

 

n/a

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

April 8, 2010

 

n/a

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

March 11, 2011

 

n/a

Lawrence S.Wizel

 

*

 

n/a

 

January 8, 2009

 

n/a

Mingde Yu

 

*

 

1.10

 

March 17, 2008

 

March 17, 2011

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

January 8, 2009

 

n/a

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

April 8, 2010

 

n/a

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

June 9, 2010

 

n/a

Moujia Qi

 

*

 

1.65

 

January 31, 2008

 

December 31, 2011

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

January 8, 2009

 

n/a

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

April 8, 2010

 

n/a

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

June 9, 2010

 

n/a

Dr. Yingfei Wei

 

*

 

1.15

 

March 7, 2008

 

October 1, 2011

Dr. David Chen

 

*

 

1.60

 

July 23, 2007

 

June 1, 2010

 

 

*

 

1.15

 

March 7, 2008

 

October 1, 2011

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

January 8, 2009

 

n/a

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

November 9, 2009

 

n/a

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

April 8, 2010

 

n/a

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

March 11, 2011

 

n/a

Dongmei Su

 

*

 

1.15

 

March 7, 2008

 

October 1, 2011

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

November 9, 2009

 

n/a

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

April 8, 2010

 

n/a

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

March 11, 2011

 

n/a

Ke Li

 

*

 

1.15

 

March 7, 2008

 

October 1, 2011

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

November 9, 2009

 

n/a

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

April 8, 2010

 

n/a

 

 

*

 

n/a

 

March 11, 2011

 

n/a

 


*Upon exercise, vesting or settlement of all securities exercisable or vesting within 60 days of March 31, 2011, such person would beneficially own less than 1% of our outstanding ordinary shares.

 

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**RSU grant: RSUs granted in 2009 have a four-year graded vesting period. The RSUs cannot be settled in cash and one RSU will be settled with one ADS upon vesting. There is no other transferability restriction to the RSUs except for the graded vesting schedule.

 

***Restricted stock grant: All restricted stock granted in 2010 and 2011 vest at end of a four-year vesting period.

 

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ITEM 7.    MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

A. Major Shareholders

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of March 31, 2011, the latest practicable date, by:

 

·                each of our executive officers and directors; and

·                each person known by us to beneficially own 5% or more of our ordinary shares.

 

 

 

Ordinary Shares beneficially
owned(1)(2)

 

Name

 

Number of Ordinary
Shares

 

%

 

Directors and executive officers:

 

 

 

 

 

Dan Lou(3)

 

10,451,571

 

6.84

 

Dr. Jing Lou(4)

 

4,467,422

 

2.91

 

Lawrence S. Wizel

 

*

 

*

 

Mingde Yu

 

*

 

*

 

Dr. David Chen

 

*

 

*

 

Bo Tan

 

*

 

*

 

Moujia Qi

 

*

 

*

 

Bin Huang(5)

 

1,249,617

 

0.82

 

Dr. Dongmei Su

 

*

 

*

 

Dr. Yingfei Wei

 

*

 

*

 

Ke Li

 

*

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal Shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

FMR LLC (6)

 

18,171,552

 

11.90

 

Happyview Finance Limited(7)

 

8,400,000

 

5.50

 

Lan’s Holdings Limited(8)

 

8,232,219

 

5.39

 

Samuel D. Isaly(9)

 

7,801,500

 

5.11

 

 


*Upon exercise, vesting or settling of all options or shares exercisable or vesting within 60 days of March 31, 2011 such person beneficially would own less than 1% of our outstanding ordinary shares.

 

(1)                   Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, and includes voting or investment power with respect to the ordinary shares.

(2)                   In calculating the percentages of beneficial ownership for each listed person, (i) the ordinary shares underlying options exercisable by such person, and (ii) the RSUs or restricted stock awarded to such person that are vested, or will vest, in each case of (i) to (ii) within 60 days of March 31, 2011, shall be treated as exercised, vested, and, or, settled in ordinary shares, as the case may be.

(3)                   Mr. Dan Lou’s total holdings, as reported here, include 10,451,571 ordinary shares held indirectly through his wholly-owned company Hero Grand Management Limited, a British Virgin Islands international business company.

(4)                   Dr. Jing Lou’s total holdings, as reported here, include 3,886,310 ordinary shares held in trust on his behalf by Achieve Well International Limited, and 56,112 ordinary shares underlying options exercisable by Dr. Jing Lou as well as 525,000 ordinary shares underlying RSUs vested as of May 31, 2011.

(5)                   Ms. Bin Huang’s holdings, as reported here, include 1,146,745 ordinary shares held indirectly through her wholly-owned company, Known Virtue International Limited, and 85,372 ordinary shares underlying options exercisable by Ms. Bin Huang as well as 17,500 ordinary shares underlying RSUs vested as of May 31, 2011.

(6)                   FMR LLC is a Delaware limited liability company.  Edward C. Johnson 3rd, Chairman of FMR LLC, and FMR LLC, through its control of various entities, each has sole power to dispose of the 18,171,552 shares owned by certain Fidelity Funds; and, respectively, has sole voting power over 19,936 and 1,376,438 shares.  Neither FMR LLC nor Edward C. Johnson 3rd has the sole power to vote or direct the voting of the shares owned directly by the Fidelity Funds, which power resides with the Funds’ Boards of Trustees. Its business address is at 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts  02109, U.S.A.  All the information relating to this shareholder is based on a report

 

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on Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 2011.

(7)                   Happyview Finance Ltd. is a British Virgin Islands international business company solely owned by Mr. Ou Su, who shares with Happyview Finance Ltd. both voting and investment power over the ordinary shares reported for this shareholder. Its business address is at Room 608, Block Q, Huiyuan Gong Yu, Ya Yun Cun, Chaoyang District, Beijing, PRC.  All the information relating to this shareholder is based on an amended report on Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2011.

(8)                   Lan’s Holdings Limited is a British Virgin Islands international business company owned by Mr. Xiaobing Liu (49%) and Ms. Ying Luan (51%), each of whom has both voting and investment power over the ordinary shares reported for this shareholder. Its business address is at Room 22B, No.969 Beijing Road West, Jianan District, Shanghai, PRC. All the information relating to this shareholder is based on a report on Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2011.

(9)                   Samuel D. Isaly, a U.S. citizen, is the control person with respect to OrbiMed Advisors LLC and OrbiMed Capital LLC, both investment advisors, who hold on behalf of, and share voting and dispositive power with, certain entities, over 7,801,500 shares.  Their business address is at 767 Third Avenue, 30th Floor, New York, New York 10017, U.S.A.  All the information relating to this shareholder is based on a report on Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 8, 2011.

 

Our major shareholders do not have different voting rights. We do not have information as to the portion of our securities held in the U.S. and the number of record holders in U.S. We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company.

 

Changes in the Ownership of Major Shareholders:

 

Except as discussed below, we are not aware of any significant change in the percentage ownership held by any major shareholders during the past three years:

 

Achieve Well International Limited, a British Virgin Islands international business company, beneficially owned 3,886,310 ordinary shares as of December 31, 2009, less than 5% of our outstanding ordinary shares at such time, compared to 24,868,079 ordinary shares, or approximately 16.52% of our outstanding ordinary shares, beneficially owned by it, as of December 31, 2008, according to the reports on Schedule 13G filed by Achieve Well International Limited with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Starry Investments Limited, a Samoan international business company owned by Ms. Lili Liu, beneficially owned 6,614,839 ordinary shares as of December 31, 2010, less than 5% of our outstanding ordinary shares at such time, compared to 8,460,006 ordinary shares, or approximately 5.62% of our outstanding ordinary shares, beneficially owned by it, as of December 31, 2009, according to the reports on Schedule 13G filed by this shareholder with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

W&W International Investments Limited, a British Virgin Islands international business company owned by Mr. Huiqiang Yang, beneficially owned 6,790,000 ordinary shares as of December 31, 2010, less than 5% of our outstanding ordinary shares at such time, compared to 7,732,074 ordinary shares, or approximately 5.13% of our outstanding ordinary shares, beneficially owned by it, as of December 31, 2009, according to the reports on Schedule 13G filed by this shareholder with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

FMR LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, beneficially owned 18,171,552 ordinary shares, or approximately 11.90% of our outstanding ordinary shares, as of March 31, 2011, compared to 10,970,127 ordinary shares, or approximately 7.29% of our outstanding ordinary share, beneficially owned by it as of December 31, 2009, according to the reports on Schedule 13G filed by FMR LLC with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Samuel D. Isaly, a U.S. citizen, as the control person with respect to OrbiMed Advisors LLC and OrbiMed Capital LLC, beneficially owned 7,801,500 shares, or approximately 5.11% of our outstanding ordinary shares, as of March 31, 2011, according to the report on Schedule 13G filed by Mr. Isaly with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Mr. Isaly had not reported any ownership previously.

 

B. Related Party Transactions

 

Transactions with Liaoning Sunshine

 

Sales from Shenyang Sunshine to Liaoning Sunshine were RMB1.5million, RMB0.6 million and RMB0.4 million (US$0.07 million) for year 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.

 

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To enable us to maintain economic and voting control over Liaoning Sunshine, Shenyang Sunshine entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Liaoning Sunshine and its 100% shareholder, our chairman, Mr. Dan Lou, both of whom are related parties to us. As a result, Liaoning Sunshine has been included in our consolidated financial statements as a variable interest entity.  These contractual arrangements include:

 

(1)       Business cooperation agreement

 

Pursuant to the business cooperation agreement among Shenyang Sunshine, Liaoning Sunshine and us, Shenyang Sunshine provides technology support services and market development and consulting services to Liaoning Sunshine, and, as consideration, receives 70% of Liaoning Sunshine’s annual sales revenues as service fees. In addition, Liaoning Sunshine has agreed that, without the prior written consent of a majority of our independent directors, it will not increase or decrease its registered capital, declare dividends or make similar payments, make any investment, incur any indebtedness, mortgage or dispose of its material assets, or consolidate or merge with any other entity.

 

(2)       Purchase agreements for the acquisition of equity interest in Liaoning Sunshine

 

Pursuant to the purchase agreement between Shenyang Sunshine and Mr. Dan Lou, as amended, Mr. Dan Lou granted Shenyang Sunshine an exclusive right to purchase, to the extent permissible under PRC law, his 100% equity interest in Liaoning Sunshine for a purchase price of RMB13.5 million, immediately after Shenyang Sunshine obtains the requisite PRC government approval for it to acquire Liaoning Sunshine. The full purchase price pursuant to the purchase agreement was prepaid by Shenyang Sunshine to Mr. Lou shortly after the signing of this agreement in December 2006.

 

(3)       Voting agreement

 

Pursuant to the voting agreement among Shenyang Sunshine, Mr. Dan Lou and Liaoning Sunshine, Mr. Dan Lou is required to consult with and follow any lawful instruction of Shenyang Sunshine whenever he exercises his rights as Liaoning Sunshine’s shareholder.

 

(4)       Equity pledge agreement

 

Pursuant to the equity pledge agreement between Shenyang Sunshine and Mr. Dan Lou, Mr. Dan Lou pledged all of his equity interests in Liaoning Sunshine to Shenyang Sunshine to guarantee his obligations under the purchase agreement and the voting agreement.

 

Transactions with APGC and Ascentage SH

 

APGC and Ascentage SH may be deemed related parties to us as we acquired and own a 40% equity interest in each of them pursuant to the agreements with them. Pursuant to the same agreements, we paid RMB17,000,000 (US$2.58 million) to fund the apoptosis related R&D program in 2010.  Before entering into the agreements, APGC and Ascentage SH were not related to us.

 

. C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

 

Not Applicable.

 

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ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

See “Item18.  Financial Statements.”

 

Legal Proceedings

 

We are not aware of any legal or arbitration proceedings, or any governmental proceedings pending or known to be contemplated, including those relating to bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceedings and those involving any third party, which may have, or have, had in the recent past, significant effects on the company’s financial position or profitability.   Neither are we aware of any material proceeding in which any of our directors, any member of our senior management, or any of our affiliates is either a party adverse to us or any of our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to us or any of our subsidiaries.

 

From time to time, we may be subject to various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business.

 

Our intellectual property is subject to theft and other unauthorized use, and our ability to protect our intellectual property is limited. In addition, we may in the future be subject to claims that we have infringed the intellectual property rights of others.

 

Please refer to discussions under “Item 3.D Risk Factors” with respect to significant regulatory and legal risks.

 

Dividend Policy

 

Since the incorporation of our company in 2006, we have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our ordinary shares. However, if we declare dividends in the future, we may be subject to currency exchange and other restriction. See “3.D.3—Restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to receive and use our revenues effectively.”

 

The timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend, among other things, on our future results of operations and cash flow, our future prospects, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiaries and our affiliated entities, and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Any future dividends on our ordinary shares would be declared by and subject to the discretion of our board of directors.

 

Holders of ADSs will be entitled to receive dividends, if any, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, to the same extent as holders of ordinary shares, less the fees and expenses payable under the deposit agreement, and after deduction of any applicable taxes.

 

B. Significant Changes

 

Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any significant changes since the date of  the financial statements included in this annual report.

 

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ITEM 9.    THE OFFER AND LISTING

 

A.                Offer and Listing Details

 

Our ADSs have been listed on the NASDAQ Global Market of the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol “SSRX” since February 7, 2007. The outstanding ADSs are identified by the CUSIP number 885754105.  Each of our ADSs represents seven ordinary shares.

 

The following table provides the highest and lowest closing prices for our ADSs on the NASDAQ Global Market for (1) the full financial years ended December 31, 2008, 2009, and 2010, (2) each full fiscal quarter of the financial years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010, and (3) each of the most recent six months.

 

 

 

Closing Price

 

 

 

Per ADS

 

 

 

Highest

 

Lowest

 

 

 

US$

 

US$

 

Annual

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

14.63

 

4.97

 

2009

 

14.20

 

4.51

 

2010

 

16.25

 

10.01

 

Quarterly

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter of 2009

 

7.46

 

4.51

 

Second Quarter of 2009

 

9.12

 

6.60

 

Third Quarter of 2009 

 

11.00

 

7.18

 

Fourth Quarter of 2009

 

14.20

 

10.15

 

First Quarter of 2010

 

13.50

 

10.01

 

Second Quarter of 2010

 

14.33

 

10.02

 

Third Quarter of 2010 

 

15.05

 

11.31

 

Fourth Quarter of 2010

 

16.25

 

12.65

 

First Quarter of 2011

 

17.29

 

14.78

 

Most recent six months

 

 

 

 

 

November 2010

 

16.25

 

15.10

 

December 2010

 

15.33

 

14.14

 

January 2011

 

16.45

 

15.20

 

February 2011

 

16.08

 

15.05

 

March 2011

 

17.29

 

14.78

 

April 2011

 

17.99

 

16.13

 

 


Source: Bloomberg

 

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B.                Plan of Distribution

 

Not applicable.

 

C.                Markets

 

Our ADSs, each representing seven ordinary shares, have been listed on the NASDAQ since February 7, 2007 under the symbol “SSRX.”

 

D.                Selling Shareholder

 

Not applicable.

 

E.                  Dilution

 

Not applicable.

 

F.                  Expenses of The Issue

 

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 10.    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

A. Share Capital

 

Not applicable.

 

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

We incorporate by reference into this annual report such information, as required by Item 10.B of Form 20-F, of the description of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association contained in our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-140099), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on January 19, 2007, except, that the entirety of the section under the heading “Differences in Corporate Law - Mergers and Similar Arrangements description” shall be replaced by the contents below. Our shareholders adopted our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association by unanimous resolutions on September 5, 2006. See also Item 19 - Exhibit 1.2.

 

Differences in Corporate Law - Mergers and Similar Arrangements

 

Set forth below is a summary of the significant differences between the provisions of the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands regarding mergers and similar arrangements that are applicable to us and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders:

 

Previously Cayman Islands law did not provide for mergers as that expression is understood under United States corporate law. However, the Companies (Amendment) Law, 2009 which came into force on May 11, 2009 introduced a new mechanism for mergers and consolidations between Cayman Islands companies (and between Cayman Islands companies and foreign companies if the merged company or consolidated company will continue to be a Cayman Islands company). Merger means the merging of two or more constituent companies into a sole remaining constituent company or surviving company and the vesting of the assets and liabilities of the constituent companies in the surviving company. Consolidation means the combination of two or more constituent companies into a new consolidated company and the vesting of the undertaking, property and liabilities of the constituent companies in the consolidated company. The directors of each constituent company must approve a written plan of merger or consolidation (the “Plan”). The Plan must contain certain prescribed information including the basis of converting the shares in each constituent company into shares of the consolidated company or surviving company and the rights attached thereto; any proposed amendments to the memorandum and articles of the surviving company in a merger or the proposed new memorandum and articles of the consolidated company in a consolidation and details of all secured creditors. The Plan must be approved by the shareholders of each constituent company by either:

 

·           a majority in number representing 75% in value of the shareholders voting together as one class; or

·           a special resolution of the shareholders voting together as one class if the shares to be issued to each shareholder in the consolidated company or in the surviving company are to have the same rights and economic value as the shares held in the constituent company.

 

Shareholders do not need to approve a merger between a Cayman Islands parent company and a Cayman Islands subsidiary. For this purpose a subsidiary is a company of which at least 90% of the issued shares entitled to vote are owned by the parent company.

 

The consent of each holder of a fixed or floating security interest over a constituent company is required unless this requirement is waived by a court in the Cayman Islands.

 

The Plan must be filed with the Registrar of Companies together with supporting documents including a declaration (i) of solvency (debts as they fall due), (ii) that the merger or consolidation is bona fide and not intended to defraud unsecured creditors of the constituent companies, (iii) of the assets and liabilities of each constituent company, (iv) that no proceedings are outstanding and that no order has been made or resolution passed to wind up the constituent company or to appoint a receiver, trustee or administrator in any jurisdiction (v) that no scheme, order, compromise or arrangement has been made in any jurisdiction whereby the rights of creditors have been suspended or restricted and an undertaking that a copy of the certificate of merger or consolidation will be given to members and creditors of the constituent company and published in the Cayman Islands Gazette.

 

A certificate of merger or consolidation is issued by the Registrar of Companies which is prima facie evidence of compliance with all statutory requirements in respect of the merger or consolidation.

 

The effective date of a merger or consolidation is the date the Plan is registered by the Registrar of Companies

 

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although the Plan may provide for an effective date up to 90 days after the date of registration.

 

A dissentient shareholder of a Cayman Islands constituent company is entitled to payment of the fair value of his shares upon dissenting to a merger or consolidation unless (i) an open market on a recognized stock exchange or interdealer quotation system exists for the shares at the end of the dissent period (see below) and (ii) the merger or consolidation consideration consists of shares of the surviving or consolidated company or depository receipts in respect thereof; shares or depository receipts of any other company which are listed on a national securities exchange or designated as a national market system security on a recognized interdealer quotation system or held of record by more than 2000 holders on the effective date of the merger or consolidation; cash in lieu of fractional shares or depository receipts. The exercise of appraisal rights will preclude the exercise of any other rights save for the right to seek relief on the grounds that the merger or consolidation is void or unlawful.

 

The following procedure will otherwise apply:

 

·           The dissentient shareholder must give written notice of objection (“notice of objection”) to the constituent company before the vote to approve the merger or consolidation.

·           Within 20 days of the vote approving the merger or consolidation the constituent company must give written notice of the approval (“approval notice”) to all dissentient shareholders who served a notice of objection.

·           Within 20 days (“dissent period”) of the approval notice a dissentient shareholder must give a written notice of dissent (“notice of dissent”) to the constituent company demanding payment of the fair value of his shares.

·           Within 7 days of the expiry of the dissent period or within 7 days of the date on which the plan of merger or consolidation is filed with the Registrar of Companies (whichever is later) the constituent company, surviving company or consolidated company must make a written offer (“fair value offer”) to each dissentient shareholder to purchase their shares at a price determined by the company to be their fair value.

·           If the company and the dissentient shareholders fail to agree the price within 30 days of the fair value offer (“negotiation period”) then within 20 days of the expiry of the negotiation period the company must apply to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands to determine the fair value of the shares held by all dissentient shareholders who have served a notice of dissent and who have not agreed the fair value with the company.

 

All rights, benefits, immunities, privileges and property (including business and goodwill) of each of the constituent companies will vest in the surviving or consolidated company which will be liable for all debts, contracts, obligations, mortgages, charges, security interests and liabilities of each constituent company. Existing claims, proceedings, judgments, orders or rulings applicable to each constituent company will automatically apply to the surviving company or the consolidated company.

 

In addition, there are statutory provisions that facilitate the reconstruction and amalgamation of companies, provided that the arrangement is approved by a majority in number of each class of shareholders and creditors with whom the arrangement is to be made, and who must in addition represent three-fourths in value of each such class of shareholders or creditors, as the case may be, that are present and voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting, or meetings, convened for that purpose. The convening of the meetings and subsequently the arrangement must be sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. While a dissenting shareholder has the right to express to the court the view that the transaction ought not to be approved, the court can be expected to approve the arrangement if it determines that:

 

·           the statutory provisions as to the required vote have been met;

·           the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in question and the statutory majority are acting bona fide without coercion of the minority to promote interests adverse to those of the class;

·           the arrangement is such that may be reasonably approved by an intelligent and honest man of that class acting in respect of his interest; and

·           the arrangement is not one that would more properly be sanctioned under some other provision of the Companies Law.

 

When a take-over offer is made and accepted by holders of 90.0% of the shares within four months, the offeror may, within a two month period commencing on the expiration of such four month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such shares on the terms of the offer. An objection can be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands but this is unlikely to succeed in the case of an offer which has been so approved unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith, collusion or breach of the Companies Law.

 

If an arrangement and reconstruction or take-over offer is approved or accepted, the dissenting shareholder(s) are unlikely to have any rights comparable to appraisal rights, which would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of United States corporations, providing rights to receive payment in cash for the judicially determined value of the shares.

 

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C. Material Contracts

 

We have not entered into any material contracts to which we or any of our subsidiaries or affiliated entities is a party for the two years immediately preceding publication of this annual report, other than in the ordinary course of business, or other than those listed in the Exhibits hereto or discussed elsewhere in this annual report.

 

D. Exchange Controls

 

There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.

 

For exchange control in China, please refer to “4.B.11-e Regulation of foreign currency exchange, dividend distribution, and overseas listing.”

 

E. Taxation

 

The following summary of certain material Cayman Islands, PRC, and U.S. federal income tax matters with respect to an investment in our ADSs or ordinary shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this annual report, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our ADSs or ordinary shares, such as the tax consequences under laws of any jurisdictions other than the jurisdictions addressed herein, as well as any provincial, state and local tax laws.

 

We urge any prospective purchaser or current holder of our ADSs or ordinary shares to consult your own tax advisor regarding your particular circumstances and the U.S. federal income and estate tax consequences to you of acquiring, owning and disposing of ADSs or ordinary shares, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of PRC, any state, local or foreign or other tax jurisdiction and the possible effects of changes in U.S. federal or other tax laws.

 

Cayman Islands Taxation

 

The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the Government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or after execution brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands.

 

The Cayman Islands is not party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to any payments made to or by our company.

 

PRC Taxation

 

If the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a withholding tax of 10% (or any other applicable rate) for certain U.S. shareholder and ADS holders that are enterprises, and, an individual income tax of 20% for individual U.S. shareholders and ADS holders, may be imposed on dividends they receive from us and on gains realized on their sale or other disposition of shares or ADSs that are deemed income derived from sources within the PRC. It is unclear whether then U.S. shareholder and ADS holders might be eligible for the benefits of the income tax treaty between the United States and the PRC.

 

For more information, please see “4.B.11-d PRC Enterprise Income Tax.”

 

United States Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Persons

 

The following is a summary of the material United States federal income tax considerations relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares by U.S. Holders (as defined below) that will hold their ADSs or ordinary shares as “capital assets” (generally, property held for investment) under the United States Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). This summary is based upon existing United States federal income tax law, which is subject to differing interpretations or change, possibly with retroactive effect. You should note that no rulings have been or are expected to be sought from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), nor have we sought an opinion of counsel, with respect to any U.S. federal income tax matters described below, and we cannot assure you that the IRS or a court will not take contrary positions, which may result in material adverse tax consequences to U.S. Holders.

 

This summary does not discuss all aspects of United States federal income taxation that may be important to particular investors in light of their individual circumstances, and does not deal with the tax consequences to investors subject to special tax rules (for example, financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, U.S. expatriates, and tax-exempt organizations (including private foundations)),

 

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holders who are not U.S. Holders, holders who own (directly, indirectly, or constructively) 10% or more of our voting stock, investors that will hold ADSs or ordinary shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale, or other integrated transaction for United States federal income tax purposes, or U.S. Holders that have a functional currency other than the United States dollar, all of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized below.

 

Please note this description does not address (i) alternative minimum tax consequences or (ii) any other U.S. federal tax (such as estate or gift tax) consequences.

 

This discussion is not a comprehensive description of all of the U.S. federal tax consequences that may be relevant with respect to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares.

 

The discussion below assumes that the representations contained in the deposit agreement are true and that the obligations in the deposit agreement and any related agreement have been and will be complied with in accordance with the terms. If you hold ADSs, you should be treated as the holder of the underlying ordinary shares represented by those ADSs for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

We urge you to consult your own tax advisor regarding your particular circumstances and the U.S. federal income and estate tax consequences to you of owning and disposing of ADSs or ordinary shares, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign or other tax jurisdiction and the possible effects of changes in U.S. federal or other tax laws.

 

U.S. Holder

 

For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of ADSs or ordinary shares that is, for United States federal income tax purposes, (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes, created in, or organized under the law of, the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (iii) an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust (A) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a United States court and which has one or more United States persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (B) that has otherwise validly elected to be treated as a United States person under the Code.

 

If a partnership or other entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes is a beneficial owner of our ADSs or ordinary shares, the United States federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. This summary does not address the tax consequences of any such partner. If you are a partner of a partnership holding shares or ADSs, you should consult your tax advisors.

 

For United States federal income tax purposes, U.S. Holders of ADSs will be treated as the beneficial owners of the underlying shares represented by the ADSs. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawal of shares for ADSs will not be subject to United States federal income tax.

 

Threshold PFIC Classification Matters

 

A non-United States corporation, such as the company, will be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”), for United States federal income tax purposes, if 75% or more of its gross income consists of certain types of “passive” income (the “income test”) or 50% or more of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values during a taxable year) are classified as assets that either produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income (the “asset test”). “Passive income” includes, for example, dividends, interest, certain rents and royalties, certain gains from the sale of stock and securities, and certain gains from commodities transactions.

 

Certain “look through” rules apply for purposes of the income and asset tests described above. If we own, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the total value of the outstanding shares of another foreign corporation, we will be treated as if we held directly a proportionate share of the other corporation’s assets and received directly a proportionate share of the other corporation’s income. In applying this rule, however, it is not clear whether the contractual arrangements between us and our affiliated VIE entities will be treated as ownership of stock.

 

The determination of whether we are, or will become, classified as a PFIC is a fact intensive determination that is made annually based on the composition and amounts of income that we earn and the composition and valuation of our assets, all of which are subject to change. For this purpose, cash is categorized as a passive asset and the company’s unbooked intangibles are taken into account.

 

We believe we were not a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for our taxable year ended December 31, 2010. Based on our current income and assets, it is uncertain whether we will be classified as a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes for our current taxable year ending December 31, 2011, a determination that can only be

 

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made after the close of the taxable year, or future taxable years. The overall level of our passive assets will be significantly affected by the amount and time-frame within which we deploy the cash raised in our initial public offering, other liquid assets that we presently hold, and the operation cash inflow.

 

Because the PFIC determination is highly fact intensive, there can be no assurance that we will not be classified as a PFIC for any particular taxable year or that the Internal Revenue Service will not challenge any determination concerning our PFIC status for any particular taxable year. With respect to prior years, the financial market disruptions from late 2008 and early 2009 may have materially depressed our market valuation for the 2008 and 2009 taxable years, and, to our knowledge, there is a lack of guidance from United States authorities regarding how such disruptions should be taken into account in applying the asset test. In particular, it is possible that the disruptions could lead to our being classified as a PFIC under the asset test for the 2008 and 2009 taxable years.

 

If we are classified as a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. Holder holds our ADSs or ordinary shares, we generally will continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which such U.S. Holder holds our ADSs or ordinary shares.

 

Furthermore, because PFIC status is a fact intensive determination made on an annual basis, no assurance can be given that we are not or will not become classified as a PFIC and will depend upon, in great measure, the timing of our capital expenditures and the value of our unbooked intangibles.

 

Notwithstanding our belief as discussed here and these information we provide solely for the convenience of our investors, we are not providing any U.S. tax opinion or advice to U.S. investors concerning the PFIC status of our company, and U.S. investors should consult their own tax advisors concerning the implication of the PFIC rules in his, her or its particular circumstance and determine his, her, or its own tax position as to our PFIC status for a particular taxable year, including, as applicable, for the 2008 and 2009 taxable years.

 

The discussion below under “Distributions on ADSs or Ordinary Shares” and “Disposition of ADSs or Ordinary Shares” is written on the basis that we will not be classified as a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes. The discussion further below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company” summarizes the PFIC rules that would be applicable to an investment in our ADSs or ordinary shares if we were to be or become classified as a PFIC.

 

Distributions on ADSs or Ordinary Shares

 

We do not currently intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, any actual or constructive distributions paid by the company on ADSs or ordinary shares out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles, generally will be includible in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as dividend income on the day such distributions are actually or constructively received. Any distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its ADSs or ordinary shares and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. However, we do not intend to determine our earnings and profits on the basis of United States federal income tax principles. U.S. Holders should therefore assume that any distribution by the company with respect to the shares or ADSs will constitute dividend income. Dividends received on the ADSs or ordinary shares will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction to corporate U.S. Holders.

 

With respect to non-corporate U.S. Holders (including individual U.S. Holders) for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013, dividends may be taxed at the lower applicable capital gains rate (“qualified dividend income”) provided that (1) the ADSs or ordinary shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States or we are eligible for the benefit of any applicable income tax treaty with the United States, (2) we are not a passive foreign investment company (as discussed below) for either our taxable year in which the dividend was paid or the preceding taxable year, (3) certain holding period requirements are met, and (4) such non-corporate U.S. Holders are not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. For this purpose, ADSs listed with the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC will generally be considered to be readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the availability of the lower rate for dividends paid with respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares.

 

The amount of any distribution paid by us in Renminbi will be determined by the spot rate of exchange on the date when the distribution is actually or constructively received by a U.S. Holder, regardless of whether the Renminbi is actually converted into United States dollars at that time. If the Renminbi received as a dividend distribution are not converted into United States dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder may realize exchange gain or loss on a subsequent conversion of such Renminbi into United States dollars. The amount of any gain or loss realized in connection with a subsequent conversion will be treated as ordinary income or loss, and generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss for United States foreign tax credit purposes.

 

A U.S. Holder may be eligible, subject to a number of complex limitations, to claim a foreign tax credit in respect

 

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of any non-U.S. withholding taxes imposed on dividends received on ADSs or ordinary shares. Dividends generally will be treated as income from foreign sources for United States foreign tax credit purposes. The foreign tax credit limitation is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. For this purpose, distributions characterized as dividends distributed by us will generally constitute “passive category income” or, in the case of certain U.S. Holders, “general category income.” A U.S. Holder who does not elect to claim a foreign tax credit for such withholding taxes, may instead claim a deduction, for United States federal income tax purposes, in respect of such withholdings, but only for a year in which such holder elects to do so for all creditable foreign income taxes.

 

If PRC withholding taxes apply to dividends paid to you with respect to the ADSs or ordinary shares, it is unclear whether you may be able to obtain a reduced rate of PRC withholding taxes under the income tax treaty between the United States and the PRC if certain requirements are met.

 

Dispositions of ADSs or Ordinary Shares

 

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, you generally will recognize taxable gain or loss realized on the sale, exchange, or other taxable disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares equal to the difference between (i) the amount realized on the disposition (i.e., the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received), and (ii) your adjusted tax basis in the ADSs or ordinary shares. Such gain or loss will generally be a capital gain or loss. If you are a non-corporate U.S. Holder, including an individual U.S. Holder, who has held the ADS or ordinary share for more than one year, you will generally be eligible for reduced tax rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Generally, any gain or loss recognized will not give rise to foreign source income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

 

If we are treated as a “resident enterprise” for PRC tax purposes, it is unclear whether you may be eligible for the benefits of the income tax treaty between the United States and the PRC. If PRC tax were to be imposed on any gain from the disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares, a U.S. Holder that is eligible for the benefits of the income tax treaty between the United States and the PRC may elect to treat the gain as PRC source income.

 

A U.S. holder that receives currency other than United States dollar upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares will realize an amount equal to the United States dollar value of the foreign currency on the date of sale, exchange or other taxable disposition (or, if ADSs are traded on an established securities market, in the case of cash basis U.S. Holders and electing accrual basis U.S. holders, the settlement date). A U.S. holder will have a tax basis in the foreign currency received equal to the United States dollar amount realized. The amount of any gain or loss realized in connection with a subsequent conversion will be treated as ordinary income or loss, and generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss for United States foreign tax credit calculation purposes.

 

You should also consult your own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences if you receive currency other than U.S. dollars upon the disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares.

 

Medicare Tax

 

For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, a U.S. Holder that is an individual will be subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) the U.S. Holder’s “net investment income” for the relevant taxable year and (2) the excess of the U.S. Holder’s “modified adjusted gross income” for the taxable year over a threshold amount (which in the case of individuals will be between $125,000 and $250,000, depending on the individual’s filing status).

 

For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, a U.S. Holder that is an estate or a trust that does not fall into a special class of trusts that is exempt from such tax, will be subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) the U.S. Holder’s undistributed “net investment income” for the relevant taxable year or (2) the excess of the U.S. Holder’s gross income for the taxable year over a threshold amount.

 

Subject to certain exceptions, a U.S. Holder’s net investment income will generally be equal to investment income reduced by the deductions properly allocable to that income; and, in general, investment income is the sum of (1) gross income from interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, and rents, (2) net gain attributable to the disposition of property (other than property held in a trade or business), and (3) gross income derived from a trade or business that is a passive activity to the taxpayer or is derived from a business of trading in financial instruments or commodities.. If you are a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate or trust, you are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the applicability of the Medicare tax to your income and gains in respect of your investment in ADSs or ordinary shares.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company

 

If we are or were to become classified as a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our ADSs or ordinary shares, unless you make a “mark-to-market” election (as described below), you would be subject to special rules with respect to (i) any gain realized on the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares, and (ii) any “excess

 

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distribution” made by us on ADSs or ordinary shares (generally, any distributions paid to you in respect of ADSs or ordinary shares during a single taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by you during the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, your holding period for such ADSs or ordinary shares).

 

Under the PFIC rules:

 

· the gain or excess distribution would be allocated ratably over your holding period for ADSs or ordinary shares;

 

· the amount allocated to the taxable year in which the gain or excess distribution was realized, and any taxable

 

year prior to the first taxable year that you held ADSs or ordinary shares in which we are classified as a PFIC (a “pre-PFIC year”), would be taxable as ordinary income; and

 

· the amount allocated to each prior year, other than the current year and any pre-PFIC year, would be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect for that year, and an interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax would be imposed on the resulting tax for each such year for the period it had been deferred.

 

In addition, notwithstanding any election you may make, dividends that you receive from us will not be eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to “qualified dividend income” (as discussed above in “Distributions on ADSs or Ordinary Shares”)

 

As an alternative to the foregoing rules, a holder of “marketable stock” in a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election, provided that the shares are “regularly traded” on a “qualified exchange,” such as the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. Stock is “regularly traded” for any calendar year if such stock is traded in other than de minimis quantities on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter. While the company anticipates that the ADSs will qualify as being “regularly traded” on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, no assurances may be given that the ADSs will qualify as being regularly traded on such exchange. If you make a valid mark-to-market election, you will generally (i) include as ordinary income for each taxable year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of your ADSs as determined at the end of the taxable year over the adjusted tax basis of such ADSs and (ii) deduct as an ordinary loss the excess, if any, of the adjusted tax basis of your ADSs over the fair market value of such ADSs as determined at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. Your adjusted tax basis in your ADSs would be adjusted to reflect any income or loss resulting from the mark-to-market election.

 

Alternatively, if you make an election to treat the company as a “qualified electing fund” (“QEF Election”) you generally will not be subject to the special rules discussed above. Instead, you will be subject to current U.S. federal income tax on your pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and net capital gain, regardless of whether such amounts are actually distributed to you by us. However, you can make a QEF Election only if we agree to furnish you annually with certain tax information and we currently do not intend to prepare or provide such information.

 

Under newly enacted legislation, unless otherwise provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, each U.S. Holder of a PFIC is required to file an annual report containing such information as the Department of the Treasury may require. Prior to such legislation, a U.S. Holder of a PFIC was required to file IRS Form 8621 only for each taxable year in which such shareholder received distributions from the PFIC, recognized gain on a disposition of the PFIC stock, or made a “reportable election.” U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding any reporting requirements related to PFIC status that may apply to them.

 

You are urged to consult your tax advisor concerning the United States federal income tax consequences of acquiring, holding, and disposing of ADSs or ordinary shares if we are or become classified as a PFIC, including the possibility of making a mark-to-market election.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

Generally, information reporting requirements will apply to distributions on ADSs or ordinary shares or proceeds on the disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares paid within the United States (and, in certain cases, outside the United States) to U.S. Holders other than certain exempt recipients, such as corporations. Furthermore, backup withholding may apply to such amounts if the U.S. Holder fails to (i) provide a correct taxpayer identification number, (ii) report interest and dividends required to be shown on its U.S. federal income tax return, or (iii) make other appropriate certifications in the required manner. U.S. Holders who are required to establish their exempt status generally must provide such certification on IRS Form W-9.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding from a payment to you may be credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability and you may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS and furnishing any required information in a timely manner.

 

U.S. Holders that hold certain foreign financial assets (which may include our ADSs or ordinary shares) are required to report information related to such assets, subject to certain exceptions. You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the effect, if any, of this requirement on your ownership and disposition of our ADSs or ordinary

 

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shares.

 

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

 

Not applicable.

 

G. Statement by Experts

 

Not applicable.

 

H. Documents on Display

 

We have previously filed with the Commission our registration statement on Form F-1, as amended.

 

We are subject to the periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act. Under the Exchange Act, we are required to file reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Specifically, we are required to file annually a Form 20-F no later than six months after the close of each fiscal year, which is December 31, for our fiscal year 2010; and, no later than four months, for our fiscal year 2011 and thereafter. Copies of reports and other information, when so filed, may be inspected without charge and may be obtained at prescribed rates at the public reference facilities maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the regional office of the Securities and Exchange Commission located at Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. The public may obtain information regarding the Washington, D.C. Public Reference Room by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 or (202) 551-8090. The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a web site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding registrants, including us, that make electronic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission using its EDGAR system.

 

As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of quarterly reports and proxy statements, and officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

 

As permitted under NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 5250(d)(1)(C), we post our annual reports filed with the SEC on our web site at http://www.3sbio.com. We will not furnish hard copies of our annual reports to holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs unless we receive a request in writing by a holder. Upon receipt of such a request in writing, we will provide hard copies of our annual reports to the requesting holder free of charge.

 

ITEM 11.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Cautionary Statement:

 

Not to affect the general applicability of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to this or other parts of this annual report, as more fully discussed in “Cautionary Statement concerning Forward-looking Statements” at the beginning of this annual report, all the information contained under this Item, as provided under Form 20-F Item 11(d),  constitutes “forward looking statement” within the meaning of those laws and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, except for information regarding how our primary market risk exposures are managed and certain historical facts.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Interest-earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk.  Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to the interest income generated by cash invested in demand and time deposits from our initial public offering proceeds and cash inflow from our operations.  We have not used any derivative financial instruments to manage our interest risk exposure. If market interest rates for such deposits decrease in the near future, such decrease may cause the amount of our interest income to fall. A hypothetical 10% decrease in the annual average applicable interest rate in fiscal year 2011 would result in a decrease of approximately RMB1.3 million in interest income on our balance of such demand and time deposits as of December 31, 2010. In comparison, a hypothetical 10% decrease in the annual average applicable interest rate in fiscal year 2010 would have resulted in a decrease of approximately RMB1.2 million in interest income on our balance of such demand and time deposits as of December 31, 2009.

 

Foreign Currency Risk

 

On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its decade-old policy of pegging the value of the RMB to the U.S. dollar. Under the current policy, the RMB is permitted to fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. This change in policy has resulted in substantial appreciation of the RMB against the U.S.

 

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dollar since then. While the international reaction to the RMB revaluation has generally been positive, there remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt an even more flexible currency policy, which could result in a further and more significant appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar.

 

Substantially all of our revenue and costs are denominated in RMB, while a significant portion of our financial assets are denominated in U.S. dollars, to which our exposure to foreign exchange risk principally relates. We have not hedged exposures denominated in foreign currencies.

 

To the extent that we need to convert the balance of U.S. dollars we hold into Renminbi for our operations, fluctuation in the exchange rate between the Renminbi and U.S. dollar would impact on the Renminbi amount we receive from the conversion. Our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and time deposits with original maturities over three months denominated in U.S. dollars was US$25.8 million as of December 31, 2010, compared to US$48.3 million as of December 31, 2009. If we had converted such balance from US dollar to RMB at December 31, 2010, the converted amount would have been RMB170.3 million (using an exchange rate of 1USD=6.60 RMB at December 31, 2010, compared to the rate of 1USD=6.8259 RMB at December 31, 2009). If RMB were to appreciate by 5% against U.S. dollar over the December 31, 2010 exchange rate, the converted amount would be RMB161.8 million.  Compared to last year, we are less susceptible to RMB appreciation due to the reduction in our U.S. dollar holdings.  Please also see “3.D.3 - Exchange rate volatility may adversely affect our competitive position, financial position, operations, or otherwise.”

 

ITEM 12.    DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Fees and Charges Payable by ADS Holders

 

The table below summarizes the fees and charges that a holder of our ADSs may have to pay, directly or indirectly, to our ADS depositary, JPMorgan Chase Bank, or JPMorgan, pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, which was filed as Exhibit 99.A to our Registration Statement on Form F-6 filed with the SEC on January 22, 2007, and the types of services and the amount of the fees or charges paid therefor.  The contents under this heading “Fees and Charges Payable by ADS Holders” are subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Deposit Agreement.

 

Category

 

Depositary actions

 

Associated Fee

 

 

 

 

 

Depositing or substituting underlying shares

 

Issuances against or in respect to or pursuant to:
—Deposits of Shares
—Share distributions, rights and other distributions
—Stock dividend or split declared by us
—Merger, exchange of securities or any other transaction or event or other distribution affecting the ADSs or the deposited shares

 

$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) issued or delivered
(The Depositary may sell, by public or private sale, sufficient securities and property received in respect of share distributions, rights and other distributions prior to such deposit to pay such charge.)

 

 

 

 

 

Withdrawing underlying shares

 

—ADSs surrendered for withdrawal of deposited shares or ADS cancelled or reduced for any other reason

 

$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) reduced, cancelled or surrendered

 

 

 

 

 

Transferring, splitting or grouping receipts

 

— Transfers

 

$1.50 per ADR

 

 

 

 

 

General depositary services

 

— Services performed by the Depositary in administering the ADRs
— Such fees and expenses as are incurred by the Depositary (including without limitation expenses incurred on behalf of ADR holders in connection with compliance with foreign exchange control regulations or any law or regulation relating to foreign investment) in delivery of deposited securities (*which may include assets associated with such securities) or otherwise in connection with the Depositary’s or its Custodian’s compliance with

 

— Up to $0.03 per ADS (or portion thereof) in each calendar year for services performed by the Depositary in administering the ADRs (which fee shall be assessed against ADR holders as of the record date or dates set by the Depositary not more than once each calendar year and shall be payable at the sole discretion of the Depositary by billing such ADR holders or by deducting such charge from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions).
— Other fees and expenses as incurred

 

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applicable law, rule or regulation)

 

—Conversion of foreign currency into U.S. dollars
—Any other charge payable by any of the Depositary, any of the Depositary’s agents, including, without limitation, the Custodian, or the agents of the Depositary’s agents in connection with the servicing of the Shares or other deposited securities.

 




—Expenses of the Depositary in connection with the conversion of foreign currency into U.S. dollars are paid out of such foreign currency,

—any other charge payable by any of the Depositary, any of the Depositary’s agents, including, without limitation, the Custodian, or the agents of the Depositary’s agents in connection with the servicing of the Shares or other deposited securities, which charge shall be assessed against ADR holders as of the record date or dates set by the Depositary and shall be payable at the sole discretion of the Depositary by billing such ADR holders or by deducting such charge from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions.

 

 

 

 

 

Receiving or distributing dividends

 

-Distribution of cash, shares, rights, and other properties.

 

-$0.02 or less per ADS for distribution of cash or net proceeds of sale.
-Distribution of shares and securities (treated as shares), the fee being in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and delivery of ADSs which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of shares, $5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof).

 

In addition, an ADS holder may also be liable for: (i) stock transfer or other taxes and other governmental charges; (ii) cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery charges incurred at the request of persons depositing, or ADR holders delivering Shares, ADRs or deposited securities; (iii) transfer or registration fees for the registration or transfer of deposited securities on any applicable register in connection with the deposit or withdrawal of deposited securities.

 

Fees Payable by the Depositary to the Issuer

 

JPMorgan, as our depositary, has agreed to reimburse us for certain expenses related to our ADS program which we incur each year. For 2010, we received US$0.3 million in reimbursements from JPMorgan, primarily related to accountant fees and investor relations expenses.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 13.    DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 14.    MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None.

 

ITEM 15.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

 

We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a—15(e) under the Exchange Act, that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

 

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.  Based on their evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level.

 

Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, for our company. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Included in our internal control over financial reporting are policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations from our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to preparation and presentation of financial statements, and may not prevent or detect all misstatements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related rules as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, our management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010 based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2010.

 

Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young Hua Ming, has audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, as stated in its report, which appears on page F-2 of this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

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Changes in Internal Controls

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 in the Exchange Act that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 16A.    AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

 

Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Lawrence S. Wizel qualifies as an audit committee financial expert as defined in Item 16A of the instruction to Form 20-F. Each of the members of our Audit Committee is an “independent director” as defined under Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules.

 

ITEM 16B.    CODE OF ETHICS

 

Our board of directors has adopted a Code of Ethics (See Exhibit 11.1), which is applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions.

 

We have filed our code of ethics as an exhibit to our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2006 and have posted the code on our website www.3sbio.com. We hereby undertake to provide to any person, without charge, a copy of our code of ethics within ten working days after we receive such person’s written request.

 

ITEM 16C.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in connection with certain professional services rendered by our principal external auditors, for each of the last two fiscal years. We did not pay any other fees to our principal external auditors during such periods.

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

US$

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Audit Fees(1)

 

4,095

 

4,410

 

668

 

Audit-related Fees

 

 

 

 

Tax Fees(2)

 

48

 

 

 

Other Fees

 

 

 

 

 


(1)          “Audit fees” means the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for professional services rendered by our principal external auditors for the integrated audit, including the financial audit and the audit pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;

(2)          “Tax fees” means the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for professional services rendered by our principal external auditors for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning.

 

The pre-approval policy and procedures for accounting fees, as described in paragraph (c)(7)(i) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, are contained in the charter of the audit committee of our board of directors, and summarized below:

 

·          Prior to formally appointing or re-appointing the principal external auditor, our audit committee reviews and assesses the independence of the principal external auditor, including but not limited to any relationships with us, or any other entity that may impair the principal external auditor’s judgment or independence in respect to us.

·          Our audit committee discusses with the principal external auditor the overall scope of the external audit, including identified risk areas and any additional agreed-upon procedures.

·          Our audit committee reviews the principal external auditor’s compensation to ensure that an effective, comprehensive and complete audit can be conducted for the agreed compensation level.

 

All non-audit services were pre-approved by our audit committee.

 

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ITEM 16D.    EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

 

None.

 

ITEM 16E.    PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

 

None.

 

ITEM 16F.    CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16G.    CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

As permitted by NASDAQ, in lieu of the NASDAQ corporate governance rules, but subject to certain exceptions, we may follow home country practice.

 

Composition of the Nominating Committee

 

The nominating committee of our board of directors currently has one member that is not an independent director within the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, as amended from time to time.  This practice of ours differs from Rule 5605(e) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. There is no specific requirement under Cayman Islands law on a nominating committee of the board of directors comprised solely of independent directors.

 

Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation

 

We are not required to obtain shareholder approval when a stock option or purchase plan is to be established or materially amended or other equity compensation arrangement made or materially amended, pursuant to which stock may be acquired by officers, directors, employees, or consultants.  This practice of ours differs from Rule 5635(c) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. There is no specific requirement under Cayman Islands law on shareholder approval with respect to equity compensation arrangements.  The amendment to our 2006 stock plan and the 2010 equity incentive plan were adopted by our board of directors without shareholder approval.

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 17.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The registrant has elected to provide the consolidated financial statements and related information specified in Item 18 in lieu of Item 17.

 

ITEM 18.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The audited consolidated financial statements and the reports of our principal external auditors are included in this annual report beginning on page F-1.

 

ITEM 19.    EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description of Exhibits

1.1

 

Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association of 3SBio Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-140099), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on January 19, 2007)

 

 

 

1.2

 

Amended and Restated Articles of Association of 3SBio Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-140099), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on January 19, 2007, except that Article 61(2) shall now read:”At any general meeting of the Company, two or more Members entitled to vote and present in person or by proxy or, in the case of a Member being a corporation, by its duly authorised representative representing not less than one-third in nominal value of the total issued voting shares in the Company throughout the meeting shall form a quorum for all purposes.” The amendment to Article 61(2) was approved at the 2010 Annual General Meeting by a special resolution on October 29, 2010.)

 

 

 

2.1

 

Form of Share Certificate of 3SBio Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-140099), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on January 19, 2007)

 

 

 

2.2

 

Form of Deposit Agreement, including Form of ADR, of 3SBio Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-140099), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on January 19, 2007)

 

 

 

4.1

 

2006 Stock Plan adopted by 3SBio Inc., dated as of September 5, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-140099), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on January 19, 2007)

 

 

 

4.2

 

First Amendment to 2006 Stock Plan, effective April 8, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 from our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the Commission on June 25, 2010)

 

 

 

4.3

 

2010 Equity Incentive Plan, effective April 8, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 from our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the Commission on June 25, 2010)

 

 

 

4.4

 

Form Purchase Contract for FCS between Shenyang Sunshine Pharmaceutical Company Limited and Shanghai Weike Biochemical Reagent Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 from our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the Commission on April 21, 2009)

 

 

 

4.5

 

Form Purchase Agreement for BPT-6 culture medium between Shenyang Sunshine Pharmaceutical Company Limited and Invitrogen Trading (Shanghai) Company Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 from our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the Commission on June 25, 2010)

 

 

 

4.6

 

Form of Distribution Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-140099), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on January 19, 2007)

 

 

 

4.7

 

Sanitary Piping System Contract between Shenyang Sunshine Pharmaceutical Company Limited and Shanghai Macroprocess Technology Co. Ltd., dated March30, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 from our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the Commission on June 25, 2010)

 

 

 

4.8

 

Installation Contract for the Core Cleanroom Area of the New Plant between Shenyang Sunshine Pharmaceutical Company Limited, and, Suntec Cleanroom & HVAC Engineering Co. Ltd. and Suntec (Suzhou) Cleanroom System Co. Ltd., dated July 3, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 from our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the Commission on June 25, 2010)

 

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Table of Contents

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description of Exhibits

 

 

 

8.1*

 

List of Subsidiaries of 3SBio Inc.

 

 

 

11.1

 

Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11.1 from our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed with the Commission on June 29, 2007)

 

 

 

12.1*

 

CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

12.2*

 

CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

13.1*

 

CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

13.2*

 

CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

15.1*

 

Consent of Ernst & Young Hua Ming

 

 

 

15.2*

 

Consent of KPMG

 


*  Filed herewith.

 

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Table of Contents

 

SIGNATURES

 

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

 

3SBio Inc.

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Dr. Jing Lou

 

Name:

Dr. Jing Lou

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

Date:

June 3, 2011

 

 

95


 



Table of Contents

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of 3SBio Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of 3SBio Inc. as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2010. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of 3SBio Inc. at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 3SBio Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated June 3, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

 

/s/ Ernst & Young Hua Ming

 

Ernst & Young Hua Ming

 

Beijing, People’s Republic of China

 

June 3, 2011

 

 

F-1



Table of Contents

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of 3SBio Inc.

 

We have audited 3SBio Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). 3SBio Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, 3SBio Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the COSO criteria.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of 3SBio Inc. as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2010 of 3SBio Inc. and our report dated June 3, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

 

/s/ Ernst & Young Hua Ming

 

Ernst & Young Hua Ming

 

Beijing, People’s Republic of China

 

 

 

June 3, 2011

 

 

F-2



Table of Contents

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

3SBio Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows of 3SBio Inc. (the “Company”) and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2008.  These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of 3SBio Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

 

/s/ KPMG

 

KPMG

Hong Kong, China

April 21, 2009

 

F-3



Table of Contents

 

3SBio Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

At December 31, 2009 and 2010

(RMB and US$ expressed in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

Note

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

US$

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

262,767

 

153,250

 

23,220

 

Restricted cash

 

 

 

9,300

 

1,662

 

252

 

Time deposits with financial institutions

 

 

 

468,451

 

378,405

 

57,334

 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts:

 

3

 

54,661

 

78,500

 

11,894

 

December 31,2009: RMB2,915; December 31, 2010: RMB2,663 (US$403)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes receivable

 

 

 

31,265

 

55,646

 

8,431

 

Inventories

 

4

 

15,406

 

21,718

 

3,291

 

Prepaid expenses and other receivables

 

5

 

8,705

 

39,390

 

5,968

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

6

 

 

50,667

 

7,677

 

Prepayment to related parties

 

21

 

 

12,000

 

1,818

 

Deferred tax assets

 

17(a)

 

2,079

 

2,198

 

333

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

 

 

852,634

 

793,436

 

120,218

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time deposits with financial institutions

 

 

 

 

120,000

 

18,182

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

6

 

11,407

 

12,697

 

1,924

 

Investment in non-consolidated affiliates

 

7

 

 

3,835

 

581

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

8

 

165,120

 

199,456

 

30,221

 

Lease prepayments

 

9

 

8,541

 

8,188

 

1,241

 

Non-current deposits

 

10

 

10,067

 

1,555

 

236

 

Intangible assets, net

 

11

 

4,125

 

44,299

 

6,712

 

Long-term receivables

 

19

 

 

2,558

 

388

 

Deferred tax assets

 

17(a)

 

1,567

 

373

 

57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

 

 

1,053,461

 

1,186,397

 

179,760

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

 

 

2,736

 

5,030

 

762

 

Deferred grant income

 

12

 

374

 

1,374

 

208

 

Accrued expenses and other payables

 

13

 

33,421

 

39,552

 

5,993

 

Income tax payable

 

 

 

1,914

 

1,986

 

301

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

 

38,445

 

47,942

 

7,264

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred grant income

 

12

 

2,778

 

2,402

 

364

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

 

41,223

 

50,344

 

7,628

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital — ordinary shares US$0.0001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 150,641,461 and 152,654,148 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2009 and 2010 respectively

 

 

 

121

 

123

 

19

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

 

915,267

 

946,717

 

143,442

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

23

 

(100,608

)

(89,531

)

(13,563

)

Retained earnings

 

 

 

197,458

 

278,744

 

42,234

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

1,012,238

 

1,136,053

 

172,132

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

1,053,461

 

1,186,397

 

179,760

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4



Table of Contents

 

3SBio Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

For the years ended  December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010

(RMB and US$ expressed in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

Note

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

 

15

 

243,245

 

316,920

 

418,628

 

63,428

 

Cost of revenue

 

 

 

(21,741

)

(25,236

)

(41,650

)

(6,311

)

Gross profit

 

 

 

221,504

 

291,684

 

376,978

 

57,117

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development costs

 

 

 

(22,477

)

(19,427

)

(39,409

)

(5,971

)

Sales, marketing and distribution expenses

 

 

 

(119,778

)

(151,679

)

(194,877

)

(29,526

)

General and administrative expenses

 

 

 

(31,458

)

(36,195

)

(55,850

)

(8,462

)

Total operating expenses

 

 

 

(173,713

)

(207,301

)

(290,136

)

(43,959

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

 

 

47,791

 

84,383

 

86,842

 

13,158

 

Interest income

 

 

 

23,953

 

11,532

 

12,950

 

1,962

 

Grant income

 

12

 

388

 

674

 

1,256

 

190

 

Net realized gain/(loss) on available-for-sale securities

 

6(a)

 

(18,995

)

1,611

 

 

 

Impairment loss on available-for-sale securities

 

6(b)

 

(4,391

)

(4,624

)

 

 

Share of gain in non-consolidated affiliates

 

7

 

 

 

704

 

107

 

Other income, net

 

20

 

1,896

 

1,595

 

1,306

 

198

 

Total other income, net

 

 

 

2,851

 

10,788

 

16,216

 

2,457

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

 

 

 

50,642

 

95,171

 

103,058

 

15,615

 

Income tax expense

 

17(a)

 

(11,649

)

(11,736

)

(21,772

)

(3,299

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

38,993

 

83,435

 

81,286

 

12,316

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

 

 

 

549

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to 3SBio Inc.

 

 

 

39,542

 

83,435

 

81,286

 

12,316

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Basic

 

 

 

0.26

 

0.55

 

0.54

 

0.08

 

- Diluted

 

 

 

0.26

 

0.55

 

0.53

 

0.08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Basic

 

 

 

151,655,631

 

150,606,317

 

151,241,036

 

151,241,036

 

- Diluted

 

 

 

151,712,749

 

151,034,192

 

154,131,768

 

154,131,768

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5



Table of Contents

 

3SBio Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

For the years ended  December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010

(RMB and US$ expressed in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

Note

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

US$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

38,993

 

83,435

 

81,286

 

12,316

 

Net unrealized gain/(loss) in available-for-sale securities, net of nil tax

 

23

 

(903

)

1,205

 

21,335

 

3,233

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of nil tax

 

23

 

(52,885

)

313

 

(10,258

)

(1,554

)

Total other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax

 

23

 

(53,788

)

1,518

 

11,077

 

1,679

 

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

 

 

 

(14,795

)

84,953

 

92,363

 

13,995

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests

 

 

 

(549

)

 

 

 

Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to 3SBio Inc.

 

 

 

(14,246

)

84,953

 

92,363

 

13,995

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6



Table of Contents

 

3SBio Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010

(RMB and US$ expressed in thousands, except share data

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital

 

Additional
paid-in

 

Accumulated
other
comprehensive

 

Retained

 

Non-
controlling

 

Total share-
holders’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

capital

 

losses

 

earnings

 

interests

 

equity

 

 

 

Note

 

No. of shares

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of January 1, 2008

 

 

 

152,099,155

 

122

 

917,527

 

(48,338

)

74,481

 

549

 

944,341

 

Repurchase shares from outstanding shares

 

14(a)

 

(1,523,200

)

(1

)

(14,466

)

 

 

 

(14,467

)

Share-based compensation, net of nil tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Shares granted to executives

 

 

 

 

 

121

 

 

 

 

121

 

-Share options granted to executives

 

 

 

 

 

5,195

 

 

 

 

5,195

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39,542

 

(549

)

38,993

 

Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of nil tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

(903

)

 

 

(903

)

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of nil tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

(52,885

)

 

 

(52,885

)

Balance as of December 31, 2008

 

 

 

150,575,955

 

121

 

908,377

 

(102,126

)

114,023

 

 

920,395

 

Share-based compensation, net of nil tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Shares issued upon vesting of shares/RSUs granted to independent directors and executives

 

18(a)

 

48,734

 

 

3,642

 

 

 

 

3,642

 

-Share options granted to executives and employees

 

18(b)

 

 

 

3,116

 

 

 

 

3,116

 

-Shares issued pursuant to exercise of vested options

 

18(b)

 

16,772

 

 

132

 

 

 

 

132

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

83,435

 

 

83,435

 

Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of nil tax

 

6(b)

 

 

 

 

1,205

 

 

 

1,205

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of nil tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

313

 

 

 

313

 

Balance as of December 31, 2009

 

 

 

150,641,461

 

121

 

915,267

 

(100,608

)

197,458

 

 

1,012,238

 

Share-based compensation, net of nil tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Shares issued upon vesting of shares/RSUs granted to independent directors and executives

 

18(a)

 

1,103,499

 

1

 

6,763

 

 

 

 

6,764

 

-Share options granted to executives and employees

 

18(b)

 

 

 

2,149

 

 

 

 

2,149

 

-Shares issued pursuant to exercise of vested options

 

18(b)

 

909,188

 

1

 

22,538

 

 

 

 

22,539

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

81,286

 

 

81,286

 

Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of nil tax

 

6(b)

 

 

 

 

21,335

 

 

 

21,335

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of nil tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

(10,258

)

 

 

(10,258

)

Balance as of December 31, 2010

 

 

 

152,654,148

 

123

 

946,717

 

(89,531

)

278,744

 

 

1,136,053

 

Balance as of December 31,2010 (US$)

 

 

 

 

 

19

 

143,442

 

(13,563

)

42,234

 

 

172,132

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7



Table of Contents

 

3SBio Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the year ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010

(RMB and US$ expressed in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

Note

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

RMB

 

US$

 

Cash flow from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

38,993

 

83,435

 

81,286

 

12,316

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss/(gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

519

 

402

 

(371

)

(56

)

Allowance for/(reversal of) doubtful accounts

 

 

 

777

 

(1,588

)

624

 

95

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

 

8

 

5,743

 

7,009

 

13,906

 

2,107

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

11

 

275

 

1,100

 

1,103

 

167

 

Amortization of deferred grant income

 

12

 

(374

)

(374

)

(374

)

(57

)

Share-based compensation expenses

 

18(c)

 

4,988

 

6,560

 

24,498

 

3,712

 

Realized loss/(gain) on available-for-sale securities

 

6(a)

 

18,995

 

(1,611

)

 

 

Impairment of available-for-sale securities

 

6(b)

 

4,391

 

4,624

 

 

 

Gain on structured deposits

 

6

 

(459

)

 

 

 

Foreign currency exchange (gain)/loss, net

 

 

 

(2,435

)

(596

)

249

 

38

 

Deferred income tax expense/(benefit)

 

17(a)

 

1,609

 

(1,591

)

1,075

 

163

 

Share of gain in non-consolidated affiliates

 

7

 

 

 

(704

)

(107

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

 

(8,090

)

(4,146

)

(23,605

)

(3,577

)

Notes receivable

 

 

 

(11,268

)

(6,425

)

(24,381

)

(3,694

)

Inventories

 

 

 

(866

)

(7,658

)

(6,312

)

(956

)

Prepaid expenses and other receivables

 

 

 

2,766

 

(459

)

(5,265

)

(798

)

Lease prepayments

 

9

 

353

 

353

 

353

 

53

 

Accounts payable

 

 

 

246

 

797

 

2,294

 

348

 

Accrued expenses and other payables

 

 

 

2,493

 

8,148

 

4,026

 

610

 

Income tax receivable

 

 

 

556

 

 

 

 

Income tax payable

 

 

 

1,256

 

658

 

72

 

11

 

Long-term receivables

 

 

 

 

 

659

 

100

 

Deferred grant income

 

 

 

 

 

1,000

 

152

 

Prepayment to related parties

 

 

 

 

 

(12,000

)

(1,818

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

 

60,468

 

88,638

 

58.133

 

8,809

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

(36,777

)

(95,802

)

(40,821

)

(6,185

)

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

85

 

111

 

 

 

Purchase of available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

(80,136

)

(3,475

)

(31,951

)

(4,841

)

Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

43,421

 

16,995

 

 

 

Issuance of short-term loan

 

 

 

 

 

(26,400

)

(4,000

)

Purchase of structured deposit

 

 

 

(9,809

)

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of structured deposit

 

 

 

13,636

 

 

 

 

Purchase of intangible assets

 

11

 

(5,500

)

 

(41,277

)

(6,254

)

Purchase of time deposits

 

 

 

(520,784

)

(727,355

)

(463,405

)

(70,213

)

Proceeds from disposal of time deposits

 

 

 

226,975

 

552,712

 

433,451

 

65,674

 

Restricted cash for investment in a subsidiary

 

 

 

 

(9,300

)

(1,000

)

(151

)

Investment in non-consolidated affiliates

 

7

 

 

 

(3,131

)

(474

)

Release of cash in restriction for investment in a subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

9,300

 

1,409

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

 

(368,889

)

(266,114

)

(165,234

)

(25,035

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares

 

 

 

 

132

 

6,764

 

1,025

 

Payments for the repurchase of shares

 

14(a)

 

(14,467

)

 

 

 

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities

 

 

 

(14,467

)

132

 

6,764

 

1,025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate change on cash

 

 

 

(48,901

)

874

 

(9,180

)

(1,392

)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

(371,789

)

(176,470

)

(109,517

)

(16,593

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of year

 

 

 

811,026

 

439,237

 

262,767

 

39,813

 

Cash and cash equivalents, at end of Year

 

 

 

439,237

 

262,767

 

153,250

 

23,220

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the year for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

 

 

(8,614

)

(12,669

)

(20,279

)

(3,073

)

Non-cash transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment included in Accrued expenses and other payables

 

 

 

(2,600

)

(5,385

)

(6,923

)

(1,049

)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-8



Table of Contents

 

1.  Principal activities, organization and basis of presentation

 

Principal activities

 

3SBio Inc. (the “Company”) and subsidiaries (collectively the “Group”) are principally engaged in the research, development, manufacture and distribution of pharmaceutical products in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”).  The Group currently manufactures and/or distributes five types of biopharmaceutical products, which include the following:

 

·          EPIAO, an injectable recombinant human erythropoietin that is used to stimulate the production of red blood cells in patients with anemia and to reduce the need for blood transfusions;

 

·          TPIAO, a recombinant human thrombopoietin indicated for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia;

 

·          Two legacy products, including Intefen, a recombinant interferon alpha-2a product indicated for the treatment of carcinoma of the lymphatic or hematopoietic system and viral infectious diseases; and Inleusin, a recombinant human IL-2 product indicated for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, metastatic melanoma, thoratic fluid build-up caused by cancer and tuberculosis; and

 

·          Iron Sucrose Supplement (“Iron”), an intravenously administered prescription drug that is designed to treat anemia associated with iron deficiency, is indicated for patients with end-stage renal disease requiring iron replacement therapy.

 

Organization

 

The Company was incorporated in the Cayman Islands in August 2006 under the Cayman Islands Companies Law as an exempted company with limited liability.

 

On February 7, 2007, the Company’s shares were listed on the Nasdaq Global Market following the completion of its initial public offering (“IPO”). The Company does not conduct any substantive operations of its own but conducts its primary business operations through its subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIEs).

 

The Company was incorporated as part of the reorganization of Shenyang Sunshine Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Shenyang Sunshine”) and its consolidated entities (the “Reorganization”) in preparation of the Company’s IPO. In connection with the Reorganization, and pursuant to a shareholders’ agreement amongst the existing beneficial shareholders of Shenyang Sunshine, an ultimate beneficial shareholder of Shenyang Sunshine established Collected Mind Limited (“Collected Mind”) in July 2006 in the British Virgin Islands and held the interest in Collected Mind on behalf of all the ultimate beneficial shareholders of Shenyang Sunshine or their nominees, in proportion to their respective effective share ownership in Shenyang Sunshine. Collected Mind acquired all of the equity interest in Shenyang Sunshine in August 2006. Shortly after this acquisition, the Company was established as the ultimate holding company. In September 2006, in consideration of the Company’s issuance of shares to the ultimate beneficial shareholders of Collected Mind or their nominees in proportion to each of their beneficial interest in Collected Mind, the entire equity interest in Collected Mind was acquired by the Company. Upon completion of the Reorganization, Collected Mind and the Company became Shenyang Sunshine’s

 

F-9



Table of Contents

 

immediate and ultimate holding companies, respectively. The proportionate ownership of the Company immediately after the Reorganization is substantially the same.

 

Shenyang Sunshine was established in the PRC in January 1993 as a Sino-foreign joint stock limited company. In connection with the Reorganization, Shenyang Sunshine became a wholly foreign-owned enterprise in the PRC.

 

Prior to the Reorganization, Shenyang Sunshine consolidated both Liaoning Bio-Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Liaoning Sunshine”) and Beijing Sunshine Bio-Product Sales Company Limited (“Beijing Sunshine”) as it held a 90% controlling interest in Liaoning Sunshine and it was the primary beneficiary of Beijing Sunshine, which was deemed to be a VIE in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) subtopic 810-10, Consolidation: Overall (“ASC 810-10”).

 

In connection with the Reorganization and for purposes of compliance with certain PRC rules and regulations related to the distribution of pharmaceutical products, Shenyang Sunshine transferred its 45% equity interest in Beijing Sunshine to an executive officer in October 2006 and its 90% equity interest in Liaoning Sunshine to a director in November 2006. In December 2006 and January 2007, Shenyang Sunshine entered into certain contractual arrangements with Beijing Sunshine and Liaoning Sunshine, the two VIEs, respectively, including business operation agreements, equity interest acquisition agreement, voting agreement, equity interest pledge agreement and supplementary arrangements attached to these agreements, such that:

 

·      Shenyang Sunshine is entitled to a majority of the revenues of the VIEs which are derived in the form of technology support, market development and consulting services fees;

 

·      Shenyang Sunshine is granted an exclusive right to acquire, to the extent permissible under PRC law, the equity interests in the VIEs;

 

·      The equity holders of the VIEs are required to consult with and follow any lawful instruction of Shenyang Sunshine whenever they exercise their rights as equity holders;

 

·      The equity interests in the VIEs are pledged to Shenyang Sunshine to guarantee the obligations of the equity holders under the above contractual arrangements.

 

As a result of these contractual arrangements, Shenyang Sunshine consolidates the VIEs (as required by ASC 810-10 as set out above) because it is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. Through the aforementioned agreements, Shenyang Sunshine is obligated to absorb substantially all of the profits and all of the expected losses from the VIEs’ activities.

 

Beijing Sunshine was dissolved during 2008. Liaoning Sunshine is a domestic limited liability company incorporated in the PRC primarily for the purpose of distributing products manufactured by Shenyang Sunshine. Liaoning Sunshine has also been involved in distributing one third-party franchised pharmaceutical product since 2008. In 2009, through supplementary agreements, Shenyang Sunshine is deemed to have acquired the 10% non-controlling interest in Liaoning Sunshine. The carrying amount of the total assets of Liaoning Sunshine was RMB28,400,000 (US$4,300,000) as of December 31, 2010, and there was no pledge or collateralization of their assets. The total amount of the liabilities of Liaoning Sunshine was RMB32,700,000 (US$4,950,000) as of December 31, 2010.

 

F-10



Table of Contents

 

Shenyang Sunshine Baiao Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (“Shenyang Baiao”) was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Collected Mind, which was established in July 2007 and dissolved in April 2009. Throughout its existence, Shenyang Baiao was not involved in any significant business activities and there was no significant gain or loss upon its dissolution.

 

China Sansheng Medical Limited (“HK Sunshine”) was established in Hong Kong in November 2009 under Collected Mind. HK Sunshine was established as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Collected Mind and will engage in merger and acquisition efforts, as well as import and export transactions.  As of December 31, 2010, HK Sunshine has not been involved in any business activities.

 

Liaoning Sunshine Technology & Development Co., Ltd. (“Benxi Sunshine”) was established as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liaoning Sunshine in December 2009 and had engaged in medical technology development, transfer of technology and technical consulting activities.

 

Pursuant to the strategic alliance entered between the Group and Ascentage Pharma Group Corporation, Ltd. (“APGC”) in February 2010, the Group acquired 40% equity interests in both APGC and Ascentage Shanghai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“Ascentage SH”, a PRC domestic company under common control with APGC), in December 2010 and June 2010, respectively. APGC and Ascentage SH are involved in pharmaceutical products intellectual property (“IP”) rights holding and maintenance, as well as research and development (“R&D”) activities execution. Refer to Note 7 and Note 16 (b) for details of this arrangement.

 

On November 4, 2010, the Group entered into an assets acquisition agreement with EnzymeRX LLC (“EnzymeRX”) to purchase certain R&D related assets. Related to the assets acquisition arrangement, the Group formed 3SBio, LLC in Delaware, USA, on November 30, 2010. Two LLC series under 3SBio, LLC, 3SBio IP Assets Series (“IP Series”) and 3SBio US Assets Series (“Assets Series”), were established to hold the assets acquired from EnzyemRX. The members of IP Series and Assets Series are Shenyang Sunshine and the Company, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, neither of these two LLC series has been involved in any business activities. Refer to Note 16 (d) for details of this arrangement.

 

In December 2010, Taizhou Huan Sheng Investment Management Company Limited (“Tai Zhou Huan Sheng”) and Jiangsu Sunshine Pharmaceutical Technology Company Limited (“Jiangsu Sunshine”) were established as wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company in the PRC, with paid-in capital of RMB1,000,000 (US$152,000) and RMB30,000,000 (US$4,500,000), respectively. Tai Zhou Huan Sheng is established for cooperating with a local government to invest in local R&D projects. Jiangsu Sunshine will be engaged in seeking medical technology development and other R&D opportunities in southern part of the PRC. As of December 31, 2010, neither Tai Zhou Huan Sheng nor Jiangsu Sunshine has been involved in any business activities.

 

Basis of presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

F-11



Table of Contents

 

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies and practices

 

Principles of consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, including the VIEs that the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions between the Company, its subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs have been eliminated upon consolidation.

 

Currency translation for financial statement presentation

 

Solely for the convenience of the readers, certain 2010 RMB amounts included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of US$1.00 = RMB6.6000, being the noon buying rate for U.S. dollars in effect on December 31, 2010 for cable transfers in RMB per U.S. dollar as certified for custom purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.  No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars at that rate or at any other rate on December 31, 2010, or on any other date.

 

Foreign currency transactions

 

The reporting currency of the Group is Renminbi (“RMB”).The functional currency of the Company’s PRC-based subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs is RMB, whereas the functional currency of the Company and its non-PRC-based subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar (“US$”).

 

Transactions of PRC-based subsidiaries and VIEs denominated in currencies other than RMB are remeasured into RMB at the exchange rates quoted by the People’s Bank of China (the “PBOC”) prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are remeasured into RMB using the applicable exchange rates quoted by the PBOC at the balance sheet dates. The resulting exchange differences are recorded as other income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 

Assets and liabilities of the Company and non-PRC-based subsidiaries are translated into RMB using the exchange rate on the balance sheet dates.  Income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. The gains and losses resulting from translation of financial statements of the Company and the Company’s non-PRC-based subsidiaries are recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments, a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) within shareholders’ equity.

 

Comparative figures

 

Certain items in prior years’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

 

Use of estimates

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities on the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual financial results could differ significantly from those estimates.  On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, those related to the recoverability of the carrying amount and estimated useful lives

 

F-12



Table of Contents

 

of long-lived assets; valuation and other-than-temporary impairment of investments; realizability of inventories; allowance for doubtful accounts receivables; valuation allowance for deferred tax assets; and the fair value of share-based compensation.  Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.

 

Concentrations of risks

 

Concentration of credit risk

 

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, time deposits, accounts receivable and notes receivable are potentially subject to concentration of credit risk. Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and time deposits are placed with financial institutions that management believes are of high credit quality. Accounts receivable are derived from revenue earned from customers located primarily in the PRC. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon historical experience and the age of receivables, as well as taking into consideration economic and regulatory conditions. Determining appropriate allowances for these losses is an inherently uncertain process, and ultimate losses may vary from the current estimates, resulting in a material impact to future statements of income or cash flows. Due to the relatively small dollar amount of individual accounts receivable, the Company generally does not require collateral on these balances. The allowance for doubtful accounts was RMB2,915,000 and RMB2,663,000 (US$403,000) as of December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2009, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of outstanding net accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2010, one customer accounted for more than 10% of outstanding net accounts receivable. Details are listed below:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

%

 

RMB’000

 

%

 

US$’000

 

%

 

Beijing Tianxingpuxin Bio-Medical Co., Ltd.

 

4,911

 

9

%

9,162

 

12

%

1,388

 

12

%

 

Currency convertibility risk

 

RMB is not a fully convertible currency. The PRC State Administration for Foreign Exchange, under the authority of the People’s Bank of China (“PBOC”), controls the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies. The value of the RMB is subject to changes in central government policies and to international economic and political developments affecting supply and demand in the PRC foreign exchange trading system market. All foreign exchange transactions involving RMB must take place either through the PBOC or other institutions authorized to buy and sell foreign exchange.  Commencing from July 21, 2005, the PRC government moved the RMB into a managed floating exchange rate regime based on market supply and demand with reference to a basket of currencies. The exchange rate has continued to fluctuate since the initial adjustment.

 

Business and economic risks

 

The Company participates in a fast-growing and highly competitive industry. The Company believes that changes in any of the following areas could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future financial position, results of operations or cash

 

F-13



Table of Contents

 

flows: changes in the overall demand for our current flagship products; expiration of administrative protection and monitoring periods for certain of our major products; competitive pressures due to new entrants; advances and new trends in new techniques and industry standards; newly discovered safety, side effects or other product issues discovered; changes in critical material suppliers; changes in certain strategic relationships with our distributors; regulatory considerations; and risks associated with the Company’s ability to attract and retain key R&D personnel necessary to support its growth. There are other risks and uncertainties that could affect the Company materially.

 

Sales to the Company’s top five distributors accounted for 30% to 40% of total net revenue for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010. The following is sales to the customer that individually comprises 10% or more of net revenue:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

%

 

RMB’000

 

%

 

RMB’000

 

%

 

US$’000

 

%

 

Beijing Tianxingpuxin Bio-Medical Co., Ltd.

 

26,267

 

11

%

33,408

 

10

%

46,762

 

11

%

7,085

 

11

%

 

Purchase from the Company’s top five suppliers accounted for 30% to 60% of total inventories purchased for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010. The following are inventory purchases from suppliers that individually comprise 10% or more of total inventories purchased in any of the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

%

 

RMB’000

 

%

 

RMB’000

 

%

 

US$’000

 

%

 

Nanjing Lifenergy R&D Co., Ltd.

 

1,338

 

8

%

2,839

 

13

%

2,426

 

10

%

368

 

10

%

Zhenjiang Shuangfeng Pharmaceutical Packing Co.,Ltd.

 

1,045

 

6

%

3,759

 

17

%

1,563

 

6

%

237

 

6

%

Invitrogen Hong Kong Ltd

 

1,052

 

6

%

2,294

 

10

%

1,325

 

5

%

201

 

5

%

Shanghai Weike Biochemical Reagent Co.,Ltd.

 

989

 

6

%

2,314

 

10

%

925

 

4

%

140

 

4

%

Total

 

4,424

 

26

%

11,206

 

50

%

6,239

 

25

%

946

 

25

%

 

The Company’s operations could be adversely affected by significant political, economic and social uncertainties in the PRC.

 

Foreign currency exchange rate risk

 

The Company’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk primarily relates to cash and cash equivalents, time deposits and accounts receivables denominated in US$, Euro (“EUR”), Australian Dollar (AUD) and Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). The functional currency of the Company is US$, and the reporting currency is RMB. Since July 21, 2005, the RMB has been permitted to fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. The depreciation of the US$

 

F-14


 


Table of Contents

 

against RMB was approximately 3.3% in 2010. Any significant revaluation of RMB may materially and adversely affect the cash flows, revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, the ADS in U.S. dollars. As a result, an appreciation of RMB against the U.S. dollar would result in foreign currency translation losses when translating the net assets of the Company from the U.S. dollar into RMB.

 

Fair value measurements of financial instruments

 

The carrying amounts of the Group’s cash and cash equivalents, time deposits, restricted cash, accounts receivable, notes receivable, accounts payables and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value as of the balance sheet dates because of their short maturity. Fair values for investment securities that are classified as available-for-sale securities are determined by using quoted market prices and valuation methodologies, primarily discounted cash flow analysis.

 

Cash and cash equivalents, time deposits and restricted cash

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, interest-bearing deposits placed with banks and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.  Interest-bearing time deposits with financial institutions with original maturities in excess of three months are excluded from cash and cash equivalents and classified as time deposits. Time deposits with remaining maturities longer than one year are classified as non-current assets. The interest rates of the time deposits ranged from 1.09% to 4.7% per annum with a weighted-average original maturity of 1.3 years.

 

Restricted cash as of December 31, 2010 comprises RMB662,000 (US$100,000) housing maintenance enhancement fund and RMB1,000,000 (US$152,000) incorporation deposit. The maintenance enhancement fund can only be used at employees’ application and the related government authority’s approval. The incorporation deposit was temporarily restricted from use as part of the incorporation process of Tai Zhou Huan Sheng required by local authorities. The deposit is no longer restricted upon the completion of Tai Zhou Huan Sheng’s registration in January 2011.

 

As of December 31, 2009 and 2010, the amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and time deposits with original maturities over three months held in financial institutions by geographic location is as follows:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- the PRC

 

370,712

 

597,678

 

90,558

 

- Hong Kong

 

368,773

 

55,639

 

8,430

 

- United States of America (“U.S.”)

 

1,033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

740,518

 

653,317

 

98,988

 

 

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As of December 31, 2009 and 2010, the Group’s cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and time deposits with original maturities over three months denominated in U.S. dollars and Renminbi are as follows:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2010

 

 

 

’000

 

’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S dollars

 

73,876

 

25,761

 

Renminbi

 

232,462

 

470,151

 

 

The group holds its cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and time deposits in major financial institutions that management believes are of high credit quality.

 

Accounts receivable and notes receivable

 

Accounts receivable are stated at the invoiced amount after deduction of trade discounts and allowances, if any, and is non-interest bearing. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Group’s best estimate of the amount of credit losses in the Group’s existing accounts receivable. The Group determines the allowance based on historical write-off experience, customer specific facts and economic conditions.

 

Outstanding account balances are reviewed individually for collectability.  Account balances are written off after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.  Shenyang Sunshine and its consolidated entities are required to comply with local tax requirements on the write-offs of doubtful accounts, which allow for such write-offs only when sufficient evidence is available to prove the debtor’s inability to make payments.  The Group does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers.

 

No notes receivable provision is considered necessary as the notes are issued by reputable commercial banks in the PRC, which means risk of non-payment by customers rests with the banks.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the weighted average cost method. Cost of work-in-progress and finished goods comprise direct materials, direct production cost and an allocated proportion of production overheads based on normal operating capacity. Adjustments are made to write down excess or obsolete inventories to their estimated realizable values.

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

Available-for-sale securities consist of debt and equity marketable securities and convertible promissory note in the accompanying balance sheets. Available-for-sale securities considered available for use in current operations are classified as current assets.

 

Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value.  Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, if any, are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income until realized. Realized gains and losses

 

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from the sale or disposal of available-for-sale securities are determined on a specific-identification basis.

 

A decline in the market value of any available-for-sale security that is deemed to be other-than-temporary results in an impairment to the carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. To determine whether impairment is other-than-temporary, the Group considers whether it has the ability and intent to hold the investment until a market price recovery and considers whether evidence indicating the cost of the investment is recoverable outweighs evidence to the contrary. Evidence considered in this assessment includes the reasons for the impairment, the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in value subsequent to year-end, forecasted performance of the investee, and the general market condition in the geographic area or industry the investee operates in.

 

Interest income from available-for-sale securities is recognized in other income when earned.

 

Investments in non-consolidated affiliates

 

Pursuant to ASC 323-10: Investments — Equity Method and Joint Ventures — Overall, investments in companies in which the Group can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or control are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Significant influence is generally presumed to exist when the Group owns between 20% and 50% of the investee, holds substantial management rights or holds an interest of less than 20%, but the investee is a limited liability partnership or limited liability corporation that is treated as a flow-through entity.

 

Under the equity method of accounting, only the Group’s investment in and amounts due to and from the equity investee are included in the consolidated balance sheet. The Group initially records its investment at cost and adjusts the carrying amount of the investment to recognize the Group’s proportionate share of each equity investee’s net income or loss in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income after the date of acquisition. The difference between the cost of the equity investee and the amount of the underlying equity in the net assets of the equity investee is recognized as equity method goodwill included in equity method investment on the consolidated balance sheet. The Group evaluates the equity method investments for impairment and an impairment loss on the equity method investments is recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income when the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary.

 

Impairment of investments in non-consolidated affiliates

 

For investments accounted for using equity method of accounting, the Group determines impairment by assessing whether an other-than-temporary decline in value of the investment has been sustained. If it has been determined that an investment has sustained an other-than-temporary decline in its value, the investment is written down to its fair value by a charge to earnings. This evaluation is dependent on the specific facts and circumstances. The Group evaluates information such as the investee’s budgets, business plans and financial statements) in addition to quoted market prices, if any, in determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in value exists. Factors indicative of an other-than-temporary decline include recurring operating losses, credit defaults and subsequent rounds of financing at an amount

 

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below the cost basis of the Group’s investment. This list is not all-inclusive and the Group weighs all known quantitative and qualitative factors.

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.

 

Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is calculated based on the straight-line method (after taking into account their respective estimated residual values) over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

 

Buildings

 

10 - 20 years

 

Plant and machinery

 

5 - 10 years

 

Motor vehicles

 

5 years

 

Furniture, fixtures and computer equipment

 

5 - 10 years

 

 

Interest expenses, payroll expenses, share-based compensation expenses and other direct staff costs incurred related to the construction of property, plant and equipment are capitalized. The capitalization of expenses as part of the costs of a qualifying asset commences when expenditures for the asset have been made, activities that are necessary to get the asset ready for its intended use are in progress and costs are being incurred. The capitalization period ends when the asset is substantially complete and ready for its intended use.

 

No depreciation is provided in respect of construction-in-progress.

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment attributable to manufacturing activities is capitalized as part of inventory, and expensed to cost of revenues when inventory is sold.

 

Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.

 

The gain or loss on the disposal of property, plant and equipment is the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the relevant assets and is recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 

Intangible assets

 

Intangible assets mainly represent an exclusive distribution right of Iron Sucrose in the PRC, as well as acquired Pegsiticase related global intellectual property (“IP”) rights and related in-progress R&D (“IPR&D”),  which were determined to have alternative future use. Intangible assets other than IPR&D held by the Group have finite lives, are amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 5 to 20 years (weighted average life 6.5 years) and are carried at cost less accumulated amortization with no residual value. Amortization expense was recognized based on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. IPR&D is identified as having an indefinite useful life, which is not subject to amortization.

 

If intangible assets with indefinite use lives are subsequently determined to have finite useful lives, amortization will be provided prospectively over their estimated remaining useful lives and will be accounted for in the same manner as other intangible assets that are subject to amortization.

 

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Impairment of long-lived assets

 

Long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets with finite useful lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management’s judgement, that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

 

Recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is measured by the asset’s discounted cash flows or market value, if readily determinable.

 

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired..

 

Lease prepayments

 

Lease prepayments represent the cost of land use rights in the PRC.  Land use rights are carried at cost and recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the respective periods of the rights of 30 years.

 

The current portion of lease prepayments represents the amount expected to be recognized as expense within one year from the balance sheet date, which has been included in “Prepaid expenses and other receivables” in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

Revenue recognition

 

Sales of pharmaceutical products represent the invoiced value of goods, net of value added taxes (“VAT”), sales returns, trade discounts and allowances. In accordance with ASC 605-10: Revenue recognition — Overall, the Group recognizes revenue when products are delivered and the customer takes ownership and assumes risk of loss, collection of the relevant receivable is probable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and the sales price is fixed or determinable. Shipping and handling costs paid by the Group and recovered from customers are included in revenue and sales, marketing and distribution expenses.

 

In the PRC, VAT at a general rate of 17% on invoice amount is collected on behalf of tax authorities in respect of the sales of goods.  Revenue is stated net of VAT. VAT collected from customers is offset with VAT paid by the Group for purchases, with the net amount recorded as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets until it is paid to the tax authorities.

 

Government grants

 

An unconditional government grant is recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income when the grant becomes receivable. The government grants received by the Group were lump sum payments for which approval is at the sole discretion of the government and are subject to availability of the government funds. The amount and timing of the grants cannot be directly attributable to specific expenditures incurred and the timing of incurrence of such expenditures. As such, grant income is recognized as grant income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income rather than as part of the Company’s operating income.

 

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Government grants relating to the domestic acquisition of property, plant and equipment are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as deferred income when there is reasonable assurance that it will be received and amortized as other income over the weighted average useful life of the assets purchased under the related subsidized capital project.  Grants that compensate the Group for expenses incurred on R&D activities are recognized as grant income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income upon the later of the award of the grant or in the same period in which the related expenses are incurred.

 

Retirement and other post-retirement benefits

 

Contributions to retirement schemes (which are defined contribution plans) are charged to the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income as and when the related employee service is provided.

 

Pursuant to the relevant PRC regulations, the Company’s PRC consolidated entities is required to make contributions for each employee at a rate of approximately 20% on a standard salary base as determined by the local Social Security Bureau, to a defined contribution retirement scheme organized by the local Social Security Bureau in respect of the retirement benefits for the Group’s employees in the PRC. The total amount of contributions of RMB2,102,000, RMB2,560,000 and RMB3,367,000 (US$510,000)  for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively, was charged to expense in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.   The Group has no other obligation to make payments in respect of retirement benefits of the employees.

 

Income taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as operating loss and tax credit carry forwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  A valuation allowance is provided to reduce the amount of deferred tax assets if it is considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rate is recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

The Group applies ASC 740-10 - Income Taxes: Overall (“ASC 740-10”) to account for uncertainty in income taxes. ASC 740-10 requires that an entity recognizes in the consolidated financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is not more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on a cumulative probability basis.  Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgement occurs. The Group has elected to classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if and when required, as part of income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. As of and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, no unrecognized tax benefits or interest and penalties associated with uncertainty in income taxes have been recognized.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Advertising costs

 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.  Advertising costs included in sales, marketing and distribution expenses were RMB4,631,000, RMB3,011,000 and RMB1,204,000 (US$ 182,000) for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.

 

R&D costs

 

R&D costs are expensed as incurred. R&D costs consist primarily of the remuneration of R&D staff, depreciation, material, clinical trial costs as well as amortization of acquired technology and know-how used in R&D with alternative future uses. R&D costs also include costs associated with collaborative R&D and in-licensing arrangements, including upfront fees paid to collaboration partners in connection with technologies which have not reached technological feasibility and did not have an alternative future use. Reimbursement of R&D costs for arrangements with collaboration partners is recognized when the obligations are incurred.

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

In the normal course of business, the Group is subject to contingencies, including legal proceedings and claims arising out of the business that relate to a wide range of matters, including among others, product liability. The Group records accruals for such contingency based upon the assessment of the probability of occurrence and, where determinable, an estimate of the liability. The Group may consider many factors in making these assessments including past history and the specifics of each matter. As the Group has not become aware of any product liability claim since operations commenced, the Group has not recognized a liability for product liability claims.

 

Earnings per share (“EPS”)

 

In accordance with ASC 260-10 - Earnings Per Share: Overall, basic net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding. Diluted net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. by the weighted average number of ordinary and dilutive potential ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Potential ordinary shares consist of the incremental ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options, as well as vesting of non-vested shares and restricted share units (“RSU”) that will be settled in the Company’s stock. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options, non-vested shares and RSU is reflected in diluted earnings attributable to 3SBio Inc. per share by application of the treasury stock method. The calculation of diluted net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. per share excludes all anti-dilutive shares.

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. per share:

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

Numerator for basic and diluted net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Net income attributable to 3SBio Inc.

 

39,542

 

83,435

 

81,286

 

12,316

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Basic weighted average shares

 

151,655,631

 

150,606,317

 

151,241,036

 

151,241,036

 

- Effect of dilutive potential shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RSU

 

 

31,485

 

1,183,002

 

1,183,002

 

Non-vested shares

 

 

355,540

 

543,719

 

543,719

 

Options

 

57,118

 

40,850

 

1,164,011

 

1,164,011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

57,118

 

427,875

 

2,890,732

 

2,890,732

 

Diluted weighted average shares

 

151,712,749

 

151,034,192

 

154,131,768

 

154,131,768

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. per share

 

0.26

 

0.55

 

0.54

 

0.08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. per share

 

0.26

 

0.55

 

0.53

 

0.08

 

 

The diluted net income attributable to 3SBio Inc. per share calculation for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 did not include the effect of share options to purchase a total of 1,897,650, 585,100 and nil ordinary shares, respectively because to do so would have been anti-dilutive.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income is defined to include all changes in equity except those resulting from investment by owners and distributions to owners. The Group’s components of comprehensive income during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were net income, net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

Share-based compensation

 

The Group adopts ASC 718-10 - Compensation — Stock Compensation: Overall (“ASC 718-10”) for all share-based compensation made by the Group. ASC 718-10 requires that all compensation cost related to employee share options or similar equity instruments be measured at grant date fair values of the awards.  The Group recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the same as the vesting period. The Group used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to measure grant date fair value of share options granted before December 31, 2008 and has adopted a lattice option-pricing model from January 1, 2009. In accordance with ASC 718-10, the Group treated this change in valuation technique prospectively. For share options granted, forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience and are periodically reviewed.

 

The Group accounts for equity instruments issued to each member of the board of directors who is not an employee of the Group in accordance with the provisions of

 

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ASC 718-10. As those non-employee directors were all appointed to a board position that will be filled by shareholder election when the existing term expires and the awards granted to these directors are only for their services as directors, awards granted to these non-employee directors are treated in the same way as share-based payment to employees.

 

Segment reporting

 

The Group uses the management approach in determining operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Group’s chief operating decision maker for making operating decisions, allocating resources and assessing performance as the source of determining the Group’s reportable segments.  Management, including the chief operating decision maker, reviews operating results solely by monthly revenue and operating results of the Group and, as such, the Group has determined that the Group has a single operating segment as defined by ASC 280-10 - Segment Reporting, which is the research, development, manufacture and distribution of pharmaceutical products in the PRC.

 

Recently issued accounting standards

 

On January 1, 2010, the Group adopted ASC 810-10: Consolidation — Overall (“ASC 810-10”), which requires an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity as the enterprise that has both of the following characteristics, among others: (a) the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity, or the right to receive benefits from the entity, that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. Under this guidance, ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity are required. The guidance is applicable to all new and existing VIEs. The adoption of ASC 810-10 did not have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

 

On January 1, 2010, the Group adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements (“ASU 2010-06”) related to the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements and provides clarification for existing disclosures requirements. More specifically, this update will require (a) an entity to disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 fair value measurements and to describe the reasons for the transfers; and (b) information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements to be presented separately (i.e. present the activity on a gross basis rather than net) in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs). This guidance also provides clarification of existing disclosure requirements for (a) determine each class of assets and liabilities based on the nature and risks of the investments rather than by major security type, and (b) for each class of assets and liabilities, disclose the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both Level 2 and Level 3 inputs. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosure are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosure requirements related to the purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward activity of Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosure requirements are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of ASU 2010-06 did not have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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The FASB has issued ASU No. 2010-17, Revenue Recognition - Milestone Method (ASC 605): Milestone Method of Revenue Recognition. This ASU provides guidance on defining a milestone and determining when it may be appropriate to apply the milestone method of revenue recognition for research or development transactions.  Consideration that is contingent on achievement of a milestone in its entirety may be recognized as revenue in the period in which the milestone is achieved only if the milestone is judged to meet certain criteria to be considered substantive. Milestones should be considered substantive in their entirety and may not be bifurcated. An arrangement may contain both substantive and non-substantive milestones that should be evaluated individually. Determining whether a milestone is substantive is a matter of judgment made at the inception of the arrangement. This ASU is not expected to impact the Group’s consolidated financial statements; however, it could have an impact in future periods to the extent that the Group were to enter into contractual arrangements where the Group would receive milestone payments.

 

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13 (“ASU 2009-13”), Revenue Recognition (ASC 605): Multiple-deliverable Revenue Recognition. The guidance provides for a new methodology for establishing the fair value for a deliverable in a multiple-element arrangement. When vendor specific objective or third-party evidence for deliverables in a multiple-element arrangement cannot be determined, an enterprise is required to develop a best estimate of the selling price of separate deliverables and to allocate the arrangement consideration using the relative selling price method. This guidance will be effective on January 1, 2011 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements. However, it could have an impact in future periods to the extent that the Group were to enter into contractual arrangements where the Group would generate revenue from multiple deliverables.

 

In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-13 (“ASU 2010-13”), Compensation-Stock Compensation (ASC 718): Effect of Denominating the Exercise Price of a Share-Based Payment Award in the Currency of the Market in Which the Underlying Equity Security Trades. ASU 2010-13 affects entities that issue employee share-based payment awards with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity securities trades that differs from the functional currency of the employer entity or payroll currency of the employee. The amendments clarifies that an employee share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity securities trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, an entity would not classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. The amendments in this standard are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 31, 2010. Early application is permitted. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to impact the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-28 (“ASU 2010-28”), Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (ASC 350): When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts. Under this guidance, an entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. The qualitative factors are consistent with the existing guidance, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances

 

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change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010. Early adoption is not permitted. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to impact the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

 

3. Accounts receivable, net

 

Accounts receivable, net, consists of the following:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

57,576

 

81,163

 

12,297

 

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

(2,915

)

(2,663

)

(403

)

Total accounts receivable, net

 

54,661

 

78,500

 

11,894

 

 

An analysis of the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

5,257

 

4,503

 

2,915

 

441

 

(Credited)/charged to income

 

777

 

(1,588

)

(234

)

(35

)

Written off against accounts receivable

 

(1,531

)

 

(18

)

(3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

 

4,503

 

2,915

 

2,663

 

403

 

 

The Group’s accounts receivable balances are all related to third-party customers. The Group has a credit policy in place and the exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. The Group does not obtain collateral from customers.

 

4. Inventories

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raw materials

 

2,348

 

2,571

 

389

 

Work-in-progress

 

7,990

 

12,524

 

1,898

 

Finished goods

 

3,334

 

4,790

 

726

 

Consumables and packaging materials

 

1,734

 

1,833

 

278

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total inventories

 

15,406

 

21,718

 

3,291

 

 

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Impairment of inventories resulted in a write off of approximately RMB354,000, RMB272,000 and RMB312,000 (US$47,000) as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.

 

5. Prepaid expenses and other receivables

 

Prepaid expenses and other receivables consist of the following:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepayments and other deposits

 

4,509

 

4,358

 

660

 

Loan receivable

 

 

26,400

 

4,000

 

Other receivables

 

4,196

 

8,632

 

1,308

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total prepaid expenses and other receivables

 

8,705

 

39,390

 

5,968

 

 

Prepayments and other deposits as of December 31, 2009 and 2010 include RMB353,000 and RMB353,000 (US$53,000), respectively, current portion of lease prepayments (Note 9);  and RMB3,233,000 (US$474,000) and RMB3,379,000 (US$512,000) advances to employees.

 

Loan receivable as of December 31, 2010 includes a short-term loan of RMB 26,400,000 (US$4,000,000) made to a third party. The loan has a term of three months and earns interest of 2.7% per annum. The loan was fully repaid in March 2011.

 

Other receivables mainly include interest receivable and other miscellaneous receivables.

 

6. Available-for-sale securities

 

At December 31, 2009 and 2010, the fair values of available-for-sale securities held by the Group are as follows:

 

 

 

December 31, 2009

 

 

 

Amortized
cost

 

Gross
unrealized
gain

 

Fair
value

 

Fair value

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

Non-current portion:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate debt securities

 

10,807

 

600

 

11,407

 

1,671

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Amortized
cost

 

Gross
unrealized
gain

 

Fair value

 

Fair value

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities

 

29,700

 

20,967

 

50,667

 

7,677

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current portion:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible promissory note

 

1,320

 

 

1,320

 

200

 

Corporate debt securities

 

10,409

 

968

 

11,377

 

1,724

 

 

 

11,729

 

968

 

12,697

 

1,924

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total available-for-sale securities

 

41,429

 

21,935

 

63,364

 

9,601

 

 

The fair values of equity securities and corporate debt securities are based on quoted market prices at each reporting date. The fair value of the convertible promissory note is determined using the income approach. There were no available-for-sale securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2009 and 2010.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Group did not purchase or dispose of any corporate debt securities. The corporate debt securities held by the Group as of December 31, 2010 are interest-bearing at 4.625 - 7.5% per annum and are publicly traded outside the PRC.

 

On August 23, 2010, the Group purchased a US$4,500,000 (RMB29,700,000) convertible debenture with interest rate of 7% per annum. The convertible debenture carries a three-year maturity from issuance and the Group can convert the debenture into common shares anytime before maturity at a fixed rate of CDN 0.155 per share. As of December 31, 2010, the Group had fully converted the debenture into 30,734,877 common shares and recorded the converted shares as equity securities Refer to Note 16(c) for details.

 

On November 30, 2010, the Group purchased a convertible promissory note (the “Note”) with par value of US$200,000 (RMB1,320,000) and an annual interest rate of 7.5% compounded on a quarterly basis. The maturity date of the Note is December 31, 2011, and the issuer can choose to early repay the Note before maturity while the Group has the option to convert the Note into the issuer’s equity contingent upon the successful completion of further financing by the issuer. Refer to Note 16 (e) and Note 22 for details.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2008, the Group acquired some structured deposits with financial institutes. These structured deposits were disposed of in 2008 and a gain of US$67,000 (RMB459,000) was realized.

 

(a) Net realized gain/(loss) on available-for-sale securities

 

There was no net realized gain/(loss) on available-for-sale securities for the year ended December 31, 2010, as the Group did not dispose of any available-for-sale securities.

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Group acquired floating rate credit linked notes of US$3,000,000 (the “CLNs”, RMB21,000,000). The CLNs were settled in November 2008 with Lehman Brothers’ corporate debt securities with fair value of US$254,000 (RMB1,765,000) at the settlement date, determined based on quoted market prices. Realized loss of US$2,746,000 (RMB19,144,000) was recognized accordingly during the year ended December 31, 2008. In May 2009, the Group disposed of the Lehman Brothers’ corporate debt securities at a price of US$382,000 (RMB2,616,000). Therefore, realized gain of US$123,000 (RMB840,000) was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

The Group also realized a net gain of RMB149,000 and RMB771,000 (US$112,000) for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively. The gain in the year ended December 31, 2009 was from disposals of available-for-sale securities with sale proceeds of RMB14,379,000 (US$2,105,000), which includes the disposal of the impaired available-for-sale securities described in 6 (b) below.

 

(b) Impairment loss on available-for-sale securities

 

The Group evaluates whether unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities indicate other-than-temporary impairment.

 

There were no indicators of other-than-temporary impairment of the Group’s available-for-sale securities held as of December 31, 2010.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Group acquired perpetual securities issued by Lloyds totalling US$2,000,000. As of December 31, 2008, the fair value of the perpetual securities was US$1,356,000 (RMB9,254,000) based on quoted market price and the Group recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of US$644,000 (RMB4,391,000) at that time.  The perpetual securities were exchanged for preference shares in January 2009 at the election of Lloyds. On the date of exchange, the fair value of the preference shares was lower than the carrying value of the perpetual securities, resulting in a further impairment loss of US$676,000 (RMB4,624,000) being recognized for the year ended December 31, 2009. In May 2009, the Group disposed of the preference shares at a price of US$820,000 and a gain on disposal of RMB962,000 (US$140,000) was recognized.

 

An unrealized holding loss of RMB903,000, unrealized holding gain of RMB1,205,000 and unrealized holding gain of RMB21,335,000 (US$3,233,000) on available-for-sale securities was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The Group considers the unrealized holding loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2008 as not other-than-temporary.

 

Other-than-temporary impairment of available-for-sale securities is analyzed as follows:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

 

4,391

 

 

 

Addition during the year

 

4,391

 

4,624

 

 

 

Realized upon disposal

 

 

(9,015

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

 

4,391

 

 

 

 

 

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(c) Maturity information of available-for-sale securities at year-end

 

Maturities of the Group’s corporate debt securities and convertible promissory note classified as non-current available-for-sale are as follows:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

Due in one through five years

 

6,967

 

1,056

 

Due after five years through ten years

 

5,730

 

868

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

12,697

 

1,924

 

 

7. Investments in non-consolidated affiliates

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

Ownership

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

Percentage

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

Equity method investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Ascentage SH

 

40

%

 

3,041

 

461

 

- APGC

 

40

%

 

794

 

120

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

3,835

 

581

 

 

The Group acquired 40% equity interests in APGC and Ascentage SH at the cost of RMB1,131,000 (US$171,000) and RMB2,000,000 (US$303,000)in December 2010 and June 2010, respectively. APGC and Ascentage SH are commonly controlled by the same group of shareholders. APGC was incorporated in Hong Kong in June 2009, while Ascentage SH was incorporated in the PRC in June 2009. APGC and Ascentage SH are involved in pharmaceutical products IP rights holding and maintenance, as well as R&D activities execution. The Group accounts for their investment in APGC and Ascentage SH under the equity method.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Group recognized its share of equity-method investment loss from APGC of RMB337,000 (US$51,000), and its share of equity-method investment gain from Ascentage SH of RMB1,041,000 (US$158,000), respectively.

 

8. Property, plant and equipment, net

 

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buildings

 

54,093

 

91,452

 

13,856

 

Plant and machinery

 

63,612

 

115,112

 

17,441

 

Motor vehicles

 

6,456

 

6,569

 

995

 

Furniture, fixtures and computer equipment

 

28,167

 

41,365

 

6,268

 

Construction-in-progress

 

75,477

 

16,501

 

2,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

227,805

 

270,999

 

41,060

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

(62,685

)

(71,543

)

(10,839

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment

 

165,120

 

199,456

 

30,221

 

 

The Company started the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Shenyang province in 2007 and completed the construction in February 2010. Direct costs related to the construction of the new manufacturing facility of RMB25,230,000, RMB83,304,000 and RMB40,490,000 (US$6,135,000) were capitalized as construction in progress for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The new manufacturing facility has been accredited to be Good Manufacturing Practice (“GMP”) compliant upon the examination conducted by state Food and Drug Administration in August 2010. After the GMP certification, the facility has been put in service for its intended use.

 

The depreciation of all types of property, plant and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over their respective estimated useful life. Depreciation expense was RMB5,743,000, RMB7,009,000 and RMB13,906,000 (US$2,107,000) for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.

 

All of the Group’s buildings are located in the PRC.

 

9.                            Lease prepayments

 

Lease prepayments represent the land use rights of the Group and are analyzed as follows:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total lease prepayments

 

8,894

 

8,541

 

1,294

 

Less: current portion - amount to be expensed in one year

 

(353

)

(353

)

(53

)

Non-current portion

 

8,541

 

8,188

 

1,241

 

 

In 2005, the Group paid RMB9,924,000 for land use rights for a term of 30 years in respect of land located beside the land on which the existing plant of the Group was constructed.  A new manufacturing facility aiming to expand the production capacity of the Group has been constructed on the newly acquired land and has been put in use

 

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during 2010.  The prepayment is charged to expense on a straight line basis over the term of the arrangement.

 

Land lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were RMB353,000, RMB353,000 and RMB353,000 (US$53,000), respectively.

 

10.  Non-current deposits

 

Included in non-current deposits as of December 31, 2009 and 2010 are deposits for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment and other deposits, of RMB10,067,000 and RMB 1,555,000 (US$236,000), respectively, which are not expected to be utilized or recovered within one year.

 

11.   Intangible assets, net

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exclusive distribution right

 

5,500

 

5,500

 

833

 

China IP rights

 

 

1,782

 

270

 

U.S. IP rights

 

 

4,047

 

613

 

IPR&D

 

 

35,229

 

5,338

 

Others

 

 

219

 

33

 

Less: Accumulated amortization

 

(1,375

)

(2,478

)

(375

)

Total intangible assets

 

4,125

 

44,299

 

6,712

 

 

Exclusive distribution right is for distributing iron sucrose in the PRC. The Group purchased the right from an unrelated third party in 2008 for five years, based on which the useful life was determined.

 

The China and U.S. IP rights and IPR&D were acquired in an assets acquisition. The initial carrying values for these assets were determined by allocating the total cost of the acquisition to the individual assets on a relative fair value basis.  Useful lives of the China and U.S. IP rights were determined based on the estimated period for which the IP rights are expected to generate future cash flows for the Group. IPR&D represents the acquisition cost of the test results and data related to the pre-clinical and phase-I clinical trials and were capitalized because they have alternative future uses. IPR&D will not be subject to amortization until the R&D project is substantially completed. Refer to Note 16(d) for details.

 

Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 of RMB275,000, RMB1,100,000 and RMB1,103,000 (US$167,000) respectively, was included in cost of revenue.

 

The estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter is as follows:

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

2011

 

1,493

 

226

 

2012

 

1,493

 

226

 

2013

 

1,218

 

185

 

2014

 

393

 

60

 

2015 and thereafter

 

4,473

 

677

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

9,070

 

1,374

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

12.  Deferred grant income and grant income

 

The Group’s deferred grant income represents the unamortized portion of government grants.

 

In August 1999, the Group received a government grant of RMB15,000,000, approved by the State Development Planning Committee of the PRC, for the purchase of plant and equipment costing a total of RMB45,029,000. The grant is amortized on a straight-line basis to grant income over the weighted average expected useful life of the plant and equipment acquired.

 

In December 2010, the Group received government grant of RMB1,000,000 approved by a PRC provincial government for a hemodialysis project. The grant was recorded in deferred grant income as at December 31, 2010.

 

Amortization of deferred grant income was RMB374,000, RMB374,000 and RMB374,000 (US$57,000) for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.  Deferred grant income as of December 31, 2010 is expected to be amortized as follows:

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2011

 

1,374

 

208

 

2012

 

374

 

57

 

2013

 

374

 

57

 

2014

 

374

 

57

 

2015 and thereafter

 

1,280

 

193

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

3,776

 

572

 

 

The Group’s grant income also includes local government grants that were used for compensating R&D expenses already incurred by the Group. Such grants were recorded in the statements of income and comprehensive income immediately.

 

The Group’s grant income is analyzed as follows:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blood treatment project

 

 

300

 

 

 

R&D activities support

 

14

 

 

882

 

133

 

Amortization of deferred grant income

 

374

 

374

 

374

 

57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total grant income

 

388

 

674

 

1,256

 

190

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

13.  Accrued expenses and other payables

 

Accrued expenses and other payables consist of the following:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued selling and marketing expenses

 

13,274

 

16,924

 

2,564

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued salaries, bonus and welfare expenses

 

9,525

 

8,227

 

1,247

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payable to plant, property and equipment vendors

 

5,385

 

6,923

 

1,049

 

Taxes payable (other than income tax)

 

3,271

 

5,124

 

776

 

Payable to R&D service contractors

 

585

 

33

 

5

 

Receipts in advance from customers

 

227

 

547

 

83

 

Other accrued expenses

 

1,154

 

1,774

 

269

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total accrued expenses and other payables

 

33,421

 

39,552

 

5,993

 

 

Other accrued expenses mainly include accrued professional fees, accruals for purchase of plant and equipment and miscellaneous deposits received.

 

14.  Shareholders’ equity

 

(a)               Share capital

 

The Company is authorized to issue up to 500 million shares with par value of $0.0001 per share, of which 150,641,461 and 152,654,148 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2009 and 2010, no preferred shares have been issued, nor does the Company have current plans to issue preferred shares.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company repurchased a total of 217,600 ADSs (equivalent to 1,523,200 ordinary shares) from the open market at a cash consideration of US$2,120,000 (equivalent to RMB14,467,000). The repurchased shares were subsequently retired during the year.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2009, 16,772 ordinary shares were issued when vested options were exercised at a consideration of US$1.15 per share (US$8.05 per ADS, each ADS represents seven ordinary shares of the Company). In addition, 48,734 shares were issued upon the fulfilment of the vesting period of nonvested shares.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2010, a total of 909,188 ordinary shares were issued when vested options were exercised, which are related to three different grants of options. Among the newly issued shares pursuant to the exercises, 99,995 shares were issued at a consideration of US$1.60 per share (US$11.20 per ADS), 563,213 shares at US$1.15 per share (US$8.05 per ADS), and the remaining 245,980 shares

 

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at US$0.78 per share (US$5.45 per ADS).  In addition, 1,103,499 shares were issued upon the fulfilment of the vesting period of nonvested shares.

 

(b)               Retained earnings

 

The Company’s PRC-based subsidiaries and the consolidated VIE are either foreign invested enterprises established in the PRC, or PRC domestic companies. Therefore, these PRC-based consolidated entities are required under PRC rules and regulations, as well as their respective Articles of Association, to make appropriations from retained earnings to statutory reserves. The appropriation requires transferring 10% of after-tax profits, as determined in accordance with PRC GAAP, to a statutory surplus reserve until the reserve balance reaches 50% of these PRC-based consolidated entities’ respective registered capital. The transfer to this reserve must be made before distribution of dividends to the equity holders can be made, and such appropriations are required to be approved by these PRC-based consolidated entities’ respective boards of directors.

 

Transfers of RMB6,297,000, RMB9,466,000, and RMB11,587,000 (US$1,756,000) have been made to the statutory surplus reserve for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.

 

The accumulated balances of this statutory surplus reserve maintained by the Company’s PRC consolidated entities as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were RMB14,276,000, RMB23,742,000 and RMB35,329,000 (US$5,353,000) respectively.

 

The statutory surplus reserve is non-distributable but can be used to offset against previous years’ losses, if any, and may be converted into issued capital in proportion to the respective equity holding of the equity holders, provided that the balance of the reserve after such conversion is not less than 25% of the registered capital.

 

Under PRC laws and regulations, there are restrictions on these PRC-based consolidated entities with respect to transferring certain of their net assets to the Company either in the form of dividends, loans, or advances. Amounts restricted include paid-up capital and statutory reserve funds of the Company’s PRC-based subsidiaries, and the net assets of the consolidated VIE, if any, in which the Company has no legal ownership, totalling RMB245,320,000 (US$37,200,000) as of December 31, 2010.

 

15.  Revenues

 

The Group’s revenues are primarily derived from the distribution of self-manufactured pharmaceutical products and one franchised product.

 

In view of the fact that the Group operates and manages its business solely in the PRC and sales were predominately made to customers located in the PRC, no geographical segment information is provided.

 

The Group’s products are subject to price control by the PRC government.  The maximum prices of the products are published by the price administration authorities from time to time.

 

The Group’s revenues are analyzed as follows:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

Domestic sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- EPIAO

 

154,570

 

196,080

 

250,854

 

38,008

 

- TPIAO

 

67,585

 

89,679

 

128,717

 

19,503

 

- Intefen

 

4,989

 

5,522

 

5,358

 

812

 

- Inleusin

 

773

 

1,607

 

2,041

 

309

 

- Iron Sucrose Injection

 

6,984

 

10,715

 

17,187

 

2,604

 

Export sales

 

8,289

 

13,216

 

12,211

 

1,850

 

Others

 

55

 

101

 

2,260

 

342

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

243,245

 

316,920

 

418,628

 

63,428

 

 

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16.  Collaborations

 

(a)               AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“AMAG”)

 

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company entered into a development and commercialization agreement with AMAG for ferumoxytol, an intravenous iron replacement therapeutic agent being developed to treat iron deficiency anemia in chronic kidney disease (“CKD”) patients.

 

Under the terms of the agreement, AMAG granted the Company exclusive rights to develop and commercialize ferumoxytol in the PRC, initially for CKD, and with an option to explore into further co-development indications. The Company will be responsible for the clinical development, registration, and commercialization of ferumoxytol in the PRC.  The agreement has an initial duration of thirteen years and will be automatically renewed for a set term if minimum sales thresholds are achieved. AMAG will retain all manufacturing rights for ferumoxytol and will provide, under a separate agreement, commercial supply to the Company at a predetermined supply price.

 

In accordance with the agreement, during the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company paid a non-refundable upfront payment of US$1,000,000 (RMB6,948,000 at the transaction date) to AMAG and is required to pay additional milestone payments of US$1,500,000 upon obtaining the regulatory approval from the China State Food and Drug Administration (“SFDA”) for the commercialization and marketing of ferumoxytol within the PRC and upon any other co-developed indications being approved by the SFDA for their commercialization and marketing within the PRC. Further to these milestone payments, the Company is also required to pay a royalty determined based on the Company’s future sales of ferumoxytol.  The upfront payment paid by the Company was expensed when incurred and charged to R&D costs for the year ended December 31, 2008, because the upfront payment was for obtaining the licensing right to commercialize and market ferumoxytol and has no other alternative use.

 

Ferumoxytol was approved on June 30, 2009 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) to treat iron deficiency anemia in CKD patients and was launched commercially in the U.S. by AMAG in July 2009.

 

In January 2010, the Company submitted an application for a registration clinical trial to SFDA in the PRC for ferumoxytol.

 

(b)               APGC

 

In March 2010, the Group entered into a strategic alliance with APGC, a Hong Kong based therapeutic research company, to research, develop and commercialize best-in-

 

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class targeted cancer therapeutics focusing on programmed cell death, or apoptosis. Apoptosis targeted small molecules have the potential to play a key role in the next generation of highly effective targeted cancer drugs. The arrangement also involves Ascentage SH, a PRC domestic company under common control with APGC (Note 7).

 

Under the terms of the agreements between the Group and APGC, and the Group and Ascentage SH, the Group made a total consideration of RMB20,131,000 (US$3,000,000) in equity investment and R&D funding. Pursuant to the agreements, the Group acquired 40% equity interests in both APGC and Ascentage SH; and RMB17,000,000 (US$2,526,000) in funding APGC apoptosis related R&D programs (“APGC R&D programs”). A joint steering committee with equal members from the Group and APGC was also set up to monitor the progress of the APGC R&D programs. In return, the Group was granted the exclusive right in mainland China to develop and commercialize the cancer therapeutics that are developed through APGC R&D programs, while APGC will retain the rights in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. As of December 31, 2010, RMB5,000,000 (US$758,000) of the RMB17,000,000 prepayment has been utilized and expensed as R&D costs in the statements of income and comprehensive income. The Group may be required to pay future milestone payments and royalty payments to APGC after the PRC commercialization. Such terms are still under negotiation.

 

As of December 31, 2010, the Group has determined that APGC and Ascentage SH are VIEs but the Group is not the primary beneficiary as the Group does not have the power to direct or control the operational activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIEs. As such, the Group accounts for their investment in APGC and Ascentage SH as equity method investments. As required by ASC 810-10, the Group will continually assess whether they are the primary beneficiary of APGC and Ascentage SH.

 

A tabular comparison of the carrying amount of the Group’s investment in both APGC and Ascentage SH, by category, as at December 31, 2010 and the maximum exposure to loss, is listed below:

 

 

 

Carrying value of investment in VIE

 

 

 

 

 

Equity
investment

 

R&D
prepayment

 

Total

 

Maximum
exposure to loss

 

 

 

RMB ’000

 

RMB ’000

 

RMB ’000

 

RMB ’000

 

APGC

 

794

 

2,000

 

2,794

 

3,131

 

Ascentage SH

 

3,041

 

10,000

 

13,041

 

17,000

 

 

As APGC and Ascentage SH are both incorporated as limited liability companies, the Group’s maximum loss is limited to its investment cost as the Group is not obligated to fund losses of APGC and Ascentage SH.

 

(c)               Isotechnika Pharma Inc. (“Isotechnika”)

 

In August 2010, the Group entered into a licensing, development and commercialization agreement with Isotechnika, a Canada-based company focused on the discovery and development of immune modulating therapeutics, for voclosporin, a next generation calcineurin inhibitor being developed for use in the prevention of organ rejection following transplantation and the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

 

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Under the terms of the agreement, the Group obtained exclusive rights to all transplant and autoimmune indications of voclosporin, exclusive of ophthalmic indications and medical devices which were previously licensed to others, in the greater PRC, including Hong Kong and Taiwan. Under a separate commercial supply agreement, Isotechnika will provide supply to the Group on a cost-plus basis.

 

The Group also made an upfront non-refundable licensing payment of US$1,500,000 in December 2010 and may be required to pay milestone payments when certain criteria are met, as well as ongoing royalties based on sales of voclosporin. The upfront licensing payment was expensed as R&D costs for the year ended December 31, 2010 as it was determined that it had no alternative use.

 

In addition, the Group invested US$4,500,000 (equivalent to RMB29,700,000) in  Isotechnika through a three-year convertible debenture with interest rate of 7% per annum, which was fully converted into 30,734,877 shares of Isotechnika’s common shares at a fixed conversion price of Canada $0.155 per share. As of December 31, 2010, the Group held an 18.94% equity investment in Isotechnika and is entitled to nominate one member to Isotechnika’s six-member Board of Directors. The Group’s equity interest in Isotechnika is classified as available-for-sale equity securities as the Group does not exercise significant influence over Isotechnika.

 

(d)               EnzymeRx, LLC (“EnzymeRX”)

 

On November 4, 2010, the Group acquired the worldwide rights, exclusive of Taiwan, of Pegsiticase (or “Uricase-PEG 20”), from EnzymeRX, a U.S. based biotechnology company for total consideration of US$6,250,000 (equivalent to RMB41,250,000). Pegsiticase is a pegylated recombinant uricase derived from Candida utilis, modified by the attachment of multiple 20 kilodalton molecules of polyethylene glycol (PEG). Pegsiticase is being developed for the treatment of refractory gout, tumor lysis syndrome and Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.

 

The Group accounted for the acquisition of worldwide rights as an acquisition of tangible and intangible assets, principally comprised of IPR&D, patents and office equipment. The total consideration was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired, based on their relative fair values on the acquisition date. The Group engaged an independent valuer to assist in the valuation of the assets acquired at the acquisition date.

 

The Group determined the useful lives of the definite-lived intangible assets which include China and U.S. IP rights to be 20 years and 14 years, respectively.

 

(e)               Uricase Therapeutics, Inc., (“Uricase”)

 

In November 2010, the Group invested US$200,000 (equivalent to RMB1,320,000)  in a Convertible Promissory Note (the “Note”) issued by Uricase, a U.S. based development-stage company established in November 2010. As of 31 December 2010, Uricase has not been involved in any operational activities and the Group’s investment representss the majority of the subordinated financial support provided to Uricase.

 

The Group has determined that Uricase is a VIE; however, the Group is not the primary beneficiary as the Group does not have the power to direct or control the operational activities that most significantly impact Uricase’s economic performance. As required by ASC 810-10, the Group will continually assess whether they are the primary beneficiary of Uricase. Pursuant to the Note agreement, contingent upon a financing from third party investors before December 31, 2011, the Group will have the option to convert the Note to Uricase’s common shares at 80% of the common share’s

 

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issuance price, or choose to redeem the Note with accrued interest of 7.5% per annum, compounded quarterly. However, if a financing is not completed by December 31, 2011, the outstanding principal and accrued interest is forgiven. As such, the Group’s maximum exposure to loss is the initial investment of US$200,000 (RMB1,320,000).

 

The Note is recorded as a non-current available for sale security. As of December 31, 2010, no impairment charge was recorded on the Note.

 

17.  Taxations

 

(a) Income taxes

 

Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands Taxes

 

Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands, the Company and Collected Mind, are not subject to tax on income or capital gains. In addition, upon payments of dividends by the Company or Collected Mind, no Cayman Islands or British Virgin Islands withholding tax will be imposed.

 

U.S. Tax

 

IP Series and Assets Series, as part of 3SBio, LLC, are subject to U.S. taxes. For the year ended December 31, 2010, IP Series has no U.S. taxable income and Assets Series was assessing its U.S. franchise tax obligation and had submitted an application for the extension of filing federal taxes return before the tax filing deadline.

 

Hong Kong Tax

 

Hong Kong profits tax has not been assessed on HK Sunshine as the Group had no assessable profits arising in Hong Kong during the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

PRC Tax

 

Under the current PRC Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT”) Law which has been effective since 2008, domestic enterprises and foreign investment enterprises (the “FIE”) are subject to a unified 25% enterprise income tax rate, except for certain entities that enjoyed the tax holidays.

 

Further, according to the new EIT law, entities that qualify as High and New Technology Enterprise (“HNTE”) are entitled to the preferential EIT rate of 15%. On December 5, 2008, Shenyang Sunshine obtained the HNTE certificate that entitles the preferential EIT rate of 15%, which was effective retroactively from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2010.  Other PRC entities are subject to EIT rate of 25% effective from January 1, 2008.

 

Under the New EIT Law, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with effective management located in the PRC is considered a resident enterprise and will be subject to the EIT on its worldwide income. The Implementation Regulations of the New EIT Law further defines effective management as substantial and overall management having control over production and business operations, personnel, accounting and properties of an enterprise. The Company, if considered a PRC resident enterprise for tax purposes, would be subject to the PRC EIT at the rate of 25% on its worldwide income for the period after January 1, 2008. As of December 31,

 

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2010, the Company has not accrued for PRC tax on such basis. Management will continue to monitor its tax position.

 

Furthermore, under the New EIT Law, dividends payable by a foreign investment enterprise to its foreign non-resident enterprise investors shall be subject to a 10% withholding tax, unless such foreign investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has signed a tax treaty or arrangement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income with China that provides for a reduced rate of withholding tax. The subsequent circular issued in January 2008 stipulates that no income tax will be withheld on the distribution of earnings of foreign invested enterprises where the relevant earnings were generated prior to January 1, 2008 with dividends distribution declared in 2008 and beyond. However, the income tax withholding rate will be 10% or the lower treaty rate on earnings generated after December 31, 2007.

 

Shenyang Sunshine, as an advanced technology enterprise, is entitled to an extra 50% reduction on qualified R&D expenditures.

 

Income tax expense represents PRC income tax as follows:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

10,040

 

13,327

 

20,697

 

3,136

 

Deferred

 

1,609

 

(1,591

)

1,075

 

163

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

11,649

 

11,736

 

21,772

 

3,299

 

 

The components of income before income tax expense are as follows:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRC

 

73,429

 

105,039

 

137,141

 

20,779

 

Other Countries

 

(22,787

)

(9,868

)

(34,083

)

(5,164

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50,642

 

95,171

 

103,058

 

15,615

 

 

The income before tax expense for Other Countries refers to the Company and Collected Mind located outside the PRC.

 

Following is a reconciliation of total income tax expense to the amounts computed by applying the PRC income tax rate of 25% for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010:

 

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Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

Income before income tax Expense

 

50,642

 

95,171

 

103,058

 

15,615

 

Computed tax expense at statutory rate of 25%

 

12,661

 

23,793

 

25,765

 

3,904

 

Increase/(reduction) in income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International rate differences

 

5,687

 

2,467

 

5,277

 

797

 

PRC preferential tax rates

 

(6,770

)

(10,476

)

(11,523

)

(1,743

)

Non-deductible expenses

 

456

 

269

 

847

 

128

 

Non-taxable income

 

(56

)

(3,160

)

(56

)

(8

)

Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets

 

535

 

(247

)

1,176

 

178

 

Tax concession for R&D costs

 

(800

)

(852

)

(1,706

)

(258

)

Withholding income tax

 

 

 

2,163

 

327

 

Others

 

(64

)

(58

)

(171

)

(26

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

11,649

 

11,736

 

21,772

 

3,299

 

Effective tax rate %

 

23.0

%

12.3

%

21.1

%

21.1

%

 

As of December 31, 2010, the Group has unused tax losses of RMB3,546,000 (US$534,000).  The tax losses will expire as follows if unutilized by:

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2011

 

78

 

11

 

2012

 

 

 

2013

 

233

 

34

 

2014

 

313

 

46

 

2015

 

2,922

 

443

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,546

 

534

 

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets are presented below:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

125

 

281

 

43

 

Accounts receivable

 

571

 

530

 

80

 

Long-term receivable

 

 

75

 

12

 

Inventories

 

64

 

98

 

15

 

Accrued expenses

 

1,843

 

2,372

 

359

 

Deferred grant income

 

 

 

 

Deferral of R&D costs for tax purposes

 

204

 

167

 

25

 

Tax loss carryforwards

 

156

 

865

 

131

 

Accrued interest on inter-company loans

 

1,324

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

 

4,287

 

4,389

 

665

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Valuation allowance

 

(641

)

(1,817

)

(275

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

 

3,646

 

2,571

 

390

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated balance sheet classification:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

2,079

 

2,198

 

333

 

Non-current

 

1,567

 

373

 

57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

3,646

 

2,571

 

390

 

 

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An analysis of the valuation allowance is as follows:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

1,553

 

1,252

 

641

 

97

 

(Credited)/charged to income

 

535

 

(247

)

1,176

 

178

 

Tax losses expired during the year

 

(836

)

(364

)

 

 

Change in enacted tax rates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

 

1,252

 

641

 

1,817

 

275

 

 

Based upon an assessment of the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible or can be utilized, management provided valuation allowances of RMB641,000 and RMB1,817,000 (US$275,000) as of December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively. Management believes that the deferred tax assets, net of the valuation allowances as of December 31, 2009 and 2010, are more likely than not to be realized.

 

As of December 31, 2010, the Company intends to reinvest indefinitely the earnings of its foreign subsidiaries. Determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to distributing these earnings is not practicable. Further, the Company has not recorded deferred tax on the outside basis of Liaoning Sunshine, the VIE of the Group, as Liaoning Sunshine has an accumulated loss.

 

The Company has evaluated its income tax uncertainty under ASC 740-10. ASC 740-10 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing the recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. The Company has elected to classify interest and penalties related to an uncertain tax position, if and when required, as part of income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. As of

 

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December 31, 2010, there is no significant tax uncertainty impact on the Company’s financial position and result of operations.

 

In accordance with ASC 740-10, the Group did not have any significant unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010. In addition, the Company does not expect that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly within the next twelve months.

 

The income tax returns of the Group’s operating entities in the PRC for the years from 2007 to 2010 are open to examination by the PRC state and local tax authorities.

 

(b)               PRC value added tax (“VAT”)

 

According to the value-added tax policy from the relevant tax authorities, the sales of pharmaceutical equipments and products by the Group’s PRC-based subsidiaries and consolidated VIE are subject to an output VAT of 17%, while the purchase of products by these entities is subject to an input VAT tax rate of 17%. VAT payable or receivable is the net difference between periodic output VAT and deductible input VAT.

 

18.  Share-based compensation

 

On September 5, 2006, the Company adopted the 2006 stock incentive plan (the “2006 Plan”) pursuant to which the shares, share options, restricted shares and restricted share units (“RSU”) of the Company can be granted to directors and employees upon the approval by the board of directors or the compensation committee of the board of directors.  Under the 2006 Plan, the Company is authorized to issue up to 10,000,000 shares plus a number of shares equal to 10% of any additional shares of the Company issued following the date of the adoption of the 2006 Plan by the board of directors. The 2006 Plan will remain in effect for ten years from the date of adoption, unless otherwise extended. The term of each option granted under the 2006 Plan may not exceed five years from the date of grant.

 

On March 31, 2010, the Company adopted the 2010 equity incentive plan (the “2010 Plan”) which provides for the grant of share options, share appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, shares, restricted shares and restricted share units of the Company to employees, directors and consultants. Under the 2010 Plan, the Company is authorized to issue up to 22,500,000 ordinary shares, subject to possible adjustments. The 2010 equity incentive plan is administered by the board of directors and the compensation committee of the board of directors. With respect to the grant of awards to employees or consultants who are neither directors nor officers, the board of directors may authorize one or more officers to grant such awards. The purpose of the plan is to attract and retain the best available personnel, to provide additional incentives to employees, directors and consultants and to promote the success of the company’s business. The 2010 Plan became effective starting April 2010. It will continue in effect for a term of ten years unless terminated sooner.

 

(a)               Nonvested Shares and Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”)

 

In April 2010, the Company granted 68,446 and 2,558,500 shares to independent directors and executive management, respectively. There are no transferability restrictions attached to the shares. Grants to independent directors will vest evenly every six months in the next year from the grant date; while grants to the executive management will vest on the fourth anniversary of the grant date.

 

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In June 2010, the Company granted 35,000 shares to independent directors. There are no transferability restrictions attached to the shares. All shares have vested before December 31, 2010.

 

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested shares and RSUs as of December 31, 2009 and the changes during the year ended December 31, 2010, is presented below:

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted
average

 

 

 

Weighted
average

 

 

 

 

 

grant-date

 

 

 

grant-date

 

 

 

Nonvested

 

fair value

 

 

 

fair value

 

 

 

Shares

 

(per share)

 

RSUs

 

(per RSU)

 

 

 

 

 

US$

 

 

 

US$

 

Nonvested at December 31, 2009

 

178,234

 

0.9849

 

3,797,500

 

1.5529

 

Awarded

 

2,661,946

 

1.5769

 

 

 

Vested

 

(154,124

)

1.2720

 

(949,375

)

1.5529

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

Nonvested at December 31, 2010

 

2,686,056

 

1.5551

 

2,848,125

 

1.5529

 

 

As of December 31, 2010, total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested shares and RSUs amounted to RMB17,959,000 (US$2,721,000) and RMB13,820,000 (US$2,094,000), respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.23 years and 1.92 years, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, was nil, RMB365,000 and RMB11,024,000 (US$1,670,000), respectively. To the extent the actual forfeiture rate is different from the original estimate, actual share-based compensation costs related to these awards may be different from the expectation. The aggregate intrinsic value of nonvested shares and RSUs as of December 31, 2010 was RMB79,208,000 (US$12,002,000).

 

(b) Share Options

 

In 2009, the Company changed the valuation technique it uses to estimate the fair value of options awarded from the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to a lattice-based model as the latter provides a better estimate of fair value. This change in valuation technique was treated prospectively.

 

The historical volatility of the Company’s shares and the volatility of a combination of peer companies of similar nature and size were used to estimate the expected volatility of the Company’s shares.  The risk-free rate for periods within the expected term of the options is based on the U.S. government bond in effect at the time of grant.  Expected dividend yields are based on historical dividends.

 

The following table presents the assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the share options granted in the periods presented:

 

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Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010*

 

Expected volatility

 

74% -83%

 

75%

 

N/A

 

Weighted average expected volatility

 

83%

 

75%

 

N/A

 

Expected dividends

 

Nil

 

Nil

 

N/A

 

Expected term (in years)

 

3-3.9

 

4.2

 

N/A

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

4.30%-4.80%

 

1.77%

 

N/A

 

 


* N/A for 2010 because no share options were granted in 2010.

 

In addition, the Company applies an expected forfeiture rate in determining the grant date fair value of the share option grants. The estimation of the forfeiture rate was based primarily upon historical experience of employee turnover. To the extent the Company revises this estimate in the future, compensation cost could be materially impacted.

 

The following table summarizes the share option activity for the year ended December 31, 2010:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

Remaining

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

Contractual

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

Number of

 

Exercise

 

Life

 

intrinsic

 

 

 

Options

 

Price

 

Years

 

value

 

 

 

 

 

US$

 

 

 

US$

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2009

 

3,070,303

 

0.96

 

3.13

 

3,070,000

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(32,491

)

2.60

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(909,188

)

1.10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2010

 

2,128,624

 

0.90

 

2.43

 

2,692,000

 

Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2010

 

2,035,281

 

0.91

 

2.39

 

2,562,000

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2010

 

961,894

 

1.06

 

1.44

 

1,071,000

 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the value of the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day in 2010 in excess of the exercise price of share options. Total intrinsic value of share options exercised for the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 was nil, US$14,000 and US$4,940,000 (RMB 32,604,000), respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2010, total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested share options amounted to RMB798,000 (US$121,000), which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.75 years. To the extent the actual

 

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forfeiture rate is different from the original estimate; actual share-based compensation costs related to these awards may be different from the expectation.

 

The table below summarizes the weighted average fair value and exercise price of share options granted:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

Weighted average grant-day fair value of share options granted during the year:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where exercise price is lower than market price

 

 

 

 

Where exercise price is equal to market price

 

US$0.73 per share option

 

US$0.41 per share option

 

N/A

 

Weighted average exercise price of share options granted during the year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where exercise price is lower than market price

 

 

 

 

Where exercise price is equal to market price

 

US$1.16 per share option

 

US$0.78 per share option

 

N/A

 

 

The total fair value of share options vested during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 was RMB3,552,000, RMB2,637,000 and RMB3,281,000 (US$497,000), respectively.

 

(c)                                  Compensation cost

 

Total compensation cost (for shares, RSUs and share options) recognized is as follows:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of revenue

 

370

 

557

 

1,007

 

153

 

Research and development costs

 

521

 

1216

 

6,864

 

1,040

 

Sales, marketing and distribution expenses

 

1000

 

577

 

907

 

137

 

General and administrative expenses

 

3,097

 

4,210

 

15,720

 

2,382

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charged to income statement

 

4,988

 

6,560

 

24,498

 

3,712

 

Capitalized as property, plant and equipment

 

328

 

198

 

189

 

29

 

Total share-based compensation cost

 

5,316

 

6,758

 

24,687

 

3,683

 

 

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19.  Long-term receivables

 

Long-term receivables, net, consist of the following:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term receivables

 

 

3,416

 

518

 

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

(858

)

(130

)

Total long-term receivables, net

 

 

2,558

 

388

 

 

The allowance for doubtful accounts was charged to the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income during 2010. The Group’s long-term receivables are due from third-party customers, and are to be repaid in monthly instalments over the next 3.5 to 5 years. The Group has a credit policy in place and the exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. The Group does not obtain collateral from customers.

 

20.  Other income, net

 

The Group’s other income, net, consists of the following:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

Recovery of investor relationship fees

 

 

1,159

 

2,065

 

313

 

Exchange gains/(losses)

 

2,435

 

596

 

(249

)

(38

)

Gain/(loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment

 

(519

)

(320

)

257

 

39

 

Withholding business tax

 

 

 

(1,082

)

(164

)

Others

 

(20

)

160

 

315

 

48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other income, net

 

1,896

 

1,595

 

1,306

 

198

 

 

21.   Related party transactions

 

The Company’s related party transactions are all incurred in the normal course of conducting its business, and are all with its equity investees, APGC and its wholly owned subsidiary, Ascentage Jiangsu, as well as Ascentage SH. The related party transactions represent the R&D expenses incurred on APGC R&D programs, and the prepayments to related parties represents the upfront R&D funding for the APGC R&D programs.

 

A summary of these transactions for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 is as follows:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R&D costs

 

 

 

5,000

 

758

 

 

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The prepayment to related parties balances as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are as follows:

 

 

 

As at December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepayment of R&D costs

 

 

 

12,000

 

1,818

 

Total

 

 

 

12,000

 

1,818

 

 

22.    Commitments and contingencies

 

(a)           Operating lease commitments

 

The Group leases land from the PRC government under operating leases. Operating lease charges are prepaid in full at the inception of the lease. The Group also leases staff quarters and motor vehicles under operating leases.  The leases typically run for a period of one year. None of the leases include contingent rentals.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, total rental expenses for operating leases, including land lease expense, were RMB1,761,000, RMB1,183,000 and RMB885,000 (US$131,000), respectively. The operating lease commitments of approximately RMB849,000 (US$129,000) as of December 31, 2010, including RMB778,000 due in 2011 and RMB71,000 due in 2012.

 

(b)           Capital commitments

 

Capital commitments for purchase, installation and construction of property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2010 were RMB16,876,000 (US$2,493,000). The capital commitments as of December 31, 2010 are all due within the next year.

 

23. Accumulated balances related to each component of other comprehensive income

 

 

 

Net unrealized
gain/(loss) on
available-for- sale
securities

 

Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments

 

Accumulated
other
Comprehensive
loss

 

Balance as of January 1, 2008

 

298

 

(48,636

)

(48,338

)

Current year other comprehensive Loss

 

(903

)

(52,885

)

(53,788

)

Balance as of December 31, 2008

 

(605

)

(101,521

)

(102,126

)

Current year other comprehensive income

 

1,205

 

313

 

1,518

 

Balance as of December 31, 2009

 

600

 

(101,208

)

(100,608

)

Current year other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

21,335

 

(10,258

)

11,077

 

Balance as of December 31, 2010

 

21,935

 

(111,466

)

(89,531

)

Balance as of December 31, 2010 (US$)

 

3,323

 

(16,886

)

(13,563

)

 

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The net unrealized holding gain/(loss) on available-for-sale securities arising during the year and the amount of gains and losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings and recognized in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are as follows:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2010

 

 

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

RMB’000

 

US$’000

 

Net unrealized gain/(loss) in available-for-sale securities arising during the year

 

(24,289

)

(1,808

)

21,335

 

3,233

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: reclassification adjustment for realized gain/(loss) included in net income on disposal of available-for-sale securities

 

(18,995

)

1,611

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: reclassification adjustment for realized gain/(loss) included in net income on providing impairment on available-for-sale securities

 

(4,391

)

(4,624

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gain/(loss) in available-for-sale securities recognized in other comprehensive income

 

(903

)

1,205

 

21,335

 

3,233

 

 

24. Fair value measurement

 

ASC 820-10- Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures: Overall, establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

Level 1 — Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;

 

Level 2 — Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace;

 

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.

 

ASC 820-10 describes three main approaches to measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: (1) market approach; (2) income approach and (3) cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount. The measurement is based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. The cost approach is based on the amount that would currently be required to replace an asset.

 

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Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

In accordance with ASC 820-10, the Group measures cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, time deposits with financial institutions and available-for-sale securities, at fair value. Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, time deposits with financial institutions, debt and equity marketable securities are valued using quoted market prices. The Uricase Note was initially recognized at the purchase price. The fair value as of December 31, 2010 was determined by using the income approach based on inputs that are unobservable in the market. As of December 31, 2010, the fair value of Uricase Note approximates the cost of the investment of US$200,000.

 

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below (in thousands):

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted prices in
active market for
identical Assets

 

Significant
unobservable
inputs

 

Total fair value

 

 

 

(Level1)

 

(Level 3)

 

(RMB’000)

 

(US’000)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalent

 

262,767

 

 

262,767

 

38,496

 

Restricted cash

 

9,300

 

 

9,300

 

1,362

 

Time deposits with financial institutions

 

468,451

 

 

468,451

 

68,628

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

11,407

 

 

11,407

 

1,671

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

751,925

 

 

751,925

 

110,157

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted prices in
active market for
identical Assets

 

Significant
unobservable
inputs

 

Total fair value

 

 

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 3)

 

(RMB’000)

 

(US’000)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalent

 

153,250

 

 

153,250

 

23,220

 

Restricted cash

 

1,662

 

 

1,662

 

252

 

Time deposits with financial institution

 

498,405

 

 

498,405

 

75,516

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

62,044

 

1,320

 

63,364

 

9,601

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

715,361

 

1,320

 

716,681

 

108,589

 

 

The following table presents the reconciliation for the Group’s assets measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the year ended December 31, 2010:

 

 

 

Significant Unobservable
inputs(Level 3)

 

 

 

(RMB’000)

 

(US$’000)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2009

 

 

 

Purchases

 

1,320

 

200

 

Changes in unrealised gain(loss) included in other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

 

1,320

 

200

 

 

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Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

 

The Group measures certain financial assets, including equity method investments, at fair value on a nonrecurring basis only if an impairment charge were to be recognized. The Group’s non-financial assets, such as intangible assets, including IPR&D, and fixed assets, would be measured at fair value only if they were determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Group did not recognize any impairment loss on non-financial assets.

 

25.  Subsequent events

 

(a)  Grant of restricted shares

 

On March 11, 2011, the Company granted restricted shares to employees and directors pursuant to the 2010 equity incentive plan (the “2010 Plan”). The total number of the restricted shares awarded is 2,343,110 shares. The restricted shares granted to Company’s employees will cliff vest on the fourth anniversary and the restricted shares to the independent directors will vest in two equal tranches after six months and one year after the date of grant.

 

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