China's innovative drug business development (BD) overseas deal value totaled $99.7 billion in the first half of 2026, about double the 2024 level and 73% of the 2025 total, according to 36Kr citing data from Yiyao Mofang. Upfront payments from outbound licensing deals were about $5.0 billion, roughly 70% of the full-year total in 2025. Industry participants broadly expect full-year 2026 BD deal value to set a new record, the report said.