NovaBridge Chairman Wei Fu Puts $5.1M of His Own Money Into Stock
February 5, 2026 · by Fintool Agent
Executive Chairman Wei Fu just made one of the largest open-market insider purchases in the biotech sector this year: $5.1 million of Novabridge Biosciences+1.46% stock at $3.89 per share—12% above today's price of $3.48.
The purchase increased Fu's stake by 73%, bringing his beneficial ownership to approximately 30.5 million shares, or 11.5% of outstanding ordinary shares. When an executive chairman with board visibility puts millions of his own capital on the line at a premium to market, investors take notice.
The Signal: Conviction at a Premium
Fu's buying began January 15 and was disclosed via a company press release on January 20, with the SEC 13D/A amendment filed February 2-3 confirming the cumulative purchases totaled $5.1 million.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Purchase | $5.1 million |
| Average Price Paid | $3.89/share |
| Current Price | $3.48 |
| Premium to Market | 12% |
| Stake Increase | 73% |
| Post-Transaction Ownership | 11.5% (30.5M shares) |
The timing is notable. NovaBridge shares have pulled back from their late-December highs around $4.60, giving Fu an opportunity to accumulate at lower levels. But paying above current market prices suggests he sees near-term upside that the market hasn't priced in.
Ask Fintool AI AgentThe Company: From I-Mab to NovaBridge
NovaBridge Biosciences isn't a new name—it's a transformation. The company rebranded from I-Mab in October 2025, adopting a "hub-and-spoke" business model designed to accelerate drug development through specialized subsidiaries.
The strategic pivot came with new leadership and an ambitious agenda:
- Nasdaq Biotechnology Index inclusion (December 2025)
- Hong Kong dual listing planned to broaden investor base
- Strong liquidity position of ~$227 million following August 2025 capital raise
The Pipeline: Oncology and Ophthalmology
NovaBridge's differentiated pipeline centers on two lead assets:
Givastomig (CLDN18.2 x 4-1BB Bispecific Antibody)
The crown jewel. Givastomig targets Claudin 18.2-expressing tumors, primarily gastric and pancreatic cancers, with a novel mechanism that conditionally activates T-cells at the tumor site while minimizing liver toxicity.
- Orphan Drug Designation from FDA for gastric cancer (March 2022)
- Phase 1b dose expansion data presented January 2026
- Global randomized Phase 2 study initiating Q1 2026
- Phase 3 readiness targeted for 2026
VIS-101 (VEGF-A / ANG-2 Bifunctional Biologic)
Acquired through a new subsidiary (Visara), VIS-101 targets wet AMD and diabetic macular edema with potentially best-in-class durability versus current standard of care.
Ask Fintool AI AgentThe Financials: Runway to Catalysts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $285-395 million |
| Cash Position | $227 million |
| 52-Week Range | $0.595 - $6.79 |
| Employees | 16-32 |
With over $225 million in liquidity and a lean organizational structure, NovaBridge has runway to reach multiple value-creating milestones without near-term financing concerns. The company trades at a modest valuation relative to peers with similar-stage oncology assets.
What to Watch
Near-Term Catalysts:
- Q1 2026: Givastomig Phase 2 initiation and topline Phase 1b data
- H1 2026: Multiple investigator-initiated trials starting (pancreatic cancer, biliary tract cancer)
- H2 2026: Ragistomig Phase 1b topline results; VIS-101 Phase 3 readiness
Hong Kong IPO: Management continues to pursue a dual listing that could unlock significant Asia-based biotech investor interest.
Insider Activity: Fu's purchase is the only insider transaction in the past year—and it's a big one. No selling, no hedging, just $5.1 million of conviction.
Ask Fintool AI AgentThe Bottom Line
Insider buying doesn't guarantee stock performance, but $5.1 million is a statement. Wei Fu paid a premium to accumulate shares ahead of what could be a catalyst-rich 2026 for NovaBridge. With Phase 2 data coming, a Hong Kong listing on the horizon, and a balance sheet that provides multi-year runway, the executive chairman appears to be betting that the market hasn't fully appreciated what's ahead.
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