METIS TECHBIO-P (07666) saw its shares climb more than 7% in early trading, last up 5.65% at HK$16.28 with turnover reaching HK$70.69 million.

The surge follows the official signing of a long-term strategic cooperation agreement in Beijing between the company and LUYE PHARMA (02186), marking METIS TECHBIO as LUYE's first strategic partner in AI-driven drug delivery.

Under the agreement, the two parties will collaborate across four key areas: co-developing an AI-powered R&D platform, tackling critical technological challenges together, advancing the commercialization of research outcomes, and fostering an open innovation ecosystem.

Adding to the positive momentum, the Shanghai Stock Exchange has added METIS TECHBIO-P to the list of securities eligible for Stock Connect trading, effective Monday, September 7. This development allows mainland investors to directly trade the company's shares through the Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong schemes, officially unlocking southbound capital flows.

The board believes this inclusion will help expand the shareholder base, attract long-term institutional investors, and enhance the liquidity of the company's shares in the market.