HitGen's ESG Push: How AI Drug Discovery is Meeting Sustainability Goals

CHENGDU, China – April 29, 2026 – Innovative biopharmaceutical company HitGen Inc. today released its 2025 Sustainability Report, signaling a deepening commitment to integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into the core of its high-tech drug discovery operations. The report, the company's second of its kind, details a strategy that moves beyond compliance, aiming to leverage its advanced technology platforms for broader societal and environmental benefits.

In a statement accompanying the release, Dr. Jin Li, Chairman of the Board and CEO of HitGen, emphasized the fusion of corporate growth with sustainable practices. "As an innovative biopharmaceutical enterprise committed to 'contributing to human health', HitGen has always believed that the core of a company lies in continuously creating value," he commented. "In 2025, we remained dedicated to practical and determined actions, driving sustainable development to be integrated into strategy, embedded in management, and deeply rooted in operations."

This move by the Shanghai Stock Exchange-listed firm (SSE: 688222.SH) comes as both Chinese regulators and global investors place increasing scrutiny on corporate responsibility, making robust ESG performance a critical indicator of long-term viability and responsible management.

Innovation as a Sustainability Engine

At the heart of HitGen's strategy is its unique drug discovery engine, which the company is positioning as a key driver of its sustainability agenda. HitGen is a world leader in DNA-encoded Library (DEL) technology, a method for rapidly screening vast numbers of chemical compounds to identify potential drug candidates. This technology is supercharged by the company's proprietary HAILO platform, which integrates DEL with Artificial Intelligence and automation.

While the primary goal of HAILO is to accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutics, its operational model carries significant sustainability implications. By using AI to predict outcomes and automation to streamline experiments, the platform has the potential to drastically improve R&D efficiency. In an industry often criticized for its resource-intensive research processes, this approach can lead to a substantial reduction in chemical waste, energy consumption, and the overall environmental footprint of drug discovery.

The social impact is more direct. By shortening the timeline for identifying and optimizing preclinical drug candidates, the technology promises to speed the delivery of new treatments for unmet medical needs. This aligns with the company's stated mission to advance human health and quality of life, a core tenet of the 'Social' pillar in ESG.

Aligning with Global Standards

A significant development highlighted by the company's recent activities is its formal commitment to global climate action. In December 2025, HitGen submitted a commitment letter to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a globally recognized body that helps companies set ambitious emissions reduction targets. By joining the SBTi, HitGen has pledged to develop near-term, science-based targets within two years that align with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

This proactive step is particularly noteworthy. It not only demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship but also strategically positions HitGen to meet the evolving demands of the market. In China, regulatory bodies like the Shanghai Stock Exchange are progressively strengthening ESG disclosure requirements for listed companies. Simultaneously, international investors are increasingly channeling capital towards firms that can demonstrate credible and transparent sustainability practices. By aligning with a rigorous international framework like SBTi, HitGen enhances its appeal to this growing pool of ESG-focused capital and sets a high bar for its peers in the region's burgeoning biotech sector.

A Holistic Approach to Value Creation

The 2025 report outlines a comprehensive framework that extends beyond environmental concerns, emphasizing sustainable governance and a responsible value chain. The company underscores its dedication to optimizing its governance system, upholding integrity in its business operations, and implementing a comprehensive risk management system to ensure long-term stability.

For a company that collaborates with over 600 clients globally on thousands of drug development projects, building a responsible value chain is paramount. This involves ensuring product safety and service quality while also managing the sustainability of its supply chain. This holistic view acknowledges that long-term value is created not in isolation but through collaboration with all stakeholders.

Furthermore, the report emphasizes a people-centric philosophy. HitGen describes its employees as the "core driving force for sustainable development" and communities as "important partners for mutual growth." This focus on employee development and community co-development reflects an understanding that human capital and social license to operate are indispensable assets for any forward-looking enterprise.

As the company continues on its trajectory, the integration of these ESG principles will be a key factor in its long-term success. Dr. Jin Li captured this forward momentum in his closing remarks. "Every step counts, leading to great distances. On our journey to becoming a world-class innovative biopharmaceutical enterprise, we will continue to adhere to market demand as our guide and technological breakthroughs as our engine... contributing to building a more inclusive, healthy, green and accessible world."