Building Brii: funds from Hong Kong IPO prepare Zhi Hong’s start-up to focus on execution 

Three years after its debut, Shanghai infectious disease company Brii has parlayed its A-list leadership team, high-profile deals and rapid entry into registrational studies into a listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Now, the company plans to deploy the nearly HK$2.5 billion ($319.6 million) that it raised in the IPO on execution, with a dozen programs in the clinic in the U.S. and China.

Brii Biosciences Ltd. (HKEX:2137) sold a combined 111.6 million shares at HK$22.25, with shares evenly split between its Hong Kong and international offerings. The deal valued Brii at HK$15.7 billion, or just over $2 billion. Shares are set to trade Tuesday...