Fangzhou Inc. (06086.HK), China's leading online chronic disease management platform, announced today that it has added Otsuka Pharmaceutical's third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) Iclusig® (ponatinib) to its digital healthcare platform. This strategic addition expands treatment options for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) across China.
Iclusig® received regulatory approval in China in September 2024 and represents a significant advancement in leukemia treatment, particularly for patients with the T315I mutation in the BCR::ABL1 gene that renders first and second-generation TKIs ineffective. The OPTIC clinical trial demonstrated ponatinib's remarkable efficacy, with data showing a four-year survival rate of 88% among specific patient populations.
"As a platform focused on patient-centered healthcare, we are committed to bringing innovative treatments such as Iclusig® to Chinese patients through our digital healthcare ecosystem," said Dr. Xie Fangmin, founder, chairman, and CEO of Fangzhou.
Addressing Critical Unmet Needs in Leukemia Treatment
CML accounts for approximately 15% of all adult leukemias in China, with an estimated 4,500 new cases diagnosed annually. While earlier-generation TKIs have transformed CML from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition for many patients, those with the T315I mutation face significantly poorer outcomes with conventional therapies.
Ponatinib specifically targets this mutation, offering hope to patients who have developed resistance to other available treatments. The drug's mechanism of action involves binding to the BCR-ABL protein in a way that overcomes the structural changes caused by the T315I mutation, effectively inhibiting the abnormal signaling that drives leukemic cell growth.
Pharmaceutical Partnerships Driving Innovation Access
Fangzhou has established robust collaborations with leading pharmaceutical companies both domestically and internationally. These partnerships have enabled the company to build a comprehensive drug supply chain spanning multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, liver disease, and cardiovascular conditions.
The platform now offers more than 210,000 drug SKUs to address the diverse needs of patients with chronic diseases. This extensive medication catalog, combined with Fangzhou's digital infrastructure, creates a unique ecosystem where patients can access both innovative treatments and supportive healthcare services.
AI-Powered Healthcare Ecosystem
What distinguishes Fangzhou's approach is its integration of artificial intelligence throughout the patient journey. The company leverages AI, big data, and cloud computing technologies to enhance its health management services continually.
Fangzhou's proprietary "AI Personal Health Assistant" and other digital tools help improve medication safety and boost treatment adherence—critical factors in managing complex conditions like leukemia. Through the company's "AI + H2H Smart Healthcare Platform," patients can access online medical consultations and receive personalized health recommendations designed to improve their quality of life.
"Our technology-enabled approach to healthcare delivery means patients not only gain access to breakthrough medications like ponatinib but also receive comprehensive support throughout their treatment journey," explained Dr. Xie. "This combination of pharmaceutical innovation and digital health management represents the future of chronic disease care."
Future Directions
Looking ahead, Fangzhou plans to deepen AI integration within its Internet-based medical services while expanding partnerships with leading global pharmaceutical companies. The goal is to bring more breakthrough treatments and cutting-edge innovations to patients and their families across China.
As of December 2024, Fangzhou serves 49.2 million registered users and connects 223,000 physicians through its platform. The company's focus on delivering tailored medical care and precision medicine solutions positions it at the forefront of China's digital health transformation.
The addition of ponatinib to Fangzhou's platform represents not just a new treatment option for leukemia patients but also exemplifies how digital healthcare ecosystems can accelerate access to medical innovations in the world's most populous country.
