The China International Import Expo (CIIE) showcased a range of innovative treatments for major diseases, including HIV, infertility, and various cancers. Pharmaceutical companies announced significant breakthroughs and collaborations with domestic medical experts, signaling advancements in China's healthcare landscape.
Gilead's Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention and Treatment
Gilead Sciences has submitted a market application to Chinese authorities for lenacapavir, a novel twice-yearly injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor designed for adults with multi-drug resistant HIV. This development follows a successful Phase 3 clinical trial that confirmed its efficacy as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). According to the World Health Organization, lenacapavir represents a major breakthrough in HIV prevention. Gilead has been expanding its research and development efforts in China, with clinical collaborations established with nearly 200 Chinese hospitals.
Organon's SJ02 for Infertility Treatment
Addressing the growing concern of infertility in China, Organon, in collaboration with Shanghai Bao Pharmaceutical, unveiled SJ02, a long-acting recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone-CTP fusion protein injection. If approved, SJ02 would be the first long-acting FSH in China, offering improved flexibility and expanded options for families undergoing assisted reproductive technology programs. China's infertility rate has increased significantly, with estimates suggesting that 50 million Chinese couples are currently infertile. The inclusion of in vitro fertilization technologies in government-run medical insurance in multiple regions, including Shanghai, underscores the need for more effective and innovative medications.
Pfizer's Talazoparib for Prostate Cancer
Pfizer announced that its innovative prostate cancer treatment, Talazoparib, has been approved in China. Prostate cancer is the most common urological and reproductive system cancer among men in China, with over 134,200 new cases reported annually. Talazoparib targets a specific genetic mutation found in approximately 25% of prostate cancer patients, offering a more precise and individualized treatment approach. Dr. Ye Dingwei, the primary researcher in China, collaborated with experts from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center on the development of this drug.
Johnson & Johnson's Teclistamab for Multiple Myeloma
Johnson & Johnson announced that the China National Medical Products Administration has approved Teclistamab Injection as a monotherapy for adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Teclistamab is the world's first bispecific antibody approved for treating multiple myeloma by inducing tumor cell death. Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer in China, and almost all patients experience relapse or drug resistance during treatment. Dr. Ma Jun from the Harbin Institute of Hematologic Tumor emphasized the clinical need for innovative drugs targeting relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
