China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved the nation's first stem cell therapy and a novel long-acting HIV drug, marking significant advancements in the country's pharmaceutical landscape. The approvals address critical unmet needs in treating acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) and multidrug-resistant HIV infections.
Platinum Life's Stem Cell Therapy for Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease
The NMPA granted conditional approval to an injection developed by Platinum Life, a domestic drugmaker, for treating aGVHD in patients aged 14 and above who have not responded to conventional steroid therapy. aGVHD is a severe complication that arises after stem cell transplantation, contributing significantly to mortality in these patients. This therapy represents the first mesenchymal stromal cell treatment approved in mainland China and was fast-tracked through an accelerated market registration pathway for urgently needed medicines.
According to Chen Jiekai, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, this approval signifies a crucial step towards the clinical application of stem cell treatments and the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework for such therapies. There are reportedly hundreds of clinical research projects on stem cell treatment ongoing across China, with 141 hospitals registered on a national platform to conduct clinical studies.
Lenacapavir Approved for Multidrug-Resistant HIV
In addition to the stem cell therapy, the NMPA also approved lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV drug developed by Gilead Sciences. This medication is indicated for HIV patients with multidrug resistance whose viral load cannot be effectively suppressed by existing treatments. Lenacapavir, administered via two shots yearly, was previously approved in Europe and the United States in 2022. Research is ongoing to explore its potential in preventing HIV infection.
Implications for Treatment Landscape
These approvals highlight China's commitment to fostering innovation in the pharmaceutical sector and addressing critical healthcare needs. The stem cell therapy offers a new treatment option for aGVHD patients who have failed to respond to standard treatments, while lenacapavir provides a much-needed alternative for individuals with multidrug-resistant HIV, improving their chances of viral suppression and overall health.
