China’s First CAR-T Is From Fosun Kite; Overseas Data Played Key Role

Confounding earlier speculation, the Fosun-Kite joint venture rather than Juno-WuXi AppTec, gains the first CAR-T cell therapy approval in China. The clearance is expected to be followed by several others in the highly active area.

3D illustration of T cells attacking a cancer cell (CAR-T cell therapy) - Illustration
FOSUN KITE GETS CHINA'S FIRST CAR-T CELL THEARPY APPROVAL • Source: Alamy

Fosun Kite Biotechnology Co Ltd's CD-19-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, FKC876, marketed globally as Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel), has been approved in China as a third-line treatment for adult patients with diffuse B-cell lymphoma or relapsed and recurrent B-cell lymphoma.

The country’s first approval of a cell therapy is expected to open the door for more CAR-Ts at a time...

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Coping Strategies For China Industry Amid BIOSECURE Overhang

 
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With the US BIOSECURE Act waiting for a Senate vote, there are signs it may be prompting some Chinese firms to look at their operations. In the meantime, two legal experts in China suggest a range of coping strategies for companies that may be deemed "of concern."

Califf: Not Wise To Create Problems Related to Chinese Pharma Supply Chain Dependence

 

The US FDA Commissioner pushed for a rebalancing of the US’s pharmaceutical supply chains while also stressing that there is a role for US-China commerce that would be risky to compromise.

China Pilots Scheme To Halve IND Review Time For Innovative Drugs

 

China’s top drug regulator is implementing a pilot program offering shorter review times for IND applications to improve the quality and efficiency of clinical studies and stimulate the country’s innovative drug sector.

$14m Handout Anyone? Shanghai Offers Raft Of New Biopharma Incentives

 
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Shanghai issues a new set of policies and financial incentives designed to support and speed up regulatory and commercial activities in the biopharma sector, in a comprehensive stimulus package for companies based in the major Chinese city.

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Easing Market Entry: Japan’s PMDA Allows Approval Filings In English

 
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Non-Japanese firms without offices in the country may submit documents for approval filings in English, subject to certain conditions.

Akebia’s Vafseo: Japanese Postmarketing Data, Narrowed Indication Eased Liver Toxicity Worries

 
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The Pink Sheet Drug Review Profile explores the US FDA’s approval of vadadustat to treat anemia in chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis. A complete response letter cited the risk of drug-induced liver injury, but postmarketing data from Japan reassured reviewers.

India And Pakistan Boost Transparency In Industry-Doctor Interactions

 
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Developments in India and Pakistan are designed to standardize how drug companies disclose their expenses associated with health care professionals.