Celsion plans to bring its first-line immune-oncology drug into clinical studies in China in 2018, with the help from its long-term local partner Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceuticals. The partnership with Hisun serves multiple strategic purposes for lower costs and quicker approvals in the country where immunotherapeutics is becoming hot new category of cancer treatment.

Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceuticals is continuing to enrich its pipeline through in-licensing deals, most recently with Nascent, while seeking out-licensing opportunities for its growing pipeline of clinical-stage biologics. The company is also looking to expand into other emerging markets through international partnerships, an executive says.