After nearly three years of regulatory review, Genor Biopharma’s geptanolimab has become the first domestically-developed anti-PD-1/L1 drug to experience a major regulatory setback within the overcrowded class in China. Over the intervening years since it was submitted for approval, the country’s regulator has moved to tighten review standards.

The Swiss major’s CDK4/6 inhibitor has met the primary endpoint in a pivotal breast cancer trial earlier than expected, with success in the intermediate risk group representing a $4bn opportunity untapped by rival Eli Lilly.

Chinese biotechs have reached deals for cancer therapies to explore the novel uses of messenger RNA technology beyond COVID-19 vaccines, as the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine fame starts fading.

From bringing innovative new drugs to global markets, to record-setting fundraisings and initial public offerings, five trends are emerging in China's health sector that are worth closely watching in 2021.