Simcere is weighing options for SIM0417 in a Phase I trial in China as the first major domestically-developed potential rival to Pfizer’s oral COVID-19 antiviral Paxlovid. The study is likely to include wider patient groups ranging from those without symptoms to severe patients.

Plus deals involving GC Cell/Rivaara Immune, Sperogenix/Santhera, EOFlow/Zihipp, Grand/ITM, Tasly/Sutro, LegoChem/Iksuda, Nuance/Aerogen, Frontier/AffiRiS and Piramal/Yapan.

In a new landmark, Chinese firm BeiGene has posted greater quarterly sales of its cancer drug Brukinsa in the US than in China for the first time. Meanwhile, a growing number of innovative products developed in China are on the cusp of expansion into overseas markets.

While new oral COVID-19 drugs are commanding the headlines, a little-known Chinese biotech is pushing ahead with an intravenous small molecule antiviral candidate now moving towards Phase II/III US trials, its CEO tells Scrip.