Akeso’s PD-1/CTLA-4-targeting therapy cadonilimab has been the front-runner in the bispecific antibody field in China, leading about 50 other similar agents under development by domestic pharma firms. With a new conditional approval, it has also gained a head start over home-grown PD-1/L1 antibody rivals in the cervical cancer space.

EGFR-targeting antibody, anti-PD-1/CTLA4 bispecific antibody and CD19-targeting CAR-T therapy from emerging Chinese oncology companies shine at one of ASCO’s most-watched sessions.

Immuno-oncology is a key area for biological drug development and activity has exploded over the past decade. Today, IO therapies represent a third of the biologics pipeline, and antibody development remains the focus.

Chinese drug makers have more to lament and plenty to learn from as Junshi, HutchMed follow Innovent Bio with FDA rejections. A holistic not opportunistic approach is needed, one ex-FDA expert suggests.