Four latecomers including Akeso and Henlius managed to record a combined $101m in immuno-oncology drug sales in China in the first half, while market leaders such as BeiGene and Innovent saw mixed results as competition between domestically-developed rivals continues to heat up.

A number of major Chinese pharma firms, including Simcere and Hansoh, brought in more revenues from innovative drugs than generics in the first half, a major stand-out from their domestic peers.

ImmuneOncia CEO talks to Scrip about the development strategy for its anti-PD-L1 and anti-CD47 pipeline assets as well as the advantages of having Yuhan and Sorrento as its largest shareholders.

Multinationals including AstraZeneca are retreating from China’s overcrowded immuno-oncology market but one exception - Pfizer - remains steadfast.