1. Scrip
  3. >>China

ESMO 23: Kelun/Merck, Hansoh ADCs Impress With Early Data In Breast Cancer

 
• By Dexter Jie Yan

In new data from Chinese developers at ESMO, Kelun/Merck’s Trop2-targeting ADC SKB264 (MK-2870) appears ready to hog the limelight from Daiichi Sankyo/AstraZeneca’s Dato-DXd, while Hansoh’s B7-H4-targeting HS-20089 is coming to the fore against its global same-class competitors. There were also new clinical results for Mabwell/Hengrui’s Nectin-4-targeting 9MW2821 and HER2-targeting SHR-A1811.

stage limelight
ESMO Congress turns spotlight on ADCs from Chinese developers • Source: Shutterstock

Chinese-made antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are poised to come from behind as fast-followers of their global peers on the back of impressive new Phase I and II clinical data to be orally reported at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress, being held in Madrid, Spain over 20-24 October.

Key Takeaways

  • Kelun/Merck, Hansoh's ADCs, targeting Trop2 and B7-H4 respectively, shine at ESMO with impressive early-stage clinical outcomes versus global front-runners.

Breast cancer has emerged as one of the main areas of focus. 

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from China

AstraZeneca Taps Into China’s R&D Engine With CSPC Alliance

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

After in-licensing a cardiovascular candidate last year, AstraZeneca has signed a strategic drug discovery alliance, which could generate billions of dollars in payments to the Chinese firm.

Chinese Biotech VC/PE Fundings Rise But Still Modest

 
• By Dexter Jie Yan

LTZ Therapeutics and Beijing Sungen Biomedical are among the Chinese biotechs raising new funding, of around $40m each, based on their clinical assets with novel mechanisms of action. While fundings have risen, they remain moderate however.

Degron Eyes Deals For Novel Molecular Glue Degrader Assets

 
• By Dexter Jie Yan

Pursuing first-in-class molecular glue degraders using undruggable targets could eventually help Degron Therapeutics land sizable asset-based deals, CEO Lily Zou tells Scrip.

Ascentage Broadens Horizons As Pipeline Shows Renewed Promise

 
• By Xu Hu

Ascentage will share at ASCO new clinical data on its Bcl-2 inhibitor lisaftoclax, part of the Chinese firm's novel pipeline, on which its CEO shared with Scrip plans and strategy, along with some views on the use of RWD in China.

More from Focus On Asia

Crisis Or Opportunity? US MFN Policy Could Test Japan’s Appetite For Reforms

 
• By Lisa Takagi

While the adoption of most favored nation drug pricing in the US stands to affect Japanese biopharma firms now heavily reliant on this market, it might also present an opportunity for pricing and policy reforms at home.

Pharma’s Space Trails Entering Transformative Era - Keytruda’s Been There

 
• By Anju Ghangurde

Merck and Lilly are among the leading pharma players using space-based research to power drug development. From reusable satellites to process drugs in low earth orbit to biomanufacturing labs experts discuss R&D opportunities in the starry canvas above.

Chinese Biotech VC/PE Fundings Rise But Still Modest

 
• By Dexter Jie Yan

LTZ Therapeutics and Beijing Sungen Biomedical are among the Chinese biotechs raising new funding, of around $40m each, based on their clinical assets with novel mechanisms of action. While fundings have risen, they remain moderate however.