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Few Blockbusters So Far From China’s First-In-Class Innovation

Mixed Fortunes For Pioneers

 
• By Dexter Jie Yan

Some five years on from the first approval of a novel drug originated in China, 10 first-in-class drugs of Chinese origin have been commercialized. But the results have been mixed, with few actual or potential blockbusters.

Pair of hands on the red ground of a race track, with a white number one painted on it
Since 2019, a total of ten Chinese homegrown first-in-class drugs have hit the road of commercialization. • Source: Shutterstock

Many of China’s homegrown first-in-class drugs have had a hard time becoming rainmakers for their originators, with few becoming blockbusters in domestic or international sales terms.

Since the first such drugs emerged into the spotlight on home turf around five years ago, it has taken more...

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