1. Scrip
  2. >>R&D
  3. >>Clinical Trials

Henlius In David Versus Goliath Race With Pfizer For First PD-L1 ADC

 
• By Dexter Jie Yan

While Henlius Biotech’s PD-L1-targeting antibody-drug conjugate HLX43 is struggling to catch up with Pfizer’s PF-08046054, the global frontrunner in the space, a key differentiation of the China-originated asset could lie in PD-L1-negative patients.

Henlius’ HLX43 is the second most advanced in the class of PD-L1-targeting ADCs globally, after Pfizer's PDL1V. (Shutterstock)

Shanghai Henlius Biotech is trying to play a David versus Goliath game of catch-up with Pfizer, in pursuit of the commercialization of the world’s first PD-L1-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC).

Key Takeaways
  • Since January, Chinese firm Henlius has planned or initiated six Phase II studies with HLX43, its PD-L1-targeting ADC, as monotherapy in non-small cell lung and cervical cancer, and nasopharyngeal, esophageal squamous cell, hepatocellular and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Pfizer is ahead in the global race, planning to advance its same-class ADC PF-08046054 (PDL1V) into two Phase III programs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer in the second half

On the surface of the hot race, Henlius’s HLX43, the second most advanced globally in the class, appears to be a long shot

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 Clinical Trials

In Brief: Tourmaline Reports Positive Topline Phase II Results for Pacibekitug In CKD

 
• By Sushmita Panda

Based on first positive results for any quarterly IL-6 inhibitor, company plans to initiate Phase III cardiovascular outcomes trial.

Pfizer Scoops 3SBio’s PD-1/VEGF Bispecific In ADC Combo Push

 
• By Dexter Jie Yan

Pfizer is doubling down on partnerships for combination therapies involving its antibody-drug conjugates through a new alliance with China's 3SBio’s for a bispecific antibody, potentially worth up to $6bn.

Boehringer’s Next Generation IPF Drug Underwhelms

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

The company hoped its follow-up to blockbuster Ofev could clearly improve efficacy and safety benefits, but the full Phase III results from nerandomilast’s FIBRONEER-IPF fall short of a slam dunk.

Affimed’s ASCO ‘Hail Mary’ As Survival Chances Slim

 
• By Kevin Grogan

The German biotech has been forced into insolvency and NASDAQ suspension.

More from Focus On Asia

UK-India FTA Could Offer ‘Significant Benefits’ For Generics, Biosimilars

 
• By Dave Wallace

A free trade agreement between the UK and India could offer “significant benefits for the generic and biosimilar sectors,” Medicines UK believes. The off-patent industry association has also suggested further avenues for collaboration between the two governments.

Cipla Leadership’s Early Take On Trump’s Pricing EO And Pipeline Progress

 
• By Anju Ghangurde

Cipla's CEO underlines that US generic prices are already “very significantly comparable” with the rest of the world and expects President Donald Trump's executive order on drug pricing to primarily impact branded pharmaceuticals. The company also shared updates on its US pipeline.

Hengrui Set For Biggest Biopharma IPO So Far This Year

 
• By Dexter Jie Yan

Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals is gearing up for what will be 2025's biggest biopharma IPO so far, hoping to raise up to $1.27bn on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. China's top drug maker by pipeline size plans to use part of the proceeds to reboot its overseas clinical trials ambitions.