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.

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

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

BMS’s Breyanzi Stands To Further Expand Broad Lymphoma Coverage

 
• By Alaric DeArment

The drugmaker presented data at a lymphoma meeting showing strong efficacy for the CAR-T in marginal zone lymphoma, the second most common indolent lymphoma.

Early Blood Cancer Data Impresses As Incyte Plots Post-Jakafi Strategy

 
• By Kevin Grogan

First results for a first-in-class mutCALR-targeted therapy in essential thrombocythemia presented at EHA point to a lucrative future for the early-stage product.

Who Dares Wins? Roche Moves Parkinson’s Candidate Into Phase III Despite Near Miss

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

Open-label extension data have persuaded Roche to move prasinezumab into Phase III, where it believes a few tweaks to the study design could turn a near miss into success.

Pipeline Watch: Eight Approvals And Ten Phase III Readouts

Pipeline Watch is a weekly snapshot of selected late-stage clinical trial events and approvals announced by pharmaceutical and biotech companies at medical and industry conferences, in financial and company presentations, and in company releases and statements.

More from Focus On Asia

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.

Is Zydus’s Agenus Deal Opportunistic Or Strategic?

 
• By Vibha Ravi

Will Zydus’s acquisition and licensing deal with Agenus turn out to be a strategic move towards building an oncology portfolio or an opportunistic one driven by a venture capital mindset?

Citeline Japan Awards 2025 - Enter Now!

 
• By Ian Haydock and Lisa Takagi

The 14 July deadline for the Citeline Japan Awards 2025 in Tokyo is approaching fast, so here's a reminder to take a look at the categories and criteria and be sure to get those submissions in by this date. Sponsorship opportunities and tables for the event are also available.