ImmunoOncology

Henlius is advancing its nivolumab biosimilar HLX18 into Chinese trials, as it expands a global oncology pipeline. In 2025, the firm’s strong revenue growth was offset by rising R&D investment amid increasing contributions from overseas partnerships.

The biotech stopped a Phase III trial combining Merck’s Keytruda with eftilagimod alfa in first-line non-small cell lung cancer due to futility.

With J&J’s CAR-T Carvykti also approved for second-line disease, an oncologist told Scrip multiple factors will determine who gets which therapy option.

Qilu’s bifunctional combo of PD-1 and CTLA-4 antibodies hits its marks in a Phase III cervical cancer trial, while Lynk’s JAK1 inhibitor logs similar win in atopic dermatitis.

Clinical Data Readout: With a median follow-up of 6.5 months, updated findings from a Phase I/II study of DB-1311 (BNT324) in heavily pretreated mCRPC patients worldwide showed a median radiographic progression-free survival of 11.3 months and a median overall survival of 22.5 months.

With its primary endpoint achieved, the German biosimilar developer turns to finalizing global regulatory dossiers.

Sichuan Biokin Pharmaceutical’s iza-bren hit the co-primary endpoints of OS and PFS in a Phase III clinical study in Chinese patients with triple-negative breast cancer in the second and later-line settings.

2026 has already seen several major new funding rounds for Chinese biopharma ventures, including a $70m financing for CAR-T specialist Oricell and a $40m Angel round for ADC specialist Tosun.

Multiple Chinese biotechs are seeking to raise new funds through IPOs on the Hong Kong and Beijing stock exchanges to support international clinical trials for their first-in-class molecules.

The Phase II data for intismeran autogene in melanoma were mostly incremental, but the program’s continued success is a cornerstone of Moderna’s breakeven strategy.

Pilatus Biosciences' Switzerland-Taiwan-US structure exemplifies how biotechs might navigate US-China tensions, leveraging Chinese manufacturing efficiency while maintaining American investor credibility and partnership opportunities.

Deal Snapshot: Roche has scooped up a B7H3 ADC from China’s MediLink just a few months after Daiichi Sankyo temporarily halted enrolling patients in a pivotal Phase III trial with its same-class rival, Merck-partnered ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd).