Economic Observer reporter Huang YifanOn July 27, CStone Pharmaceuticals (02616.HK) and Kangsheng Global (09960.HK) Announced the signing of a strategic cooperation framework agreement.
According to the agreement, the two parties have reached a number of cooperation intentions on precise diagnosis and treatment of hematological tumors, including: jointly carrying out relevant educational activities, enhancing the concept of precise detection and treatment in the field of hematological tumors, and giving full play to their respective advantages We will jointly explore and improve the accessibility and standardization of IDH1 and other gene mutation detection in Chinese patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), accurately screen patients who are suitable for the innovative targeted drug Tosuvo (Avonib) for hematological tumors, and promote the development of Shuwo accelerated to benefit more Chinese patients.
It is understood that Tosuvo is an oral targeted inhibitor for IDH1 mutant enzyme, which has been approved by the China National Medical Products Administration for the treatment of people with IDH1 susceptible Mutated adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) AML.
Public information shows that AML is a rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow and is the most common type of leukemia in adults. In the United States, there are about 20,000 new cases each year. In China, there are about 75,300 new cases of leukemia every year, of which AML patients account for about 59%. The five-year survival rate of patients is about 29.5%. Among newly diagnosed AML patients, 6%-10% carry IDH1 mutations.
According to the data of AGILE, the registration study of Tosuwo, the experimental group improved the median overall survival (OS) by about 3 times compared with the control group (24 months vs 7.9 months).
In June of this year, Tuoshuwo issued the first batch of prescriptions and officially supplied medicines to more than 50 in-hospital and out-of-hospital DTP pharmacies in many provinces and cities across the country. At present, CStone Pharmaceuticals is actively promoting the commercialization of Tosuwo.
According to the reporter’s incomplete statistics, Tuoshuwo has been included in more than 5 cities Huimin Insurance and commercial health insurance, including Beijing Pratt & Whitney Health Insurance Overseas Special Drug List, Shanghai Huhuibao Overseas Special Drug Catalog, Hainan Lecheng Global Special Drug Insurance and Chengdu Huirong Insurance, etc.
Relevant person from CStone told reporters that a number of new indications of Tosuvo are currently being explored, including first-line therapy for newly diagnosed IDH1-mutant AML adult patients. Treatment of locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma patients with IDH1 mutations and adult patients with relapsed/refractory myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with IDH1 susceptibility mutations.
For this cooperation, Jiang Ningjun, CEO of CStone Pharmaceuticals, said that the accessibility and standardization of genetic testing for AML patients still needs to be improved. Jiang Ningjun said that the establishment of cooperation with Kangsheng Global is based on the expectation of its high-quality genetic testing services and medical network coverage.
Since 2021, CStone has successively launched 4 new drugs targeting different therapeutic areas, and a total of 9 new drug applications (NDAs) have been approved.
China Merchants Hong Kong believes that CStone is maximizing the commercial value of its product pipeline, and the self-built commercial team is promoting the commercialization of three precision medicines, among which self-built commercialization The team covers about 160-170 sales representatives, covering more than 600 hospitals in more than 130 cities, and promoting the sales of sugelimab through a strong commercialization network with Pfizer. It is expected that the company’s commercialization strategy can expand for subsequent indications further pave the way.