Chinese Cancer Drugs Show Promise Against Chemotherapy

Two new cancer drugs developed in China have demonstrated significant success in treating advanced forms of endometrial and non-small cell lung cancer, potentially offering better outcomes than traditional chemotherapy. Sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT), developed by Kelun-Biotech and marketed outside China by MSD, showed impressive results in a trial of 776 women with advanced endometrial cancer that had progressed after platinum chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Patients receiving sac-TMT lived a median of 19 months, compared to 12.1 months for those on standard chemotherapy, a nearly 7-month improvement and a 32% reduction in the risk of death. The drug also significantly extended the time before disease progression, with a median of 7.2 months versus 3.9 months for chemotherapy. Tumor shrinkage or disappearance was observed in 35.1% of patients on sac-TMT, compared to 17.3% on chemotherapy. "The incidence and mortality from endometrial cancer continue to rise worldwide. The results could change the approach to treating patients who have already undergone chemotherapy and immunotherapy," stated lead investigator Prof. Domenica Lorusso. Sac-TMT is an antibody-drug conjugate that targets the TROP2 protein on cancer cells, delivering a toxic payload. While it had more frequent severe side effects (54.4% vs. 41.4%), treatment discontinuation due to complications was low at 3.1%. The FDA is expediting its review, with a decision expected by June 15, 2027.

Another Chinese drug, izalontamab brengitecan (iza-bren), developed by Biokin and advanced by SystImmune and BMS outside China, showed marked benefits for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer harboring an EGFR mutation. In a trial of 432 patients in China, where standard targeted therapies had failed, those receiving iza-bren had their disease controlled for a median of 11.1 months, compared to 5.7 months for chemotherapy. This represented a 60% reduction in the risk of progression or death. Tumor shrinkage occurred in 60.2% of patients on iza-bren versus 34.5% on chemotherapy. The drug targets both EGFR and HER3 proteins. "After lung cancer with an EGFR mutation stops responding to targeted therapy, patients and doctors have very few effective treatment options left. Until now, chemotherapy has remained the main choice," noted lead investigator Prof. Early data suggests improved survival, with 68.8% of iza-bren patients alive after 1.5 years compared to 55.3% on chemotherapy, though longer follow-up is needed.

Both drugs originated in Chengdu, China, highlighting the rapid growth of its pharmaceutical sector. Western companies are increasingly licensing Chinese innovations, with deal volumes soaring. MSD acquired rights to sac-TMT in 2022, viewing it as a potential revenue stream post-Keytruda patent expiry. Iza-bren's global market entry hinges on further international trials. For Israel, access to these drugs will depend on the Ministry of Health's drug basket committee decisions, facing budget constraints and a large number of new treatment applications.