The National Healthcare Security Administration of China has unveiled the 2024 National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL), incorporating several pioneering therapies to improve patient access to advanced treatments for critical health conditions. This strategic move underscores China's commitment to enhancing healthcare affordability and addressing unmet medical needs.

Key Inclusions:

1. Akeso's Cadonilimab and Ivonescimab

   • Indications: Cadonilimab for relapsed or metastatic cervical cancer; Ivonescimab for EGFR-mutated locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.
   • Impact: These bispecific antibodies offer novel therapeutic options in oncology, aiming to improve patient outcomes in prevalent cancer types.

2. Everest Medicines' Nefecon

   • Indication: Primary IgA nephropathy.
   • Impact: As the first approved treatment for IgA nephropathy, Nefecon addresses a significant unmet need in nephrology, offering hope to millions affected by this chronic kidney disease.

3. Ascentage Pharma's Olverembatinib

   • Indication: Chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia resistant and/or intolerant to first- and second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
   • Impact: This third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor provides a critical option for patients with limited treatment alternatives.

4. Innovent Biologics' SINTBILO® (Tafolecimab)

   • Indication: Primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia.
   • Impact: As Innovent's first cardiovascular therapy, SINTBILO® offers significant LDL-C reduction, addressing a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

5. Antengene's XPOVIO® (Selinexor)

   • Indication: Relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
   • Impact: This inclusion provides patients with access to a novel treatment option for aggressive lymphoma, potentially improving survival rates.

Executive Perspectives:

• Dr. Xia Yu, Founder, Chairwoman, and CEO of Akeso: "The inclusion of Cadonilimab and Ivonescimab in the NRDL reflects their significant clinical value and will benefit a broader patient population."

• Rogers Yongqing Luo, CEO of Everest Medicines: "With approximately 5 million IgAN patients in China, Nefecon's inclusion in the NRDL enables more patients to access this innovative treatment."

• Dr. Dajun Yang, Chairman & CEO of Ascentage Pharma: "The NRDL inclusion of Olverembatinib's new indication is a testament to its clinical value and our commitment to addressing unmet medical needs."

• Dr. Lei Qian, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Innovent Biologics: "The NRDL inclusion of SINTBILO® and the new indication for Olverembatinib will enhance accessibility for patients in need."

• Dr. Jay Mei, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Antengene: "The inclusion of XPOVIO®'s new indication in the NRDL marks a significant milestone in making this novel therapy accessible to more patients."

Strategic Implications:

• Enhanced Patient Access: NRDL inclusion significantly reduces financial barriers, allowing broader patient populations to benefit from innovative therapies.

• Healthcare Advancement: Incorporating these treatments aligns with China's healthcare goals to provide cutting-edge medical solutions for complex diseases.

• Industry Growth: Pharmaceutical companies gain expanded market reach, fostering further innovation and investment in the Chinese healthcare sector.