Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Assessing Specificity of Anticancer Drugs In Vitro
Published on: March 23, 2016
Rapid advances in research on and development of anticancer drugs in China
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
Abstract:
Cancer is a major public health issue in China, and effective anticancer drugs remain a huge unmet need. Generic drugs have long been the main products of pharmaceutical companies in China. In this decade, research on and development of innovative drugs has greatly advanced thanks to policy reforms and economic growth. Five innovative anticancer drugs - anlotinib, pyrotinib, fruquintinib, sintilimab, and toripalimab - that were developed by Chinese domestic pharmaceutical companies were approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China in 2018. Several novel anticancer drugs such as avitinib, flumatinib, zanubrutinib, and ensartinib may also receive approval for marketing in China in the near future. There are unprecedented opportunities for development of innovative drugs in China. In the future, innovative drug development in China is poised to shift from "me too" or "me better" drugs to "first-in-class" or "best-in-class" drugs.
Insights
China
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Cancer presents a significant public health challenge in China, with a persistent need for effective treatments.
- Historically, China's pharmaceutical industry focused on generic drugs, but recent advancements have spurred innovative drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the advancements in innovative anticancer drug development within China.
- To identify key domestic pharmaceutical companies and their approved and emerging innovative cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of recently approved innovative anticancer drugs by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).
- Analysis of emerging novel anticancer drug candidates in the Chinese market.
Main Results:
- Five innovative anticancer drugs (anlotinib, pyrotinib, fruquintinib, sintilimab, toripalimab) were approved in 2018.
- Several other novel agents (avitinib, flumatinib, zanubrutinib, ensartinib) are nearing market approval.
- Significant policy reforms and economic growth have fostered unprecedented opportunities for drug innovation in China.
Conclusions:
- China's domestic pharmaceutical sector is rapidly advancing in innovative anticancer drug development.
- The future of drug development in China is shifting towards pioneering 'first-in-class' or 'best-in-class' therapies.
More Related Videos
08:03Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: December 1, 2016
15:04Potentiation of Anticancer Antibody Efficacy by Antineoplastic Drugs: Detection of Antibody-drug Synergism Using the Combination Index Equation
Published on: January 19, 2019
Related Concept Videos
09:39Assessing Specificity of Anticancer Drugs In Vitro
08:03Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
15:04Potentiation of Anticancer Antibody Efficacy by Antineoplastic Drugs: Detection of Antibody-drug Synergism Using the Combination Index Equation
07:23An All-Human Hepatic Culture System for Drug Development Applications
07:02A Computerized Test Battery to Study Pharmacodynamic Effects on the Central Nervous System of Cholinergic Drugs in Early Phase Drug Development
07:50Assay Development for High-Throughput Drug Screening Against Mycobacteria