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Growing research and development of targeted anticancer drugs in China
Huiyao Huang1, Jingting Du1, Xinyu Meng2
1Clinical Trials Center, National Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Objective:
To deliver a comprehensive picture of the landscape and changing trend of trials and approvals on targeted anticancer drugs in China from 2012 to 2021.
Methods:
Trials, investigated products, and listed drugs were acquired from national databases. The status quo, changing trend of absolute number, and proportion of targeted trials, products, and drugs, as well as the corresponding difference between domestic and foreign companies were analyzed.
Results:
A total of 2,632 trials on 1,167 targeted antitumor drugs were identified, accounting for 81.5% of all registered trials. The number and proportion of trials on targeted drugs increased steadily, with an average growth rate of 36.0% and 6.2%, respectively. A similar growth trend was observed in the number (33.7%) and proportion (13.8%) of targeted drugs. Targeted drugs and trials owned by domestic companies accounted for a higher proportion than that by foreign companies (80.5% vs. 19.5%; 83.2% vs. 16.8%, respectively), and the growing trend for both targeted drugs (13.8% vs. 5.7%) and trials (13.8% vs. 33.7%) owned by domestic companies was faster. The proportion of targeted drug trials (80.5% vs. 85.6%) and multicenter trials (6.0% vs. 69.9%) initiated by domestic companies was lower than that by foreign companies, with the gap gradually narrowing. Among the identified 18 targets of the 126 immune drugs under development, only one globally new target was found.
Conclusions:
Research and development of targeted antitumor drugs in China are booming and advancing rapidly, and domestic enterprises have become the pillar. Encouraging genomics activities and establishing incentives and public-private collaboration frameworks are crucial for innovation-oriented drug development in China.
Insights
China
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Targeted anticancer drugs represent a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
- Understanding the trends in drug development and clinical trials is crucial for advancing cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively analyze the landscape and trends of targeted anticancer drug trials and approvals in China between 2012 and 2021.
- To compare the development and trial activities of domestic versus foreign companies in this sector.
Main Methods:
- Data on targeted antitumor drugs, clinical trials, and product approvals were extracted from national databases.
- Analysis included the status quo, trends in absolute numbers and proportions, and differences between domestic and foreign entities.
Main Results:
- 2,632 trials for 1,167 targeted drugs were identified, constituting 81.5% of all trials.
- Both targeted drug trials and approvals showed steady growth, with domestic companies leading in proportion and growth rate.
- Domestic companies initiated fewer multicenter trials, but the gap is narrowing.
Conclusions:
- The research and development of targeted anticancer drugs in China are experiencing rapid growth, with domestic enterprises playing a leading role.
- Incentivizing genomic activities and fostering public-private collaborations are essential for driving innovation in China's drug development landscape.
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