Asian biosciences industry shines with multiple innovations

COVID-19 was a wake-up call for the vaccine industry globally and in Asia, and a catalyst for vaccine R&D. Global majors like BioNTech, Moderna, MSD and Sanofi have unveiled plans to expand footprints in Asia, while local players are striving to catch up fast in developing novel vaccines, in addition focusing on other therapeutic areas like oncology and cell and gene therapy. With these developments Asia is emerging as a biosciences innovation hub.

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When the global ADC leader SEAGEN announced a $2.6 billion deal to in-licence an ADC from RemeGen in 2021, many asked the same question: who is RemeGen?

RemeGen is a Chinese biopharma with a relatively short history and low profile, but has made remarkable strides establishing itself as an innovation leader in the Asian biosciences industry. Besides the billion-dollar disitamab targeting Her-2, RemeGen also has clinical stage assets targeting at mesothelin, c-MET and CLDN 18.2, all from its proprietary ADC platform; and besides ADC, its first-in-class fusion protein Telitacicept was launched in China for SLE, and is in multiple global trials for gMG and IgAN.

RemeGen is not alone in Asia spearheading world-class innovations. More recently, a number of cross-border deals emerged with more Asian stars in the spotlight.

Oncology as a key focus

Cancer continues to represent a huge disease burden to Asia, and some cancer types like gastric cancer, liver cancer and colorectal cancer feature disproportionately high prevalence, mortality, and high unmet needs in the region. Not surprisingly, many Asian companies have singled out oncology as their primary focus.