Pharma companies look to CIIE to expedite product approval in China

World-leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies are displaying their latest innovations at the fourth China International Import Expo with the hope that the expo can help these products gainer quicker approval for use in the Chinese market.

GlaxoSmithKline is showcasing Mepolizumab, the world's first interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody, which has received approval in several countries, including the United States, for treatment on patients with inflammatory diseases caused by the presence of an abnormally increased number of eosinophils in the blood.

"The innovative therapy can significantly lower the recurrence rate of inflammatory diseases. Riding on the CIIE's 'spillover effect', we hope this product can enrich effective and safe treatment options for patients," said Cecilia Qi, vice-president and general manager of pharma and vaccines for GSK China.

Over at the booth of Japanese company Takeda, two therapies related to digestion have been scheduled to make their entry into China soon. One is an allogeneic stem cell therapy used to treat complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease, and the other is an injection used to treat patients with short bowel syndrome who are dependent on parenteral support.

"Five innovative therapies and new indications in the digestion field are expected to be approved in the China market within five years," said Shan Guohong, senior vice-president of Takeda and president of Takeda China.

Chicago-based healthcare company Abbott is displaying more than 100 innovative technologies and products from its core businesses, including diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional products, and established pharmaceuticals, in its 630-square-meter booth. Ten of Abbott's products made their China debut at this year's CIIE.

Among them are the EnSite X 3D Cardiac Mapping System and EnSite LiveView Dynamic Display which improve the accuracy of atrial fibrillation. The radiofrequency ablation guided by 3D mapping is considered a novel solution that allows surgeons to accurately position the lesion and ensure effectiveness and safety for the procedure.

Another of Abbott's exhibits is the MitraClip transcatheter mitral valve repair system which was first displayed in China during last year's CIIE. Medical experts said that the system marks a new milestone for minimally invasive MR treatment in China.

Dupixent, the world's first targeted biological agent for atopic dermatitis treatment by Sanofi, is also being showcased at the French company's booth again this year. The agent's new indication for teenagers aged between 12 and 17 received market approval in China two months ago.

"The innovative injection's indication for children aged 6 or older has been included in the priority review by the national medical product authority. We hope the CIIE platform will help accelerate the access of such innovative therapies in the country," said Vicky Tse, general manager of Sanofi Genzyme China.