AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo Invite Innovative Scientific Partners to Co-Develop Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Combination Therapies

Nov 11, 2023 08:00 CST Updated 08:00

AstraZeneca

Biopharmaceutical Manufacturer

Daiichi-Sankyo

Pharmaceutical R&D Developer

Cancer is one of the heaviest disease burdens in terms of treatment in China and even globally. According to the latest statistics from the World Health Organization's cancer research agency, in 2020, China had the highest number of new cancer cases and cancer-related deaths globally, reaching 4.57 million, respectively.3 Million^[1]With the innovation and upgrading of technical means, targeted drugs, immunotherapy drugs, antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), etc., continue to bring better survival benefits to cancer patients, but there are still significant unmet clinical needs.

Trastuzumab DeruxtecanIt is a HER2-targeted ADC that combines the precise targeting of antibody drugs with the potent cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. Trastuzumab DeruxtecanWith excellent efficacy and manageable safetyHas been approved in multiple countries worldwide, including China, for HER2-positive and HER2-low advanced breast cancer indications. It has also demonstrated remarkable performance in diseases such as gastric cancer and lung cancer. In addition, trastuzumab deruxtecan has shown significant therapeutic potential across various tumor types, including colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer.

"Healthy China 2030" clearly states that by 2030, the overall 5-year cancer survival rate in China will increase by 15%.^[2], which requires the entire industry to promote the rapid iteration and upgrading of innovative drugs and continuously optimize cancer prevention and treatment models. As the developer of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo have always adhered to the patient-centered R&D philosophy, committed to innovation in the oncology field, aiming to bring more clinical benefits to cancer patients.

The exploration of ADC combination strategies is crucial for further enhancing ADC drug activity, overcoming potential resistance, and expanding the beneficiary population.Therefore, in order to fully explore the potential of trastuzumab deruxtecan combination therapy and provide more effective and scientific treatment options for a broader population of cancer patients in China,AstraZeneca andFirstDaiichi Sankyo recently decided to jointly launch the "Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Combination Research Special Project" and officially start recruiting external partners.。Aiming to accelerate the clinical research on combination therapy across multiple tumor types, including HER2-expressing or HER2-mutated breast cancer, lung cancer, gastrointestinal tumors, gynecological tumors, and urinary system tumors.

Executive Vice President, Global, International Business and China President of AstraZeneca

Wang Lei

As the level of new drug research and development by Chinese local enterprises continues to improve, AstraZeneca has actively cooperated with many local enterprises and achieved fruitful results.In the future, AstraZeneca hopes to continue working hand in hand with its partners to jointly promote the development of precision medicine in China and contribute to the realization of the 'Healthy China 2030' goals.

General Manager of AstraZeneca China Oncology Business Unit

Chen Kangwei

AstraZeneca has a diversified oncology R&D platform and continuously accelerates the development of its oncology drug pipeline through both independent research and collaborative efforts. It is exciting to seeTrastuzumab deruxtecan has demonstrated excellent therapeutic potential in the fields of breast cancer, gastric cancer, and lung cancer.We look forward to this special initiative providing an efficient collaboration platform, helping AstraZeneca and its partners move forward together in the field of multi-cancer treatment, and continuously improving the clinical benefits for a wide range of cancer patients.

Vice President of AstraZeneca China, Head of Medical Affairs Department

Yang Haiying

Trastuzumab deruxtecan has become a standard treatment for breast cancer patients worldwide and is expected to bring breakthrough survival benefits to patients with multiple types of tumors.We believe that the development of trastuzumab deruxtecan in combination therapy will bring more precise and effective treatment options to cancer patients in China and even globally, moving forward towards the goal of making cancer a chronically manageable disease or even achieving a cure.

President of Daiichi Sankyo China

In ChinaTian Xiangfu

As a new generation of antibody-drug conjugate, Trastuzumab Deruxtecan has ushered in a completely new era of treatment for advanced breast cancer.Is an important milestone for Daiichi-Sankyo in the field of oncology.In the future, we will join hands with local pharmaceutical companies in China to advance the progress of clinical cancer treatment together.

General Manager and Chief Medical Officer of Daiichi Sankyo China Medical Headquarters

Hao Dongshan

Daiichi Sankyo is committed to actively pioneering innovative therapies in the field of oncology, creating more clinical benefits for cancer patients.We hope to further promote the development of trastuzumab deruxtecan combination therapy through cooperation with Chinese pharmaceutical companies, and explore its treatment potential in multiple cancer fields such as breast cancer, gastrointestinal tumors, and lung cancer.

Research Project on AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo's Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Combination

◆ Cooperation Partners

Open for Application to All Pharmaceutical Enterprises in China

◆ Cooperation Requirements

1. Innovative molecules (small molecules or large molecules), innovative targets, or innovative technologies

2. The mechanism of action is clear, and the scientific rationale for combining with trastuzumab deruxtecan in pan-cancer treatment is reasonable.

3. Clear Property Rights/Patents

◆ Cooperation Method

1. Chinese pharmaceutical companies interested in collaboration submit their research plans and provide necessary supporting data.

2. AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo teams evaluate feasibility before signing a cooperation agreement.

3. Clinical research is conducted by Chinese pharmaceutical enterprises.

◆ Contact Information

ChinaEnhertuPartnership@astrazeneca.com

(Note: Trastuzumab deruxtecan has not been approved for use in combination with any other drugs or for pan-cancer treatment regimens. AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo do not recommend the use of any unapproved medications. This article was published by the Medical Affairs Department of AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo, intended for reference by healthcare professionals/pharmaceutical industry-related professionals only, and is not intended for promotional purposes.)

[1] https://www.iarc.fr/faq/latest-global-cancer-data-2020-qa/

[2] https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/2016-10/25/content_5124174.htm

*Approval Number: CN-124416