Innovent Biologics and Eli Lilly Launch Selpercatinib (Retevmo®) Commercially in China

Intelligent Finance APP learned on March 6 that Innovent Bio (01801) issued a press release stating that Ruito® (Selpercatinib) has officially been commercially launched in China. Selpercatinib is a small molecule RET inhibitor with high selectivity and inhibitory activity, developed by Eli Lilly (LLY.US), with Innovent Bio responsible for commercialization in China. In September 2022, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China conditionally approved Selpercatinib for the treatment of RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer, RET fusion-positive thyroid cancer, and RET-mutant medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in China.

Selpercatinib is a potent, highly selective, oral RET tyrosine kinase inhibitor with central nervous system (CNS) activity, capable of inhibiting various RET alterations. In the LIBRETTO-001 and LIBRETTO-321 studies, selpercatinib demonstrated significant and durable anti-tumor activity along with tolerable safety profiles in patients with RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer, RET fusion-positive thyroid cancer, and RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer.

Dr. Yongjun Liu, President of Innovent Bio, stated that the official commercial launch of Selpercatinib in mainland China marks another milestone in China's precision medicine, offering a new treatment option for Chinese patients with RET fusion/mutation-positive cancer. Innovent Bio will work closely with Eli Lilly and Company to accelerate the product’s market entry, adhering to its original mission of developing high-quality biologics that are affordable for the general public, bringing new hope to more Chinese cancer patients. Special thanks go to all researchers involved in this study, as well as Innovent Bio's business team and various departments including R&D, manufacturing, registration, supply chain, channels, and commercial operations, whose seamless collaboration at every stage has expedited the commercialization of Selpercatinib.