Bayer Showcases Vitrakvi® at CIIE, Advancing China's Innovative Pan-Tumor Precision Therapy Model

ShanghaiNovember 7, 2022/PR Newswire/ -- Bayer's precision oncology drug, Vitrakvi^®Displayed at the Bayer booth during the 5th China International Import Expo. VITACOR^®As the world's first treatment specifically designed forNTRKVitrakvi, a pan-tumor precision targeted therapy drug for gene fusion in adult and pediatric solid tumors, received approval in China earlier this year for its capsule and oral solution.^®The first appearance at the CIIE after approval. At the same time, the Pan-Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Center project, initiated by the Tumor Precision Treatment Professional Committee of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association and supported by Bayer, has officially started. The list of the first 30 treatment centers was released simultaneously, with multiple parties working together to explore an innovative model of "pan-tumor precision treatment" with Chinese characteristics.

Bayer Prescription Medicine Division Vice President Han Shuang said, "The appearance of Vitacor at the fifth CIIE...^®Targeting the driving factors of tumor spread and growth rather than the primary site of origin, its approval for marketing has ushered in the first year of pan-tumor precision targeted therapy in China. 2022 marks the 15th year of Bayer's entry into the oncology field in China. Gastrointestinal and genitourinary tumors have always been Bayer’s key areas of expertise in oncology treatment, including liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer, which has seen a rapid increase in incidence in recent years and is becoming a serious threat to male health in China. To address the significant lack of treatment options for pediatric cancers, Bayer has developed Veritac (Weitaikai), including an oral solution formulation.^®Research and development of pediatric drugs enable young patients to benefit from precise tumor treatments. While providing innovative therapeutic drugs, Bayer also actively collaborates with all sectors of society, participating in and supporting various academic projects and social activities to promote the overall improvement of cancer diagnosis and treatment in China. Leveraging the significant platform of the CIIE, the Precision Oncology Diagnosis and Treatment Center project supported by Bayer has officially launched, exploring approaches based onNTRKThe innovative diagnosis and treatment model for the special target of gene fusion helps ChinaNTRKPatients with gene fusion tumors can benefit from precise tumor treatment, which is another practice to help implement the "Healthy China 2030" Plan Outline successfully.

Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital Academician Fan Jia reviewed and prospected the prevention and treatment of tumors in China, "Currently, cancer has become the 'number one killer' threatening the life and health of the people, with both incidence and mortality showing a 'dual increase' trend. The 'Healthy China 2030' Planning Outline proposes a vision for improving the survival rate of malignant tumors, clearly listing the prevention and treatment of cancer as an important part of 'strengthening public health services covering all citizens.' Academician Fan Jia emphasized that the four key focuses in cancer prevention and treatment are: improving the prevention system, promoting early diagnosis and treatment, standardizing medical activities, and reducing the burden on patients."

Professor Zhang Jun from Ruijin Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, introduced the latest advancements in precision oncology: "With the deepening understanding of genomics and proteomics, precision medicine continues to evolve and is gradually becoming a new trend in cancer treatment."NTRKGene fusion is a newly discovered pan-cancer target, with a low positive rate in common tumors, less than 1%; however, in certain pediatric malignant tumors, the positive rate can be as high as over 90%. Additionally, due to the large base of solid tumor patients in China, this leads to its occurrence.NTRKThe scale of the number of patients with gene fusion cannot be ignored. ForNTRKGene Fusion Tumors: Commonly used treatment options such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy have limited efficacy and significant side effects. VITRAKVI^®ForNTRKAdult and pediatric patients with gene-fusion tumors, including central nervous system tumors, regardless of age or tumor location, can experience rapid, effective, and durable responses.

In addition, Vitekai^®Is the world's first tumor-agnosticNTRKGene Fusion Precision Targeted Drug, Also the Only One with Indications for Infants and ToddlersNTRKGene Fusion Precision Targeted Drug. Pediatric tumors are relatively rare, with a lower incidence rate compared to adult tumors, receiving less attention from society and enterprises. The medical development in this field started relatively late, and pediatric medication has long faced the dilemma of "splitting pills to take and guessing the dosage." VITACURE^®The oral solution fully considers the characteristics of children's medication and is specially designed for children. The 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting also announced the latest research data on larotrectinib. Data as of July 2021 showed that larotrectinib treatment...NTRKThe objective response rate (ORR) for pediatric patients with solid tumors characterized by gene fusion was 84%, with a median duration of response (DoR) and progression-free survival (PFS) of 43.3 months and 37.4 months, respectively; the 48-month overall survival rate was 93%, with no new or unexpected adverse events reported.

VitaCare^®The arrival has ushered in the era of pan-tumor targeted therapy in China. How to identify suitable patients in clinical practice and ensure they benefit from it has become an urgent issue to address. Professor Lin Shen from Peking University Cancer Hospital stated, "The development of precision treatment has improved the prognosis of cancer patients, but it still cannot meet clinical needs. In clinical practice, we require more precise genetic testing, additional accumulation and support of evidence-based data, and continuously improved clinical treatment strategies. This innovative treatment model demands that our clinical medical staff work together efficiently and collaboratively to explore further. Supported by the Precision Cancer Treatment Committee of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association, the ‘Pan-Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Center Project’ will implement a patient-centered medical humanistic concept, benefiting more patients and enhancing the level of precision diagnosis and treatment in China's oncology field."

Professor Changsong Qi from the Peking University Cancer Hospital introduced the detailed work content of the "Pan-Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Center Project." The project will comprehensively implement the goal of 'Four Improvements and Two Promotions' through academic exchanges, physician training, and patient services. The 'Four Improvements' include carrying out disease education to enhance patient/public awareness, promoting genetic testing to increase screening rates, standardizing diagnosis and treatment training to improve treatment standards, and providing comprehensive patient management and medication guidance to raise treatment rates. The 'Two Promotions' involve establishing a center management model to play a radiating role in promoting the construction of precision diagnosis and treatment centers, as well as setting up a patient registration system to accelerate information technology development and promote the transformation of research projects.

Professors Lin Shen from Peking University Cancer Hospital, Caicun Zhou from Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Huanmin Wang from Beijing Children's Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, and Changsong Qi from Peking University Cancer Hospital offered their wishes at the launch meeting of the Precision Pan-Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Center project. The list of the first 30 treatment centers was released during the same period. It is believed that as the project advances, it will help more cancer patients undergo genetic testing screening and gain access to innovative precision pan-cancer treatment plans, extending survival and restoring hope for life.