Global Debut and Asia Premieres of Innovative Drugs and Medical Devices at CIIE

Beijing News (reporters Zhang Xiulan and Wang Kala) reported that, starting from November 6, the CIIE ushered in four consecutive days of concentrated new product releases. In the pharmaceuticals and healthcare sector, several drugs marking the world's first in their respective treatment areas were unveiled, while multiple products made their global debut or their first appearance in Asia.

 

 

On November 6, Sanofi showcased Dupixent (dupilumab injection), its star product for atopic dermatitis (AD) driven by type 2 inflammation, with a new indication for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in children aged 6 months to 5 years at the CIIE. The application for this new indication has been accepted by the Center for Drug Evaluation of the National Medical Products Administration.

 

As one of the most common skin diseases across all age groups, atopic dermatitis is known as the "number one disease" in dermatology and ranks first in disease burden among non-fatal skin conditions. "The group of children and infant patients with atopic dermatitis has its own particularities," said Professor Ma Lin, Director of the Dermatology Department at Beijing Children's Hospital, affiliated with Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health. Atopic dermatitis not only affects the growth and development of young patients but also impacts the quality of life for the entire family.

 

Dupixent is the only systemic drug proven to achieve long-term control in the entire population of atopic dermatitis patients. Professor Ma Lin stated that achieving good long-term disease control is the treatment goal for atopic dermatitis. Innovative biologics have filled the treatment gap for children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and reinforced their favorable long-term safety profile across a broad age range.

 

During the CIIE, Sanofi announced the strategic cooperation upgrade with JD Health in the field of chronic disease digital intelligence diagnosis and treatment. The two parties will expand their existing cooperation in chronic diseases to the field of atopic dermatitis. By creating the first one-stop atopic dermatitis online full-course management platform for the general public, they aim to meet the more diverse health needs of atopic dermatitis patients in the digital age.

 

 

Illumina, the global leader in gene sequencing and chip technology, unveiled its globally significant new product, the NovaSeq™ X Plus high-throughput sequencer, for the "global debut" and "Asian premiere" on the stage of the CIIE on the opening day of the event.

 

As the high-throughput sequencer with the highest output, greatest capacity, and strongest sustainability in Illumina's history, this new product further reduces the cost of sequencing a single human whole genome from $600 five years ago to $200. It is also capable of supporting larger-scale sequencing and a wider variety of research, accelerating the popularization of genomic sequencing technology.

 

On the first day of the CIIE, the NovaSeq™ X Plus won the favor of the first group of contracted users, including Decode DNA, Seqnova, Novogene, Berry Genomics, Annoroad, Nanjing Jiangbei New Area Biomedicine Public Service Platform, and New Horizon Health. During this year's CIIE, Illumina is expected to reach a series of cooperation agreements or intentions with nearly 30 Chinese gene testing institutions and business partners across various niche market segments.

 

Moreover, the spillover and driving effects of the CIIE have become a significant driving force for Illumina to increase its local investment in China and accelerate its localization process. Just before the CIIE, Illumina officially launched its first production and manufacturing base in China. The first batch of locally manufactured NextSeq™ 550Dx clinical sequencing reagents is scheduled for delivery by the end of this year.

 

Building on the initial scale of its local layout, Illumina is also making full value chain investments in China, empowering local innovation and technology transfer, and working with partners to build a new ecosystem for innovation in the genomics field.

 

 

At this CIIE, Takeda Pharmaceutical showcased five innovative products at the special press conference on Takeda's Rare Genetic and Hematological Diseases. Among them, Maribavir made its "Asian debut" for the treatment of post-transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection or disease. Maribavir is the world’s first and only approved drug for treating refractory (with or without resistance) (R/R) cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection or disease in adult patients after organ or hematopoietic cell transplantation.

 

Hemophilia is one of the key areas in Takeda's rare genetic and blood disorders portfolio. The full range of the "Rare Hemostasis Innovation Drug Family" has also made a significant appearance, including four innovative drugs: Susoctocog alfa for injection to treat acquired hemophilia, Vonicog alfa for injection to treat von Willebrand disease, recombinant human coagulation factor VIII for injection to treat hemophilia A, and recombinant ADAMTS-13 to treat thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Another member of the "family," myPKFiT 3.0, is an upgraded version of China’s first management tool supporting pharmacokinetic (PK)-guided treatment for hemophilia. With updates and iterations, it achieves functions such as visual monitoring of patients' coagulation factor levels and interactive patient management.

 

At this year's CIIE, Takeda China, in collaboration with the China Rare Disease Alliance, launched the "Standardized Diagnosis and Treatment Project for Hereditary Angioedema." The goal is to establish 100 hereditary angioedema diagnosis and treatment centers and form a collaborative diagnosis and treatment network by 2025, enhance clinical doctors' awareness of rare diseases, improve disease screening and diagnostic rates, and shorten the medical visit pathways and practices for patients with rare diseases.

 

 

Boston Scientific showcased over 60 innovative solutions at this year's CIIE, covering five major areas: cardiac health, peripheral vascular health, digestive and respiratory health, urological health, and cancer prevention and treatment. Approximately half of these solutions have not yet been launched in China.

 

Boston Scientific's Eluvia Nitinol Paclitaxel-Eluting Vascular Stent, Hot Axios Ultrasound-Guided Pancreatic Pseudocyst and Walled-Off Necrosis Electrocautery Drainage Stent, WATCHMAN FLX Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device, SENTINEL Cerebral Embolic Protection Device, and other achievements that have transformed from "exhibits to commercial products" in recent years were also showcased together at this year’s CIIE. Among them, the SENTINEL Cerebral Embolic Protection Device, which has been nominated for the Prix Galien Award for three consecutive years, will also be officially launched.

 

This year, thanks to a series of new policies aimed at accelerating product review and approval—such as "pilot programs" and "real-world studies"—three exhibits from Boston Scientific at the CIIE have entered the fast track for market access and are expected to enter China ahead of schedule. These products are the TheraSphere Y90 Glass Microspheres System, SpaceOAR Absorbable Hydrogel Spacer, and RotaPro Rotational Atherectomy System. These "past stars" are also on display at this year's CIIE.

 

This year, Boston Scientific increased its local investment in China, achieving a breakthrough in transforming from an exhibitor to an investor. At this year's CIIE, Boston Scientific showcased innovative products localized for the Chinese market. In response to the substantial demand for thyroid nodule treatment in China, the Boston Scientific China R&D team independently developed a product — the "Rongyi" disposable radiofrequency ablation electrode — which made its debut at the CIIE.

 

 

On November 6, Abbott launched several high-quality new drugs covering three major therapeutic areas, including Omtryg, an original imported high-purity prescription omega-3 fatty acid formulation, Creon (new specification of 20,000 units), a pancrelipase delayed-release capsule, and OTC combined oral contraceptive pill Yozmi, to meet the treatment needs of different populations and indications.

 

Among them, Omak (ω-3 Fatty Acid Ethyl Ester 90 Soft Capsules), a newly launched triglyceride-lowering drug by Abbott, has been approved by the U.S. FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and is used as a clinical drug in multiple countries. Its debut in China has enriched the treatment options for prescription fish oil targeting hypertriglyceridemia in the country, offering a new medication choice for a wide range of cardiovascular disease patients.

 

Creon (Pancreatin Enteric-Coated Capsules) is the only enzyme preparation in China approved for indications covering dyspepsia and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. The new specification of 20,000 units made its debut at this year's CIIE, further enhancing clinical convenience and improving medication ease for patients requiring higher doses. It continues to enhance the quality of life for patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, thereby enriching treatment options for digestive disorders.

 

Yasminelle (Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets) is a "China-first" compound oral short-acting contraceptive that achieves highly effective and safe contraception while effectively regulating the menstrual cycle and improving premenstrual syndrome. Yasminelle is supported by long-term research and evidence-based data on multiple aspects of drug safety, ensuring no burden with long-term continuous use.

Proofread by Jia Ning