Pfizer Successfully Launches Third-Generation ALK Inhibitor Lorbrena® in China with Nationwide Rollout and Patient Support Initiative

ALK Patient Education Support Program Launched Simultaneously

GuangzhouAugust 13, 2022PR Newswire -- Today, Pfizer's innovative lung cancer drug, the world's first third-generation ALK inhibitor, Lorbrena^®（Lorbrena^®, Generic Name: Lorlatinib Tablets) Successfully Launched in China, with "Online + Offline" Events Across 18 Cities, Establishing a New Paradigm for ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Diagnosis and Treatment in China。

Peng Zhenke, President of Pfizer Biopharmaceuticals Group, China, said"As a pioneer and practitioner in the precise diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, Pfizer has always adhered to its unwavering mission of 'bringing breakthrough innovations that change patients' lives,' continuously contributing to the improvement of oncology diagnosis and treatment in China. With the introduction of Borenna...^®"With accelerated availability and accessibility in China, we believe it will rekindle the hope for life among more Chinese patients, leading ALK-positive NSCLC in China into a new era of 3.0 precision diagnosis and treatment."

Group Photo of the Launch Ceremony for BoRuiNa(R): Professor Wu Yilong, Honorary President of Guangdong Provincial Lung Cancer Institute; Professor Lu Shun, Director of the Clinical Medicine Center for Pulmonary Tumors, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Ms. Wang Yiqin, General Manager of the Oncology Division, Pfizer Biopharmaceuticals Group, China; representatives of attending experts; and representatives of Pfizer.

At this launch event, numerous well-known experts and scholars in the field of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment from China and abroad gathered to witness this important moment. The attending experts unanimously agreed that as the world's first third-generation ALK inhibitor, Bo Rui Na (Pfizer)^®The debut of this drug represents a significant milestone breakthrough in the treatment history of ALK-positive NSCLC in China, further propelling the continuous exploration of "precision upon precision" in the field of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.

In addition, Pfizer simultaneously announced the launch of the "ALK Patient Education Support Program" at the listing conference, providing comprehensive solutions for Chinese ALK-positive NSCLC patients from diagnosis to disease management, helping to improve patient treatment adherence and achieve more comprehensive survival benefits.

ALK-positive NSCLC Treatment Urgently Needs to Overcome Brain Metastasis and Acquired Resistance Dilemmas

The average age of ALK-positive advanced NSCLC patients is 52 years old.^[1], who are in the prime of their lives. The emergence of ALK inhibitors has allowed patients to achieve longer survival times, but as the disease progresses, most patients will develop ALK resistance mutations, impacting the treatment outcomes.

Moreover, brain metastasis remains a nightmare for patients. Data shows that 20-40% of ALK-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients already have brain metastases at the initial diagnosis, and the incidence rate increases over time. Even after treatment with ALK inhibitors, 45-70% of patients will experience brain progression.^[2], which also brings severe challenges to patient survival.

Therefore, the main reasons for treatment failure in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer patients are currently brain metastases and acquired resistance.

LeadALK-Positive NSCLC Enters a New Era of 3.0 Precision Diagnosis and Treatment

In April this year, the third-generation ALK inhibitor Bosulif^®Approved officially in China, and the first batch of prescriptions were quickly issued in June, benefiting Chinese patients. As the only approved third-generation ALK inhibitor so far, Lorlatinib^®With a unique macrocyclic amide structure, small molecular weight, and higher blood-brain barrier penetration. Moreover, Bo Rui Na^®Covering a wide range of ALK resistance mutation sites, it is the only ALK inhibitor recommended for G1202R mutations and treatment after resistance to second-generation ALK inhibitors. Lorlatinib (Brand name: Bo Rui Na)^®The listing is expected to break through the dilemmas of brain metastasis and acquired resistance in ALK-positive NSCLC diagnosis and treatment.

Professor Wu Yilong, Honorary Director of the Guangdong Provincial Lung Cancer Research Institute, stated:"According to the clinical research data released by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), Bo Rui Na^®First-line treatment for ALK-positive NSCLC achieves a median progression-free survival (PFS) breakthrough of over three years, with the curve flattening, indicating the potential for an even longer median PFS. Patients with measurable brain metastases at baseline can achieve a high rate of complete intracranial response. For patients regardless of whether they have brain metastases at baseline, receiving Lorlatinib (brand name: Bo Rui Na)...^®Both treatments can significantly reduce the risk of intracranial progression and effectively prevent brain metastases. Moreover, Bo Rui Na^®Is the only ALK inhibitor that has shown a reduction of over 70% in the risk of disease progression or death across all populations.^[3]。"

Professor Lu Shun, Director of the Clinical Medicine Center for Pulmonary Tumors of Shanghai Chest Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, also stated: "Borui Na^®The benefits it brings to patients are undeniable, and I believe that with Boehringer Ingelheim^®With further implementation in China, doctors will have more clinical treatment options. The landscape of first-line treatment for ALK-positive NSCLC in China is expected to be rewritten by Pfizer's Lorlatinib.^®Expected to become the preferred first-line treatment for ALK-positive advanced NSCLC, bringing patients high-quality life extension。"

ALK Patient Education Support Program Launches New Model of Digital Diagnosis and Treatment Management

The diagnosis and treatment of tumors impose a heavy burden on China's healthcare system, becoming a topic of particular concern for the country and the government. As one of the global leaders in addressing the diverse and growing needs of NSCLC patients, Pfizer upholds the concept of "Science Will Win, Together Against Cancer," leading the way in deepening exploration in the field of treatment in China on the path of "Precision Within Precision." In 2013, Pfizer introduced the first-generation ALK inhibitor, truly ushering in a new era of precision diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer in China. Today, Pfizer’s third-generation ALK inhibitor, Lorlatinib (brand name: Bo Rui Na), continues this legacy.^®The launch once again leads the new pattern of diagnosis and treatment for ALK-positive NSCLC in China.

Tumor treatment is gradually entering a chronic disease management model. The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment no longer solely relies on the use of drugs but involves aspects such as disease management, payment methods, disease education, and self-management. Against this backdrop, the "ALK Patient Education Support Program," supported by Pfizer, has officially launched. Through a one-stop digital platform, the program provides patients with communication channels, educational projects, and diversified services to enhance disease awareness and standardized diagnosis and treatment consciousness, thereby improving patient treatment compliance. At the same time, it also promotes standardized patient management by doctors and the accumulation of real-world clinical data, driving the continuous improvement of ALK-positive NSCLC diagnosis and treatment standards in China and contributing to the early realization of the grand goal of "Healthy China 2030."

^[1]Mitsudomi T, Suda K, Tomizawa K, et al. Clinico-pathologic features of lung cancer with EML4-ALK translocation. J Clin Onco,2010(suppl): abstrs 10598

^[2] Gouji Toyokawa , et al. Insights into brain metastasis in patients with ALK+ lung cancer: is the brain truly a sanctuary? Cancer Metastasis Rev DOI 10.1007/s10555-015-9592-y

^[3] Benjamin J. Solomon, et al. Updated Efficacy and Safety From the Phase 3 CROWN Study of First-Line Lorlatinib vs Crizotinib in Advanced Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK)–Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). AACR2022, Abstract #CT223.