Novartis Highlights Spillover Effects of CIIE: Accelerating Product Launches and Driving Major Investments
At the 7th China International Import Expo (hereinafter referred to as the "CIIE")”At the event, Novartis showcased nearly 20 blockbuster innovative products and cutting-edge therapies, including multiple “world’s only” or “world’s first” innovative drugs. Among them were several innovative products that had made their debut at the CIIE prior to approval and successfully transitioned from “exhibits to commercial products,” driving significant investment and implementation. This fully demonstrates the “spillover effect” of the CIIE.
Li Yao, President and Managing Director of Novartis Chinastated, “China is committed to pursuing higher-level openness and promoting high-quality development, with the China International Import Expo (CIIE) playing a pivotal role in this endeavor. As a long-standing partner of the CIIE, Novartis has participated for seven consecutive years since its inaugural edition. For multinational pharmaceutical companies, the CIIE serves as an excellent platform to showcase innovative drugs, cutting-edge therapies, and healthcare solutions. The spillover effects of this platform have continued to amplify in recent years, from which Novartis has benefited.”
From Exhibits to Commodities: "CIIE Babies" Draw Attention
Since participating in the inaugural China International Import Expo (CIIE) in 2018, Novartis has obtained approval in China for nearly 40 innovative medicines and indications. Many of these drugs made their debut at the CIIE prior to approval, accelerating their market launch in China after exhibition and becoming “CIIE Babies” that exemplify the transformation of “exhibits into commodities,” thereby benefiting patients in China.
Leke Wei: An Innovative Lipid-Lowering Drug®Following its approval in the European Union and the United States, it made its debut at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in November 2021 and has participated consecutively since, becoming a star exhibit. Through innovative initiatives such as “pilot implementation,” Leke Wei®Successively launched in the Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In August 2023, Leke was®Officially approved in China.
Kaililong: An Innovative Drug for Breast Cancer Treatment®Made its debut at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in 2021, thereafter accelerating its market launch; it received approval in China in January 2023, becoming the only CDK4/6 inhibitor currently approved in China for first-line treatment of premenopausal women with advanced disease. In December of the same year, Kaililong®Included in the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL).
Quanxinda: The World's First Fully Human Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody Customized for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis®First unveiled at the 2021 China International Import Expo, it received formal approval in China one month later for the treatment of adult relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, and active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. In 2023, Quanxinda®Included in the National Reimbursement Drug List.
Advanced Therapies Introduced to China: Exhibits Drive Major Investments and Implementation
Novartis is the global leader in radioligand therapy (RLT). Radioligand therapy, one of Novartis’s five core technology platforms, is known as a “magic bullet” and represents a precision oncology treatment with a unique mechanism of action.
In 2021, Novartis’ radioligand therapy (RLT) made its debut at the China International Import Expo (CIIE). In the following years, Novartis continuously showcased this advanced therapy, attracting widespread attention.
At the 2023 China International Import Expo, Novartis utilized Microsoft HoloLens mixed-reality headsets to demonstrate, through animated holographic displays, the administration of radiopharmaceuticals and the application of radioligand imaging agents and radioligand therapy in advanced prostate cancer.
One month later, Novartis announced a RMB 600 million investment to establish a radiopharmaceutical production base in Haiyan, Zhejiang, bringing this advanced therapy to China.
In July 2024, construction commenced on this production base, which is expected to become operational by the end of 2026. The project has been designated as a key foreign-invested project by the Ministry of Commerce.
Novartis’ Radioligand Therapy Becomes a Typical Example of “Exhibits Driving Major Investment and Implementation” at the CIIE.
Li Yao stated, “Leveraging the platform of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), we have been able to showcase our cutting-edge innovations, facilitate communication and exchange with various stakeholders, and explore opportunities for collaboration. We look forward to working hand in hand with all parties to accelerate the introduction of more innovative drugs and therapies into China, while expanding access to these medicines, thereby contributing to the long-term economic and social development of China.”