AstraZeneca Launches 'Lung Cancer Targeted Combination Research Collaboration Initiative' to Advance Precision Therapy for EGFR-Mutated NSCLC in China
AstraZeneca
Cancer Drug Developer
Lung cancer is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and mortality rates in China. In 2020, there were 820,000 new cases of lung cancer in China, accounting for more than one-third of all lung cancer patients worldwide. Based on histopathological characteristics, lung cancer can be classified into non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), with NSCLC comprising 85% of all lung cancer cases.Up to 50% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in China harbor EGFR sensitizing mutations.
Osimertinibis an irreversible third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) that has become the standard of care globally for patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC, including adjuvant therapy for patients with stage IB–IIIA NSCLC harboring EGFR 19del or L858R mutations, first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC harboring EGFR 19del or L858R mutations, and second-line treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC positive for the EGFR T790M mutation.
However, given the large number of lung cancer patients in China, there remain numerous unmet clinical needs in actual practice. This necessitates that both frontline clinicians and pharmaceutical companies engaged in research and development deliver more innovative therapeutic strategies and safer, more effective new drugs to patients.
On November 19, 2021, the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) issued the *Guiding Principles for Clinical Development of Antineoplastic Drugs with a Focus on Clinical Value*, stating that “the development of new drugs should aim higher at providing patients with superior therapeutic options (e.g., more effective, safer, or more convenient).” As the developer of osimertinib, AstraZeneca, which has always adhered to the “patient-centric” philosophy and remained at the “forefront of innovation,” has naturally assumed the responsibility of exploring further innovations in the clinical treatment regimens of osimertinib to benefit more patients.
The implementation of combination therapy is considered one of the future development trends in oncology treatment,To better improve drug efficacy, unlock therapeutic potential, and deliver greater clinical benefits to patients. Therefore, to further advance the level of precision medicine in the field of lung cancer care in China and provide a broader range of treatment options for the vast population of lung cancer patients,AstraZeneca is advancing multiple new Phase III clinical trials of osimertinib to explore whether combination therapies with osimertinib can overcome drug resistance, further enhance therapeutic efficacy, or benefit a broader population of lung cancer patients beyond those with EGFR-sensitizing mutations.
This time, to unite more outstanding pharmaceutical companies in joining this profoundly meaningful initiative to explore osimertinib combination therapies, AstraZeneca announced,“Lung Cancer Targeted Therapy Joint Research Collaboration Initiative” Launches Today, by supporting Chinese pharmaceutical companies in conducting clinical studies on combination therapy with targeted drugs for EGFR mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), to explore innovative precision treatment regimens for lung cancer and further improve survival benefits for lung cancer patients.
Subject to mutual agreement, AstraZeneca will provide its lung cancer targeted therapy, osimertinib, to partners to support their clinical research.
For the launch of the "Special Program on Collaborative Research in Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer,"
Executive Vice President of AstraZeneca, President of International Business and ChinaWang Leistated, “AstraZeneca has always adhered to its ‘patient-centric’ philosophy, striving to make more innovative treatment options accessible to a broader patient population. In recent years, as the new drug R&D capabilities of Chinese domestic enterprises have continued to improve, AstraZeneca has actively collaborated with numerous local companies, achieving fruitful results. Looking ahead, we hope to continue working hand in hand with our partners to jointly advance the development of precision medicine in China and contribute to the realization of the ‘Healthy China 2030’ goals.”
Vice President, Head of Medical Affairs, AstraZeneca ChinaYang Haiying“He stated: ‘AstraZeneca has been deeply engaged in the lung cancer field for many years, accumulating profound insights and expertise. The development and launch of osimertinib have ushered in a new era of precision medicine for driver gene-positive lung cancer, enabling more patients with EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to benefit from precise targeted therapies. We believe that the development of osimertinib-based combination therapies will bring more precise and effective treatment options to a broader population of lung cancer patients in China, further advancing our goal of transforming lung cancer into a chronic, manageable disease.’”
Vice President, AstraZeneca China; Head of the Business Unit for Lung Cancer Targeted Therapy and Oncology ImmunotherapyZhu Jiakang“Tagrisso®, as AstraZeneca’s globally pioneering third-generation targeted therapy for lung cancer, has benefited tens of thousands of lung cancer patients in China since its launch. This special initiative will provide an efficient collaboration platform to accelerate joint progress by AstraZeneca and its partners in the field of precision lung cancer treatment, continuously enhancing therapeutic benefits and quality of life for lung cancer patients.”
▶Partners
Applications will be open to all Chinese pharmaceutical companies within the next two years.
▶ Collaboration Requirements
1. Innovative molecules (small molecules or large molecules), innovative targets, or innovative technologies
2. The mechanism of action is well-defined, and the scientific rationale for combining osimertinib in the treatment of EGFR-mutated NSCLC is sound
3. Clear Ownership/Patents
▶ Collaboration Model
1. Interested Chinese pharmaceutical companies submit collaboration requests, along with research plans and necessary supporting data
2. Both parties shall sign a cooperation agreement after the AstraZeneca team completes its feasibility assessment
3. Clinical studies are conducted by Chinese pharmaceutical companies
Contact Information:ChinaLCPartnership@AstraZeneca.com
(Note: Osimertinib has not been approved for use in combination with any other drugs or for the treatment of rare EGFR mutations. AstraZeneca does not recommend the use of any unapproved medications. This article is published by the Medical Department of AstraZeneca and is intended solely for reference by healthcare professionals and relevant pharmaceutical industry personnel, not for promotional purposes.)