5th Anniversary of Yescarta® Launch: The Milestone Journey of China's CAR-T Therapy from Zero to One

SHANGHAI — In June 2026, Yescarta^® (axicabtagene ciloleucel injection), the flagship CAR-T therapy from Shanghai Fosun Kairos Biotechnology Co., Ltd., marks its fifth anniversary since becoming China's first approved cell therapy product.

The June 22, 2021 approval by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) launched what industry observers now call the "Year One" of CAR-T therapy in China, breaking through the zero-to-one barrier in domestic cell treatment and reshaping lymphoma care across the country.

As the nation's inaugural CAR-T cell therapy, Yescarta^® has built a track record grounded in verifiable real-world efficacy, consistent quality control, and coordinated breakthroughs across clinical value, treatment networks, and indication expansion.

Clinical Validation Continues

The therapy has treated more than 1,500 patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma nationwide. Among them is Aunt Qin, China's first CAR-T patient, who has achieved cancer-free survival for over eight years and remains in complete remission—a milestone that underscores the durability of CAR-T treatment responses.

In June 2023, Yescarta^® secured approval for a second indication: adult large B-cell lymphoma that is refractory to first-line immunochemotherapy or relapses within 12 months of such treatment. This expansion broadened access to earlier-stage patients who had limited therapeutic options.

National Treatment Network Takes Shape

Fosun Kairos has established more than 200 high-standard Yescarta^® treatment centers across 29 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. The network enables patients to access quality CAR-T therapy closer to home, reducing travel burdens and improving treatment accessibility—a critical factor for patients with aggressive hematologic malignancies.

Pipeline Accelerates

The company's third indication filing targets relapsed or refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (r/r iNHL), currently in bridging clinical trials in China. The NMPA's Center for Drug Evaluation has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to this application, signaling regulatory recognition of the therapy's potential to address significant unmet medical needs.

Leadership Perspective

"The growth of Yescarta^® embodies Fosun Pharma's brand philosophy of 'Continuous Innovation, Enjoyable Health' and gives concrete form to our corporate mission of 'Bringing Health and Happiness to Every Family,'" said Zhang Wenjie, Co-President of Fosun Pharma and Chairman of Fosun Kairos.

Zhang emphasized that Fosun Pharma has integrated ESG principles throughout its value chain, establishing benchmarks for sustainable development in China's pharmaceutical industry. "As Fosun Pharma's core cell therapy platform and a leader in China's cell therapy field, Fosun Kairos continues to embed social responsibility into corporate strategy and operations, improving accessibility to innovative therapies and fulfilling our role as an industry leader."

Five Years of Translation and Access

The past five years represent a period of deep scientific-to-clinical translation and expanding treatment accessibility. From the first patient to a national medical coordination network spanning 200+ treatment centers, from innovative outcome-based payment models to inclusion in the national commercial insurance catalog—each milestone reflects Fosun Kairos's patient-centric approach.

"Every treatment carries the weight of life," the company stated, noting that its payment innovations have reduced financial barriers for patients seeking potentially curative therapies.

Looking Forward

Fosun Kairos will advance its mission of "Focus on Cure, Illuminate Life" through independent research and development, building a robust product pipeline. The company plans to consolidate its leadership in hematologic malignancies while expanding into solid tumors, autoimmune diseases, and frontier technology platforms including in-vivo CAR-T and CAR-NK therapies.

The strategic vision: move cell therapy from laboratory to clinical reality, positioning Fosun Kairos as a leading value creator in cell and gene therapy, and extending the reach of Chinese innovation to patients worldwide.

Contact: Media inquiries: pr@fosunpharma.com | Investor relations: ir@fosunpharma.com