Merck and Roche Announce Strategic Collaboration to Expand Lung Cancer Treatment Landscape in China

Wei Zhang, Managing Director of Merck China Healthcare, said:

We are delighted to have reached this strategic cooperation with Roche, jointly advancing the commercialization process of tepotinib in the Chinese market. As an innovative lung cancer treatment drug, tepotinib has demonstrated significant clinical potential. Merck is always committed to introducing world-leading innovative drugs to China, and this cooperation marks an important step in our commitment to 'Working Together for Patients.' We look forward to accelerating its accessibility in China through this powerful collaboration with Roche, truly benefiting patients. In the future, Merck will also actively explore innovative cooperation models, bringing more treatment options to Chinese patients and contributing to the realization of the grand goal of 'Healthy China 2030.'

Roche China President Bian Xin pointed out:

We are very pleased to have reached this collaboration with Merck, which will further expand Roche's targeted lung cancer therapies from the existing ALK+, NTRK/ROS1+ to METex 14 skipping mutations, benefiting more patients. The base number of lung cancer patients in China is enormous, with significant unmet clinical needs. Roche has been deeply involved in the field of lung cancer for many years, consistently striving to promote standardized diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. In the future, Roche will continue to accelerate the introduction of globally innovative original drugs into China and actively bring in innovative products with pipeline synergy and excellent commercial value. By collaborating with all parties to complement each other’s strengths, Roche aims to provide Chinese patients with more effective treatment options, helping them achieve longer survival with higher quality of life.

Professor Wu Yilong from Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital stated:

As a clinical researcher with decades of experience in the field of lung cancer, I have always believed that advancing the availability of innovative drugs in China and benefiting more Chinese patients is the ultimate mission of medical work. The strategic cooperation between Roche and Merck on tepotinib exemplifies this mission in action—by combining strengths, the accessibility of innovative drugs for Chinese patients is enhanced, allowing more patients to receive better treatment. This not only represents a win-win situation on a commercial level but also an active response to the 'Healthy China 2030' strategy.

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