MNC China Lens

Medtronic has announced a strategic investment of approximately $700 million in Chinese surgical-robotics startup Cornerstone Robotics (Kangnuositeng) and secured distribution rights for its Sentire laparoscopic surgical robot in markets outside the U.S. In oncology news, Akeso reported that an interim analysis of overall survival (OS) in its Phase III HARMONi-2 study met the key secondary endpoint with statistical significance. The trial evaluates Akeso's PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody ivonescimab against pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment for PD-L1-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group has submitted a China marketing application for risvutatug rezetecan (HS-20093), a fully human B7-H3 ADC with a topoisomerase inhibitor payload, for platinum-refractory small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The filing is supported by positive Phase III ARTEMIS-008 results announced in July 2026, which met its primary overall survival endpoint and significantly improved survival versus topotecan, with consistent progression-free survival benefits. Safety remained consistent with prior studies. This is the first positive Phase III result showing a B7-H3 ADC can significantly improve overall survival. In December 2023, Hansoh granted GSK exclusive rights to develop and commercialize the drug outside Greater China, where GSK is conducting Phase III trials. As SCLC accounts for about 15% of lung cancers and has limited second-line options, HS-20093 could address a significant unmet medical need.

In under six months, GE HealthCare has obtained regulatory clearance for its Photonova Spectra photon-counting CT system across the US, Japan, and Europe, marking a pivotal shift from Siemens Healthineers' years-long monopoly to a multi-player competitive landscape. GE's system employs a proprietary Deep Silicon detector technology, distinguishing it from the CZT-based approaches of Siemens and Chinese competitors. Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturers Neusoft Medical and United Imaging Healthcare have also advanced into PCCT commercialization with domestic regulatory approvals and initial deliveries in 2025-2026, narrowing the generational technology gap to historic lows. The article argues that the next phase of PCCT competition will hinge not on who can build the equipment, but on who can demonstrate tangible clinical value, define clear diagnostic use cases, and deliver measurable returns to hospitals investing tens of millions in next-generation imaging systems.

On September 1, 2026, Medtronic announced a strategic partnership with Chinese surgical robotics company Cornerstone Robotics, investing approximately $700 million for distribution rights of the Sentire® robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery system outside the U.S. The Sentire platform features fully in-house developed core technologies, including the world’s first 5mm wristed instruments, 8mm 4K 3D fluorescence imaging, and proprietary force-feedback and direct-drive control systems. This investment complements Medtronic’s existing Hugo™ system, creating a dual-platform strategy that addresses diverse surgical specialties and economic markets. With regulatory approvals already secured in China (NMPA), Europe (CE), and Singapore (HSA), the deal accelerates Medtronic’s global surgical robotics rollout amid intensifying competition and strategic pressure on its traditional surgical device business.

Dizal Pharmaceutical listed on Shanghai's STAR Market in 2021, raising about RMB 2.1 billion, and filed an H-share application with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in August 2026, pursuing an A+H dual listing. Formerly AstraZeneca's early-stage drug discovery unit in Asia, it was spun off in 2017 with preclinical assets and funding from AstraZeneca, led by CEO Zhang Xiaolin, PhD. At its STAR listing, only two candidates were in late-stage development; in August 2023, Zegfrovy (sunvozertinib) became China's first innovative drug for EGFR exon 20 insertion-mutant NSCLC, lifting H1 2026 revenue to RMB 523 million. After filing its Hong Kong prospectus, Dizal signed a record-breaking license agreement with AstraZeneca effective August 31, securing a USD 600 million upfront (about RMB 4 billion) and other payments. The company is not yet overall profitable, with multiple pipelines awaiting clinical validation.

China's Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) has signaled that YL202, an injectable HER3-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) developed by MediLink Therapeutics, is being considered for Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the treatment of previously treated, unresectable locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic melanoma. If approved, YL202 would become the first HER3 ADC to receive breakthrough therapy status in China. Currently in Phase III clinical development, YL202 is built on MediLink's proprietary TMALIN platform. The potential designation underscores the significant unmet medical need in advanced melanoma and highlights the growing competitiveness of Chinese biotech in the rapidly expanding ADC space, where no HER3 ADC has been approved globally to date. MediLink has also secured a major licensing deal with BioNTech worth up to $1 billion, reflecting strong global interest in Chinese-developed oncology therapies.