China has just achieved something historical: that an American pharmacist pay 5,000 million dollars for a Chinese drug against cancer. It is the highest figure ever paid by a Chinese medical innovation.
Why is it important. This news It is the perfect example of how, in the middle of a war for semiconductors, chips and rare earths, China is beginning to lead an even more strategic industry: biotechnological. Medicines do not know borders or tariffs.
The context. In 2011, China approved the first oncological drug developed at home: an improved copy of a western medication. Fourteen years later, a Chinese biespecific antibody threatens best -selling medication in the world, Keytruda, of Merck, which invoice 29.5 billion dollars annually.
What has happened. Chinese transformation into biotechnology follows a recognizable pattern.
- First arrived Betta Pharmaceuticals Pume: A “I” version of Western therapies. It worked equally well, it cost less, but never left China.
- Then came Beigene Brukinsa: The jump to “I better.” It became the first Chinese oncological drug approved by the US FDA. Today it is sold in 65 countries and generates 2.6 billion dollars a year.
- The third step was Carvykti by Legend Biotech: A cell therapy that genetically modifies patient cells to attack cancer. Johnson & Johnson associated to take her worldwide.
In the foreground. The fourth act is underway with ‘Ivonescimab’ by Akeso Biopharma. This biespecific antibody simultaneously attacks two targets of cancer. Summit Therapeutics He opted 5,000 million dollars for himmaking it the greatest operation of Chinese pharmaceutical license in history.
The bet is huge: Ivonescimab intends to dethrone Keytruda as world oncological standard. Global clinical trials will decide if China can create next Blockbuster medicinal.
In figures. The numbers show the speed of Chinese advance:
- 2011: First approved Chinese oncological drug.
- 2019: First FDA approval for a Chinese drug.
- 2024: Chinese pharmaceutical licenses grew from 35,000 to 46,000 million dollars.
- Only five Chinese drugs have achieved FDA approval.
Between the lines. Biotechnology implies unique geopolitical advantages against semiconductors.
- The medications are not blocked with sanctions: they save lives regardless of their origin.
- Western governments cannot prohibit Chinese oncological drugs without enraging patients, doctors and society in general.
China understands and is attracting global pharmaceutical talent with mass financing and flexible regulations. The result: Chinese laboratories developing therapies that Western multinationals buy for a lot of money.
Yes, but. Success is not guaranteed. 90% experimental drugs fail in clinical trials. Ivonescimab must demonstrate superiority against Keytruda In non -Chinese patients, something we should not give for granted.
In addition, geopolitics can complicate things. Legend Biotech broke links with its matrix for American pressures. And the weather does not help.
What is happening now. China has replicated in biotechnology its classic manual in technology:
- Attract expatriate talent.
- Generously finance startups.
- Create national champions
- Climb globally.
The difference: medicines generate less political resistance than chips.
It is possible that a striking scenario may occur: Western patients depending on Chinese medical innovations. Irony is perfect: China dominates an industry where its success directly benefits Western citizens. But of course, who captures the economic value is her.
Deepen. Akeso’s case is especially emblematic. Its founder, Michelle XiaI felt frustration seeing how the best treatments took decades to reach Chinese patients. And decided to invest the equation: create in China therapies that the rest of the world would need.
In Xataka | China is already a power greater than Europe in one of its key industries: the development of medicines
Outstanding image | Akeso
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