Chimeric Antigen Receptor- T (CAR-T) cell therapy, a revolutionary approach to treating certain types of cancer, has gained significant attention globally for its potential to transform cancer treatment paradigms. Although Western pharmaceutical companies were the first to develop CAR-T therapies, China has become a major force in the advancement of this innovative field in recent years. However, China still needs to attract more attention from major global pharma companies, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

According to GlobalData’s Pharmaceutical Intelligence Center, between 2018 and 2022, 484 oncology-related strategic alliances took place in China. Interestingly, CAR-T therapies are involved in 5.7% (25) of these cases. Nonetheless, the majority of these transactions involve Chinese pharmaceutical firms.

There are only a few global alliances in China for CAR-T therapies and they include JW Biosciences and Juno Therapeutics, a division of Bristol Myers Squibb, for the development of Cartevya; Johnson & Johnson and Genscript Biotech for the development of Carvykti; and Roche and Innovent Biologics for the development and commercialization of IBI-345.

Jithendra Kancharla, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “China is currently the second-largest pharmaceutical market in the world, after the US. With the Healthy China 2030 agenda, China is aiming to tackle the major problems in its healthcare system through innovation and scientific advancement. China’s drug regulatory authority has introduced reforms to expedite the drug approval process to promote the success of homegrown therapies. Despite these efforts, there are no notable partnerships between Chinese enterprises and leading global pharmaceutical companies to provide patients with exclusive therapies.”

GlobalData’s Pharmaceutical Intelligence Center reveals that in China, 600 clinical trials (Ongoing/Planned; Phases I, II, III, and IV) for potential CAR-T therapies in oncology are registered by 56 companies and 130 institutions. Chinese academic institutions and research centers have been actively involved in foundational research on CAR-T cell therapy. Scientists in China have made significant contributions to understanding the underlying biology of CAR-T cells and optimizing their effectiveness.

Jithendra concludes: “While China has made considerable progress in CAR-T therapy development, challenges persist. These challenges include addressing manufacturing complexities, ensuring consistent product quality, and navigating evolving regulatory landscapes. International partnerships will contribute to the sharing of knowledge and resources. Moreover, partnerships could play a pivotal role in realizing the full potential of these groundbreaking treatments for patients battling cancer.”