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(Yicai Global) Dec. 15 -- China food and drug administration has approved an application of a Chinese pharma firm for the release of 'programmed cell death protein 1,' known as PD-1, a tumor immune drug. It is developed by Jiangsu-based Innovent Biologics Inc. and is the first 'made-in-China' drug of this kind.
Innovent submitted the application to the center for drug evaluation of the China food and drug administration on Dec. 13, said online media outlet Caixin.com yesterday. As specified in the application, this drug will be used to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer that starts in cells called lymphocytes. If successful, it will be extended to cure other kinds of tumors.
PD-1 refers to a drug that destroys tumors through patients' own immunity system and promotes self-tolerance. It is available to treat multiple kinds of tumors. It is widely used in other countries, particularly for patients with terminal cancer.
At present, there are nine pharmaceutical enterprises carrying out clinical tests of this drug in China. Some 10 enterprises have also applied for its clinical tests.
Among the foreign companies, US-based Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. [NYSE:BMY] last month submitted an application for the release of PD-1 to China's drug regulator, which is pending approval.