BRIEF—CASI in Chinese distribution deal for Evomela

US biopharma CASI (Nasdaq: CASI) has signed a deal with China Resources Guokang Pharmaceuticals (CRGK) for the Chinese company to be the sole distributor of Evomela (melphalan hydrochloride) in the Asian country.

Evomela has been approved by China’s National Medical Products Administration for use as a high-dose conditioning treatment prior to stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma and palliative multiple myeloma treatment in those for whom oral therapy is not appropriate.

Larry Zhang, president of the China operating subsidiary of CASI, said: "The agreement with CRGK marks another milestone as part of our mission to introduce needed medicines to patients.

“Entering into a distribution partnership with a well-established organization such as CRGK that possesses unparalleled expertise and network as a distributor in China will help us expedite the availability of this important medicine in China as there is currently no form of melphalan available for multiple myeloma patients.”