NMPA approval for first BCMA CAR-T Therapy paves way for more MM cell therapies

Chinese biopharma firm Innovent Biologics (HKEX: 01801) and development partner IASO Biotherapies last week received approval from the China National Medical Product Administration (NMPA) for Fucaso (equecabtagene autoleucel) as a treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received ≥3 lines of prior therapies.

Based on rigorous selection and screening of the molecular structures, and comprehensive in vivo and in vitro evaluation, Fucaso has demonstrated rapid and potent efficacy as well as prolonged persistency in RRMM patients, providing higher and deeper responses and long-term clinical benefit. Innovent and IASO Bio are responsible for the joint development and commercialization of Fucaso for the treatment of RRMM in mainland China.

According to Frost & Sullivan, new MM cases in China rose from 20,100 in 2018 to 22,400 in 2022 and are expected to increase to 25,700 by 2027.