WuXi Biologics partners with AstraZeneca on Evusheld in China

Shares of Chinese contract research, development and manufacturing organization (CRDMO) WuXi Biologics (HK: 2269) rose more than 5% yesterday, after the Chinese vaccine maker said it is partnering with AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN) to produce the UK pharma major’s COVID-19 preventive drug, that was approved by Chinese regulatory authorities last month, according to a report by Yicai Global.

Wuxi Biologics, which boasts world-class biological agent production services, will ensure future supplies of Evusheld (tixagevimab/cilgavimab) in China to benefit more people who have low immunity and are not suitable for vaccination, said Wang Lei, global executive vice-president and China president of AstraZeneca.

China authorized the use of Evusheld, a neutralizing antibody cocktail that is effective for six months, by two hospitals in a medical tourism zone in the getaway island province of Hainan in early July. It is the first such antibody treatment to be imported into the country.