From June 5-8, 2023, the 2023 BIO International Convention (“BIO 2023”) was held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. At the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center’s booth 1635, Henlius showcased a wide range of innovative research and development accomplishments for conference attendees.
During the conference, Henlius engaged in in-depth discussions with national and international partners and multiple possible leads for in-licensing, research collaboration, or commercial right out-licensing conducted at the Henlius’ booth throughout the four-day exhibition. These interactions focused on advancing new approaches to science, including therapeutic biologics, technology platforms, immuno-oncology target combinations, and building robust partnerships to accelerate innovation.
“BIO 2023 provided Henlius with a remarkable platform to further expand our network and build potential relationships within the global biotech and pharma community. We concluded the conference with over 100 in-depth meetings for in-licensing, research collaboration, or commercial right out-licensing. We also promoted Henlius’ mission and values,” says Ping Cao, Chief Business Officer of Henlius. “Our business development strategies are driven by a shared vision of advancing patient care and forging strategic alliances that enable us to bring affordable and effective treatment solutions to more patients in need.”
Having the goals of providing innovation and affordability for patient-centric unmet medical needs, Henlius has actively expanded the global markets by leveraging its strong product development, manufacturing and quality systems, and commercialization capabilities, as well as collaborating with capable partnerships to accelerate these goals. One highlight was the global presence of HANSIZHUANG (serplulimab), the world's first anti-PD-1 mAb for the first-line treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). HANSIZHUANG was granted Orphan Drug Designations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission (EC) for the treatment of SCLC. In March 2023, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) validated the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for HANSIZHUANG for the first-line treatment of ES-SCLC. Patients have also been dosed in a head-to-head bridging trial of HANSIZHUANG versus first-line standard-of-care atezolizumab for ES-SCLC in the U.S. The company plans to submit a Biologics License Application (BLA) for HANSIZHUANG in the U.S. in 2024. Additionally, the company prides itself on its trastuzumab biosimilar HANQUYOU (trade name in Europe: Zercepac®, trade names in Australia: Tuzucip® and Trastucip®), the first China-developed mAb approved in both China and Europe. It is now approved in more than 30 countries, including China, the United Kingdom (UK), France, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Singapore, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia. In February 2023, the Biologics License Application (BLA) for HANQUYOU has been accepted by the FDA, which will further expand the product's footprint in major markets of biologics in the U.S. and Europe.
Synergising its innovation centres in China and the US and global product development teams, the company continues to build on the momentum to expand an even more diversified innovation product pipeline and has conducted more than 30 clinical trials in China, the EU, the US, Australia, etc. with more than 100 clinical trial approvals worldwide. In terms of manufacturing, the company strictly follows the International Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards for production and quality control. It has a total commercial manufacturing capacity of 48,000 L. The company's commercial production facility and supporting quality management system have been certificated by China and the EU GMP. At present, a stable supply has been achieved in the Chinese and the EU markets, strongly supporting the continued expansion of the products globally. In terms of commercialization, Henlius has built a top-tier in-house commercial team of over 1000 sales forces for the local commercialization of the company's core oncology products such as HANQUYOU and HANSIZHUANG. In addition, Henlius has actively partnered with other global companies such as Abbott, Accord Healthcare, Getz Pharma, Eurofarma, Organon, and Fosun Pharma to expand into mature and emerging markets, including the U.S., EU, and Japan. In recognition of its remarkable global partnership growth and brand reputation, Henlius received the ‘Business Development of the Year’ award from Generics Bulletin in 2022.
Looking forward, Henlius will maintain its focus on unmet medical and market needs; develop more high-quality, affordable and innovative biologics; advance its global R&D, production, and commercialization capabilities; expand international collaborations, and accelerate building a global presence to benefit patients worldwide.
About BIO International Convention
BIO International Convention is the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. It is produced by BIO (Biotechnology Innovation Organization), which is the world's largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO works towards enriching the industry with networking, partnering and education opportunities.