Akeso's Breakthrough: Boosting Access and Revenue with NRDL Inclusion

Akeso, a leading biopharmaceutical company, recently announced a significant milestone in its quest to advance public health through innovative therapies. Two of its groundbreaking bispecific antibody drugs, cadonilimab and ivonescimab, have been included in China's National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL). This inclusion is set to revolutionize patient access and drive revenue growth for these life-saving treatments.

With over 95% of China's population covered by medical insurance systems, reimbursement for these drugs will substantially reduce financial burdens on patients. The NRDL defines drugs eligible for reimbursement under the medical insurance fund, which accounted for 90% of total hospital procurement orders in 2023. This inclusion ensures that more patients can benefit from globally leading therapies, aligning with Akeso's core philosophy of advancing public health through scientific and technological innovation.

Cadonilimab, a PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody, has demonstrated superior efficacy in treating relapsed or metastatic cervical cancer (R/M CC). In clinical trials, it showed a median overall survival (mOS) of over 18 months, an objective response rate (ORR) of 31.3%, and a complete response (CR) rate of 13.1% in PD-L1 negative patients, addressing an unmet need for this population. The sNDA for first-line treatment of advanced cervical cancer is under review, further indicating its potential market competitiveness.

Ivonescimab, the world's first PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, reduced the risk of disease progression or death by a record 54% in the Phase III HARMONi-A trial for 2L+ EGFRm NSCL. Its superior efficacy over existing treatments indicates a competitive edge in the market.

The inclusion of cadonilimab and ivonescimab in the NRDL is expected to drive market share growth in relapsed/metastatic cervical cancer and EGFR mutated lung cancer indications. With over 95% of China's population covered by medical insurance and reimbursement for these drugs, Akeso's patient reach expands substantially. The robust clinical data and recommendation in treatment guidelines further bolster Akeso's competitive position. As reimbursement reduces financial burden on patients, demand for these innovative therapies is likely to increase, benefiting Akeso's market share.

In conclusion, Akeso's inclusion of cadonilimab and ivonescimab in China's NRDL is a testament to the company's commitment to improving patient access and affordability. With the potential for increased revenue and market share, Akeso is poised for growth in the coming years. As a investor, one can expect a stable and predictable performance from Akeso, with a focus on consistent growth and enduring business models.