Bayer To Battle For Antitumor Market In China
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Bayer HealthCare has received China State FDA's approval for Nexavar (sorafenib), its oral drug for treating patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma that cannot be removed by surgery. Nexavar, first launched in 2005 in the U.S., represents Bayer's first oncology heavyweight. Industry insiders observe that the drug's speedy launch in China reflects the company's ambition in the antitumor field. According to WHO officials, antitumor drugs in recent years have become the fastest growing sector in China. Several pharmaceutical MNCs are launching their latest antitumor offerings to corner the market. Meanwhile, Simcere Pharmaceutical's acquisition of China-developed cancer drug Endostar (recombinant human endostatin) has opened the door for local firms to contend for a share of the pie. (Click here for more - Chinese Language)