After AstraZeneca acquired rare disease innovative drug company Ruisong Pharmaceuticals at the end of 2020, it immediately decided to bring all its innovative products into China. Our first rare disease drug to enter China was the 'Jinbo Baby' Shulirui, which was officially launched at the 5th Jinbo Expo
Speaking of the significance of the CIIE for the development of the new rare disease business of multinational pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca in China, Hu Yiqing, the head of AstraZeneca's China Rare Disease Business Unit, stated in an interview with reporters from China News Network on the afternoon of the 6th that taking the CIIE "express train", the new drug has been approved for four indications in China in just one year. At this CIIE, AstraZeneca also exhibited its first innovative drug in the field of neurofibromatosis, Kesaiyou, which was launched in China in June this year.
On November 6th, at the 6th CIIE, AstraZeneca showcased nearly 40 innovative drugs it has introduced since entering the Chinese market for 30 years. Photographed by journalist Tang Yanjun
In fact, before the launch of Kesaiyou, we used the pilot and pilot policies of Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone to administer medication to more than ten patients. In Hu Yiqing's view, the pilot and pilot opening policies of the free trade zone, free trade port, and other areas have taken on the "spillover effect" of the CIIE and jointly promoted the new drug to benefit more patients as soon as possible.
Currently, there are over 7000 rare diseases worldwide, but only 5% of them have approved effective treatment drugs or regimens. The stark contrast exposes the common dilemma faced by the world, and in Hu Yiqing's view, the Chinese rare disease market also has its unique features.
"Although the incidence rate and prevalence rate of rare diseases are not high, China's population base is huge, which means that compared with some developed countries, there will be some 'invisible patients' in remote areas or county and city level areas. They may not have the opportunity to go to hospitals above the prefecture and city level for diagnosis, and some patients with rare diseases will take three to seven years to be diagnosed," Hu said. AstraZeneca hopes to make continuous efforts in this regard, Let more undeveloped rare disease patients be seen, while also hoping to help them diagnose and treat early, delay the disease process, and even save lives and improve the quality of life.
Under such a vision, Hu Yiqing stated that on the one hand, AstraZeneca is accelerating the introduction of global innovative drugs to China, and on the other hand, since the establishment of the China Rare Disease Business Unit in 2022, AstraZeneca China's research and development of rare disease innovative drugs has achieved synchronization with its global research and development. "This means that global innovative drugs will come to China as soon as possible
On November 6th, at the 6th CIIE, AstraZeneca showcased nearly 40 innovative drugs it has introduced since entering the Chinese market for 30 years. Photographed by journalist Tang Yanjun
In addition, in terms of rare disease diagnosis and treatment, AstraZeneca actively cooperates with head hospitals in multiple provinces, the Rare Disease Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and the China Rare Disease Alliance, "supporting the construction of rare disease regional diagnosis and treatment centers in each province to ensure that more patients can receive diagnosis and treatment 'without leaving the province'," Hu Yiqing said.
In her opinion, China has made significant progress in providing medical insurance for rare diseases in recent years, and many provinces and cities have included some rare disease drugs in their welfare insurance. AstraZeneca has also established a patient charity assistance program and is actively seeking the power of medical insurance, commercial insurance, and other social capital to achieve multi-level medical security for patients with rare diseases. We hope to work together with all sectors of society to try different ways to improve the affordability of drugs and solve the 'last mile' problem of patient medication
The CIIE once again demonstrates its deep value of "win-win" in this regard. Hu Yiqing introduced that through the display, exchange, and cooperation of the Jinbo platform, on the one hand, more medical institutions in provinces and cities have learned about rare diseases and the latest diagnosis and treatment plans in the world, which is a good way to popularize knowledge; On the other hand, AstraZeneca has also carried out integrated cooperation in the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases with the governments of multiple provinces and cities in mainland China, such as Shandong, successfully sinking its development prospects, and more patients can also benefit from this.
Due to its large population, China's rare disease queue data is very valuable for the research and development innovation of rare disease drugs in the world, "Hu Yiqing said." We also hope to further innovate in the field of rare diseases by delving into the Chinese market, diagnosing and treating patients, and benefiting rare disease patients worldwide