#China #Suzhou #Innovent Biologics #Lilly #Verzenios

Innovent Biologics and Eli Lilly Join Forces for Verzenios® in China

In a significant step towards improving cancer treatment access in China, Innovent Biologics, a leading biopharmaceutical company, has partnered with Eli Lilly to commercialize Verzenios® (abemaciclib) in mainland China. This collaboration marks a critical advancement in the accessibility of innovative cancer therapies as both companies aim to leverage their respective strengths in oncology

The Agreement

As detailed in the announcement made on June 30, 2026, Innovent is charged with the importation, marketing, distribution, and promotion of Verzenios® throughout mainland China, while Lilly maintains control over its manufacturing, supply, and ongoing product development. This arrangement is expected to boost the availability of Verzenios®, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, which has already received approval for multiple indications in China.

Significance of Verzenios®

Verzenios® has gained approval in China for treating several forms of breast cancer, notably:

• - Early breast cancer in conjunction with endocrine therapy for high-risk, HR-positive, HER2-negative early-stage patients.
• - Locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, suitable for both postmenopausal women and those who have experienced disease progression following prior hormone therapy.

Notably, this drug was included in the National Reimbursement Drug List as a Class B product in 2021, establishing itself as the first CDK4/6 inhibitor to receive national reimbursement, mirroring a growing trend to ensure critical cancer treatments are financially accessible.

Innovent's Commitment to Oncology

Dr. Michael Yu, the Founder and CEO of Innovent, has expressed his enthusiasm regarding the partnership with Lilly, which is Innovent’s eighth collaboration of this nature. He emphasized the company's mission to enhance patient access to high-quality, innovative medicines. The partnership specifically targets advancing treatments in the oncology field, with a keen focus on breast cancer as one of the most pressing health issues facing women in China. By combining Innovent’s established market presence and experienced commercialization team with Lilly’s innovative medicine development, they aim to significantly improve access to essential cancer therapies for patients.

Lilly's Ongoing Efforts

Huzur Devletsah, the Group Vice President of Lilly and General Manager for China, reiterated the company's enduring commitment to advancing healthcare through scientific innovation and collaboration. He remarked that this agreement is pivotal for expanding patient access in China, illustrating how Lilly plans to bolster its oncology initiatives within the region.

About Innovent Biologics

Founded in 2011, Innovent Biologics has rapidly evolved into a prominent player in the biopharmaceutical landscape. The company prioritizes the mission of producing affordable, high-quality medicines targeting a spectrum of serious diseases. With 19 products launched to date, it positions itself to address critical gaps in healthcare. Innovent continues to engage in partnerships with over 30 global healthcare companies, including the likes of Lilly and Roche, bolstering its product pipeline and market reach.

Conclusion

The recent commercialization agreement between Innovent Biologics and Eli Lilly is set to revolutionize cancer treatment accessibility in China, especially for breast cancer patients. Verzenios® stands as a testament to the progressive steps being taken within the biopharmaceutical industry to ensure that innovative therapies reach the patients who need them the most. Together, these companies are committed to reshaping the landscape of oncology in China and beyond.