#Singapore #CAR-T therapy #IASO Bio #FUCASO

Unveiling the Future of CAR-T Therapy in Southeast Asia: The Launch of FUCASO

On November 3, 2026, IASO Bio, in collaboration with its Singaporean partner, Pills and Pokes, held an impressive launch event in Singapore for FUCASO (FUCASO suspension for infusion), celebrated as the world's first fully human BCMA-targeted CAR-T cell therapy. Approved for commercial use by Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) just months earlier in June 2026, this pioneering treatment is designed specifically for adult patients suffering from relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM).

A New Hope for Multiple Myeloma Patients

FUCASO’s debut in Singapore provides a significant breakthrough for multiple myeloma patients who have exhausted multiple lines of conventional therapies, offering a glimmer of hope where few options are available. Experts have hailed the therapy for its remarkable efficacy, demonstrated through extensive clinical studies, which will soon benefit patients who need it most.

The launch event attracted prestigious hematology-oncology experts from both Singapore and China, who convened under the theme, ‘Expanding New Possibilities in the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma.’ This gathering not only marked the commercial availability of FUCASO but also highlighted vital discussions on treatment methods and emerging needs in the R/R MM landscape.

Insights from Leading Experts

Professor Chng Wee Joo from the National University Cancer Institute delivered the welcoming speech, while clinical discussions were led by Professor Chandramouli from Singapore General Hospital and Professor Chen Wenming from Beijing Chaoyang Hospital. The dialogue centered on the evolving treatment landscape for R/R MM, as attendees examined the existing gaps and how FUCASO could address these challenges.

From Approval to Action: FUCASO’s First Patient Infusion

Less than two months after its approval, FUCASO's commercial patient infusion was successfully executed at Parkway Cancer Centre in Singapore. The first patient, who had undergone four previous treatments, achieved complete response and is currently flourishing in health.

This successful case exemplifies the effectiveness of the ‘In China, For Global’ strategy adopted by IASO Bio, demonstrating that their globally integrated supply chain is not only effective but reliable. The process encompasses a comprehensive journey from regulatory approval and patient screening to logistics and manufacturing - a full-scale commercial validation which will surely resonate across global markets.

Reimbursement and Accessibility Initiatives

With a mission to ensure accessibility, FUCASO has emerged as more than just a medical breakthrough; it emphasizes the importance of the reimbursement journey. Following an evaluation by Singapore’s Agency for Care Effectiveness (ACE), FUCASO was included in Singapore's Cancer Drug List, granting eligible patients access to treatment cost coverage starting December 1, 2026. This coverage is a game-changer, significantly alleviating the financial burden for patients and extending the benefits of CAR-T therapy widely.

Clinical Successes That Build Confidence

The efficacy of FUCASO has been subjected to rigorous validation through pivotal studies. The registrational study, FUMANBA-1, showed an overwhelming 98.9% overall response rate and a stringent complete response/complete response rate of 88.4%, with a median progression-free survival duration of 35.9 months. Safety profiles demonstrated negligible instances of severe side effects, reinforcing confidence in the treatment and its applications.

Adding further credence, real-world findings presented at the International Myeloma Society Annual Meeting in 2026 supported these promising results, showcasing favorable safety profiles and manageable adverse events primarily of low grades. These impressive statistics have created a profound sense of optimism in both the medical community and the patients awaiting treatment.

Establishing Singapore’s Role as a Regional Healthcare Hub

Singapore's recognition as Southeast Asia’s healthcare sanctuary is cemented with the commercial launch of FUCASO. This innovative treatment not only directly aids local patients but also serves as a landmark for the entire Southeast Asian market. With a population exceeding 600 million and a mounting burden from multiple myeloma, the need for accessible advanced therapies has never been more critical.

As patients from neighboring countries look towards Singapore for possible treatments, they benefit from a systematic and less burdensome logistical approach to obtaining essential care—a stark improvement compared to procedures involving travel to Western countries like the United States or European nations.

Commitment to an Innovative Future

The launch of FUCASO represents a commitment to expanding treatment options and accessibility for patients in Singapore and beyond. Mr. Zhang Hua, Chief Business Officer and Senior Vice President of IASO Bio, affirmed the company’s dedication and strategic partnership with Pills and Pokes to bring timely and effective treatment solutions to the forefront of Southeast Asia’s healthcare environment.

As Ms. Gail Chang, Co-founder and CEO of Pills and Pokes, noted, “FUCASO is not only the first BCMA CAR-T therapy authorized in Singapore but also a paradigm shift for the therapeutic landscape in this region.”

The initiation of FUCASO in Singapore is just the beginning, laying the groundwork for future expansions throughout the surrounding markets that promise to change lives through cutting-edge therapies. IASO Bio’s unwavering commitment to actionable healthcare solutions shows a pathway to a healthier future for patients navigating the complexities of multiple myeloma in Southeast Asia.