The ranks of B7-H3-targeting antibody-drug conjugates under development in China have seen their first dropout, although elsewhere there are two FGFR2b-directed ADCs with first-in-class potential on the horizon. Meanwhile, there have been other discontinuations of KRAS G12C inhibitors and anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapies in the country, while new players have surfaced in the areas of mRNA cancer vaccines and amyloid-beta-targeting antibodies for Alzheimer’s disease.

Quietly but unambiguously, pharma firms are accelerating their diversification away from China and are now looking to other emerging markets for growth, a strategy that reflects increasing pressures from China's volume-based procurement scheme but also US-China tensions and other geopolitical risks.

Seven novel agents approved in March include one accelerated approval, two rare pediatric disease priority review vouchers, two breakthrough therapy designations and one regenerative medicine advance therapy designation.

Crowded calendar could bring to an end the slow start for novel approvals in 2024, as decisions come due for Lilly’s donanemab, Merck’s sotatercept, Regeneron’s odronextamab and more.