ESMO Asia 2023 | Challenges in the development of cell-based therapies across Asia

Molly Li, MBBS, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, discusses the evolving landscape of cellular therapies in Asia, highlighting China’s success in gaining FDA and NMPA approval for two CAR-T therapies. In contrast, Southeast Asian countries grapple with challenges in development, registration, and clinical experience. Dr Li proposes enhancing collaboration in drug development, introducing a cellular therapy service model with clear protocols. Addressing hurdles, the option to register therapies as medical rather than pharmaceutical is considered, though it may reduce clinical trial participation. To counter this, conditional approvals based on successful Phase II trial data are suggested. The high cost of cellular therapies prompts exploration of cost-reducing measures, including artificial intelligence (AI) integration and domestic raw material utilization. This interview took place at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Asia 2023 Congress in Singapore.

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