Kelun-Biotech Showcases Innovative Achievements and Future Development Strategy at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference
Friday, January 16, 2026
Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (6990.HK), a leading innovator in China's biopharmaceutical sector, took center stage at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference (JPMHC) held in San Francisco from January 12 to 15, 2026. Dr. Ge Jianming, President and CEO, delivered a keynote speech outlining the company's remarkable progress in drug research and development (R&D), commercialization, and globalization strategies. This presentation underscored Kelun-Biotech's position as a frontrunner in innovative drug development, particularly in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and novel drug conjugates (DCs).
Since embarking on its innovation journey in 2012, Kelun-Biotech has constructed differentiated technology platforms and a robust R&D pipeline. The company's proprietary OptiDC™ platform stands out as a global leader in ADCs and DCs, enabling the design of highly effective therapies for multiple tumor types. Currently, two ADC products are on the market: sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT, 佳泰莱®) and trastuzumab botidotin (舒泰莱®), targeting breast cancer and lung cancer indications. These approvals mark significant milestones in addressing high-incidence cancers in China.
In the clinical pipeline, nine uniquely designed ADC and novel DC drugs are advancing, including innovative bispecific ADCs and radiopharmaceutical conjugates (RDCs). For prevalent cancers like breast, lung, and gastrointestinal tumors, nine pivotal studies are underway, complemented by Phase II trials for gynecological tumors. Beyond oncology, Kelun-Biotech is diversifying into non-oncology areas with several non-DC candidates, broadening its therapeutic scope to meet unmet medical needs in autoimmune and metabolic diseases.
Commercialization efforts have yielded a competitive portfolio. Sac-TMT is approved in China for second-line and above triple-negative breast cancer, as well as second- and third-line EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Trastuzumab botidotin received approval for second-line and above HER2-positive breast cancer, becoming China's first domestically developed HER2-directed ADC for this indication. Additional launches include Cetuximab N01 (达泰莱®) for RAS wild-type colorectal cancer and tagitanlimab (科泰莱®) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The upcoming approval of small-molecule RET inhibitor A400 will bring the total commercialized products to five, with three products covering five indications now included in China's National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL), enhancing accessibility for cancer patients.
Global expansion is a key pillar of Kelun-Biotech's strategy. Partnerships with global players like MSD, Ellipses, Windward Bio, and Crescent Biopharma are maximizing pipeline value. Notably, MSD is evaluating 16 global Phase III clinical studies for sac-TMT, signaling strong international potential. These collaborations reflect the company's commitment to ex-China markets in product development, registration, and commercialization.
Driving these achievements is sustained investment in R&D, with over a decade of expertise in ADCs. The OptiDC™ platform optimizes target selection, payload-linker strategies, and conjugation technologies to balance efficacy and safety. Kelun-Biotech's 'multi-pronged' approach explores novel targets, payloads, and technologies, extending applications across oncology and beyond. With more than 30 key innovative projects—four marketed, one in NDA, and over ten in clinical stages—the company is poised for growth.
Looking ahead, Kelun-Biotech will execute five core development strategies to strengthen R&D, technologies, platforms, and operations. This includes elevating globalization efforts to establish a world-class biopharmaceutical presence. As a subsidiary of Kelun Pharmaceutical (002422.SZ), it focuses on solid tumors, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases, building a globalized platform to address worldwide unmet needs. The JPMHC presentation materials are available on the company's investor relations page, offering deeper insights for industry stakeholders.
This event highlights Asia's rising influence in biopharma innovation, with Kelun-Biotech exemplifying how Chinese firms are transitioning from generics to cutting-edge biologics. Executives and partners in the region should monitor these developments, as they signal shifts in supply chains, R&D investments, and market dynamics. The integration of ADCs into national reimbursement systems also points to regulatory evolution supporting biopharma growth. Furthermore, the emphasis on global trials and partnerships could reshape clinical trial landscapes in Asia, fostering collaborations between Eastern and Western pharma leaders. Kelun-Biotech's trajectory reinforces the strategic importance of investing in Asian biopharma ecosystems for long-term competitiveness.
