On August 2, 2021, Shanghai Roche Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (“Roche Pharmaceuticals China” or “Roche”) and Shanghai Kechow Pharma Inc (“Kechow Pharma” or “Kechow”) signed a collaboration agreement in Shanghai. This partnership aims to leverage their respective strengths in pharmaceutical innovation and market development to advance cancer research and provide high-quality clinical solutions for cancer patients. Additionally, Roche has granted Kechow the marketing rights for its targeted cancer drug Zelboraf® (vemurafenib) in Mainland China. They will jointly enhance the accessibility of cancer drugs, better serving China’s cancer patients.

Zelboraf®, the first highly selective BRAF inhibitor approved in China, is effective in treating unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600 mutation. Although melanoma is rare in China, with an incidence rate of 0.6 per 100,000, its prevalence is increasing. Unlike in Western countries, melanoma in China tends to be more aggressive, with about a quarter of patients having BRAF mutations. These mutations lead to faster tumor progression and increased risks of subcutaneous and brain metastases. Zelboraf® targets the oncogenic BRAF kinase, inhibiting cancer cell growth and promoting tumor shrinkage. As an oral targeted therapy, it is convenient and has fewer adverse reactions leading to treatment discontinuation. It received accelerated approval by the China Food and Drug Administration in March 2017 and was added to the national medical insurance catalog in 2018.

The collaboration between Roche and Kechow aims to further improve Zelboraf®’s accessibility and benefit domestic melanoma patients. Emphasizing a “patient-first” approach, Roche remains at the forefront of cancer research and treatment, continually exploring new collaboration models to deliver timely medical solutions. Kechow is dedicated to developing targeted therapies for cancer diseases, especially in treating unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600 mutations. With extensive experience, a stronger oncology commercialization platform, and a robust oncology commercialization team, Kechow is well-equipped to contribute significantly to this partnership, benefiting melanoma patients in China.

Ms. Zhou Hong, President of Roche Pharmaceuticals China, stated: “We are delighted to sign this agreement with Kechow Pharma. Roche has been deeply rooted in China, committed to bringing innovative drugs to market rapidly. We welcome collaborations with Chinese local companies in drug R&D and marketing to address unmet patient needs.” 

Dr. Tian Hongqi, Chairman of Kechow Pharma, added: “We are excited to collaborate with Roche Pharmaceuticals China. As a leading global biopharmaceutical company, Roche has an outstanding reputation. Kechow has a strong focus on the R&D of small-molecule targeted drugs, with a unique pipeline in oncology. Our independently developed anti-cancer drug HL085, a new non-ATP competitive MEK inhibitor, has entered Phase I/II clinical trials in China and the U.S. and is poised to become a new generation of oral targeted therapy for melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and other RAF or RAS-mutant malignancies. We look forward to working with Roche to advance oncology research, harness each other’s strengths, and enhance new drug development quality, ultimately benefiting a broader spectrum of cancer patients.”

As the pharmaceutical industry rapidly evolves, China’s healthcare sector is undergoing transformation, with win-win collaborations becoming the industry norm. This deep partnership between Roche and Kechow underscores the mutual benefits and shared growth opportunities with local Chinese drug development companies. Together, Kechow and Roche will deliver professional, high-quality products and services to Chinese cancer patients, fostering the long-term development of China’s healthcare industry.

About Roche 

Roche, a leading global biotechnology company based in Switzerland with a 125-year history, is committed to advancing scientific progress and enhancing human life through personalized medicine, relying on its strengths in pharmaceuticals diagnostics. Established in 1994, Roche Pharmaceuticals China was the first multinational company in Shanghai’s Zhangjiang High-Tech Park, leading in key areas such as oncology, anti-infection, transplantation, and immunology. With 24 products across 8 therapeutic areas in China, Roche is the first large multinational pharmaceutical company that built and constantly refines a complete pharmaceutical value chain encompassing R&D, manufacturing and marketing. Roche partners with governments, medical institutions, NGOs, and other societal sectors to explore innovative cooperation models, benefiting more Chinese patients through impactful and sustainable initiatives.

About Kechow 

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Shanghai Zhangjiang Pharma Valley, Shanghai Kechow Pharma, Inc. is a high-tech pharmaceutical company led by returning overseas scientists, including Dr. Tian Hongqi. Focusing on the R&D of innovative drugs with independently IP rights, Kechow integrates research, development, production, and marketing, emphasizing a “Science Driven” corporate culture. Kechow aims to develop best-in-class innovative drugs to meet clinical needs with a rich R&D pipeline. Dedicated to scientific innovation to address unmet global clinical needs, Kechow leverages first-class technology to deliver high-quality drugs, fulfilling the public’s expectations for scientific advancement and improving lives.