On January 23, 2024, Shanghai Kechow Pharma Inc. (“KeChow Pharma”) and Sinopharm Global Procurement and Supply Chain Service Center (Sinopharm Distribution Center Co., Ltd.) (“Sinopharm Global Procurement”) signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Shanghai. Dr. Tian Hongqi, Chairman and General Manager of KeChow Pharma, and Liu Tianyao, General Manager of Sinopharm Global Procurement, delivered speeches and formalized the agreement. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Fan Haiqin, Assistant General Manager of Sinopharm Global Procurement, along with key personnel from KeChow Pharma.
The partnership lays the groundwork for extensive collaboration in the commercialization of Tunlametinib Capsules (HL-085) following its anticipated approval in China. Tunlametinib is designed for patients with advanced NRAS-mutant melanoma, particularly those who have previously undergone immunotherapy. Clinical trials indicate its leading efficacy and drug safety, positioning Tunlametinib to become the first globally approved targeted therapy for NRAS-mutant melanoma. Additionally, it is poised to advance treatment options for other malignancies involving RAF or RAS mutations, such as colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, offering renewed hope to cancer patients worldwide.
Prior to the signing, accompanied by the Sinopharm Global Procurement team, KeChow Pharma representatives toured Sinopharm Group’s exhibition hall, gaining insights into the Group’s history and achievements. This fostered mutual trust and strengthened the partnership. Both parties expressed hopes for continued collaboration to better serve Chinese patients.
Dr. Tian Hongqi stated: “As an innovative R&D company, KeChow Pharma is committed to science-driven innovation and creation of world-class drugs with independent intellectual property. As the Year of the Dragon approaches, we are thrilled to partner with Sinopharm Group to enhance the national access to Tunlametinib, strengthening our commitment to patient recovery.”
Liu Tianyao said: “We are grateful for KeChow’s collaboration and will focus on optimizing commercial services and supply chain operations. We aim to accelerate the rollout of Tunlametinib and commend KeChow’s founder, Dr. Tian Hongqi, for his entrepreneurial spirit. Moving forward, we seek further opportunities beyond supply chain collaboration to elevate our overall service quality.”
About Sinopharm Global Procurement
The Sinopharm Global Procurement and Supply Chain Service Center serves as the central business management and operational hub for Sinopharm Group. It manages the import, procurement, and distribution of strategic products and unifies national services. In line with Sinopharm Group’ 14th Five-Year Plan, the Center enhances procurement resources, optimizes internal potentials, strengthens operational management, and explores new business opportunities. It operates five functional platforms: import distribution, supply chain, marketing, innovation, and medical beauty.
About KeChow Pharma
KeChow Pharma is dedicated to developing innovative treatments for tumors, free radical-related diseases, and other therapeutic areas. Its pipeline includes MEK inhibitor, chemoprotective agents, KRASG12C inhibitor, pan-RAF inhibitor, and multiple other tumor-targeted inhibitors. Notably, its MEK inhibitor, Tunlametinib (HL-085), has submitted a new drug application in China and is included in the CSCO guidelines. Another novel drug, a chemoprotective agent, demonstrates superior efficacy and safety compared to current clinical counterparts. All research efforts aim to address unmet clinical needs globally and within China by developing original small molecule drugs with “best-in-class” potential, bridging domestic gaps and fulfilling scientific aspirations to enhance quality of life.