China-based CStone Pharmaceuticals (HKG: 2616) reported RMB 262 million (USD 49.4 million) in revenue for H1 2022, marking a 229% year-on-year (YOY) increase. The growth was fueled by strong sales of in-licensed drugs Ayvakit (avapritinib), Gavreto (pralsetinib), and ivosidenib, as well as royalties from Cejemly (sugemalimab).
Drug Performance
- Ayvakit, Gavreto, Ivosidenib: The trio generated RMB 161.4 million (USD 30.4 million) in combined sales, doubling from the prior year.
- Cejemly: Royalties from the immunotherapy, out-licensed to Pfizer in 2020, reached RMB 13.1 million (USD 2.47 million).
Commercial Strategy
CStone’s commercial team covers over 700 hospitals in 150+ cities, targeting 70-80% of China’s precision medicine market. Plans include enhancing patient access via digital platforms, partnerships with next-gen sequencing firms, and optimizing pricing strategies.
Pipeline and Global Expansion
- Pipeline Updates: Three products received four NDAs, with Cejemly and ivosidenib launching in China. CStone expects three NDA approvals, six filings, and four global study results in the coming year.
- Manufacturing Capacity: Its global base can produce 26,000 liters of biologics and 1 billion small-molecule tablets for clinical/commercial use.
Partnerships
CStone advanced collaborations with Pfizer and domestic firm Hengrui Medicine. Cejemly’s international filings and trials are supported by EQRx in the US, UK, and EU.-Fineline Info & Tech
