J&J’s Amivantamab Subcutaneous Wins China Approval for NSCLC

Johnson & Johnson (J&J, NYSE: JNJ) announced that its Amivantamab Injection (Subcutaneous), marketed as RYBREVANT, received approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for patients with advanced non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutations. The subcutaneous formulation offers an 80% reduction in infusion‑related reactions and 5‑minute administration versus the intravenous version.

Regulatory Milestone

ItemDetails
Approval Date26 Dec 2025
AgencyNMPA (China)
ProductAmivantamab subcutaneous injection (RYBREVANT)
IndicationAdvanced NSCLC with EGFR mutations
Key Advantages5‑minute SC administration; 80% fewer infusion reactions vs. IV
BasisPhase 3 PALOMA‑3 and Phase 2 PALOMA‑2 studies
PharmacokineticsNon‑inferior drug exposure vs. IV formulation

Clinical Evidence & Indications

SC Formulation Efficacy:

  • PALOMA‑3 & PALOMA‑2: Met primary PK endpoints; confirmed non‑inferiority to IV
  • Dosing: 5‑minute subcutaneous injection

IV Formulation Prior Approvals (Feb 2025):

  • 1L EGFR exon 19 deletion/L858R: Combined with lazertinib for locally advanced/metastatic NSCLC
  • Post‑TKI progression: Combined with carboplatin/pemetrexed for non‑squamous NSCLC after EGFR TKI failure
  • EGFR exon 20 insertion: Combined with carboplatin/pemetrexed for locally advanced/metastatic NSCLC

Market Opportunity

MetricValueContext
China NSCLC Market¥45‑55 billion (≈ US$6.3‑7.7 B)EGFR mutations in ~40‑50% of cases
Amivantamab Peak Sales¥8‑12 billion (≈ US$1.1‑1.7 B) by 203015‑20% share of EGFR‑targeted segment
SC Formulation AdvantageOutpatient convenience reduces hospital burdenAddresses infusion center capacity constraints
PricingPremium SC formulation justified by QoL improvementNRDL negotiation slated for 2026

Strategic Implications

  • For J&J: SC formulation expands patient access and adherence; first EGFR bispecific with SC delivery in China; strengthens RYBREVANT franchise vs. competitors (AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso).
  • For Patients: 5‑minute injection enables same‑day treatment; reduced infusion reactions improve tolerability; maintains efficacy of IV version.
  • For Market: SC oncology trend accelerates (e.g., Herceptin SC); EGFR bispecific class gains traction beyond TKI failures; China approval sets precedent for global filings.

Forward‑Looking Statements
This brief contains forward‑looking statements regarding amivantamab’s commercial rollout, market penetration, and NRDL negotiations. Actual results may differ due to competitive responses, pricing pressures, or regulatory changes.-Fineline Info & Tech