
Core Insights - A new Chinese innovative drug combination, "Defu Combination," has outperformed the global leader, Pembrolizumab (K drug), in treating PD-L1 positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [2][3] - The results were presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, showcasing significant improvements in median progression-free survival (PFS) [2][4] Company Insights - China National Pharmaceutical Group (HK01177) reported that the "Defu Combination" achieved a median PFS of 11 months, surpassing K drug by 3.9 months, with a 30% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death [4] - The "Defu Combination" consists of two first-class innovative drugs: Anlotinib, a multi-targeted anti-angiogenic TKI approved in May 2018, and Bemarituzumab, a PD-L1 monoclonal antibody approved in May 2024 [3][4] Industry Insights - The CAMPASS study, a randomized controlled phase III trial, included 531 PD-L1 positive patients and demonstrated that the "Defu Combination" significantly benefits nearly all subgroups, especially those with high PD-L1 expression (TPS≥50%) [3][4] - The trend of increasing head-to-head clinical trials in China is notable, with domestic companies challenging established drugs like K drug, indicating a competitive landscape for innovative therapies [5][6] - The number of head-to-head trials initiated by domestic companies has risen from 2 in 2020 to 8 in 2023, reflecting a growing commitment to developing competitive treatments [6]