Chinese ADC Breakthroughs Gain Global Momentum: Hope for Breast Cancer Patients Worldwide

Picture this: a breast cancer diagnosis that once meant endless cycles of harsh chemotherapy, now shifting toward smarter, more targeted therapies that attack cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. For millions of patients globally, this isn't just hope—it's becoming reality through innovative antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) developed in China and rapidly expanding to international stages. These precision medicines are crossing borders, entering multinational trials, and offering new options where traditional treatments fall short, giving patients more control over their journey and quality of life.

China's innovative pharmaceutical sector is accelerating its global footprint, particularly in oncology. ADCs, which combine monoclonal antibodies with potent cytotoxic payloads, have emerged as game-changers in solid tumors like breast cancer. Through strategic partnerships, multiregional clinical trials (MRCTs), and data sharing, Chinese-developed drugs are integrating Asian patient insights into worldwide standards, addressing unmet needs in diverse populations. This outsea momentum not only elevates China's role in global health but also brings cutting-edge options closer to patients everywhere.

Here are some standout examples of Chinese-origin pipelines advancing globally, focusing on key targets, mechanisms, and emerging data (drawn from recent clinical updates and trial registries):

• Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (sac-TMT / SKB264 / MK-2870)Target: TROP2 (trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2), overexpressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), HR+/HER2- breast cancer, and EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Mechanism: A next-generation TROP2-directed ADC using a novel linker and belotecan-derived topoisomerase I inhibitor payload for enhanced tumor-specific delivery and reduced off-target effects, leading to DNA damage and cancer cell death. Clinical Highlights: In phase 3 trials for EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC post-TKI progression, sac-TMT showed significant benefits over chemotherapy. Phase 2/3 data in TNBC and HR+/HER2- breast cancer demonstrate encouraging objective response rates (ORR around 40-55% in subgroups) and median progression-free survival (PFS) of 6-11 months. Global collaborations (e.g., with Merck) support ongoing MRCTs, with potential BLA submissions targeted for 2026. Global Impact: As a frontrunner in TROP2 ADCs, it's bridging Asian and Western trial data, expanding access for hard-to-treat breast and lung cancers.
• Disitamab Vedotin (RC48)Target: HER2, including HER2-positive, HER2-low, and HER2-expressing tumors in breast cancer and urothelial carcinoma. Mechanism: Humanized anti-HER2 antibody conjugated to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), enabling targeted intracellular delivery of the microtubule-disrupting payload to induce apoptosis in HER2-expressing cells. Clinical Highlights: Approved in China for HER2-overexpressing gastric and urothelial cancers; real-world and phase 2 data in breast cancer show strong efficacy across HER2 expression levels, with ORR up to 60%+ in combinations and manageable safety (low interstitial lung disease rates). Phase 3 trials in urothelial carcinoma and breast cancer combinations continue, with primary readouts expected in 2026. Global Impact: Breakthrough designations and international expansions position it to fill gaps in HER2-low breast cancer, where options remain limited.
• IBI3002 (Innovent Biologics)Target: Dual blockade of IL-4Rα and TSLP, key drivers of type 2 inflammation in atopic dermatitis (AD) and related conditions. Mechanism: Bispecific antibody that simultaneously inhibits IL-4/IL-13 signaling via IL-4Rα and TSLP-mediated pathways, suppressing Th2 inflammation and offering broader control over inflammatory cascades. Clinical Highlights: Phase 1 trials (including in Australia) evaluate safety, PK/PD in healthy volunteers and mild-moderate asthma/AD patients; early data support potential for superior efficacy in T2-driven diseases. Phase 2 in moderate-to-severe AD ongoing, with focus on patients unresponsive to topicals. Global Impact: As a first-in-class bispecific, it's advancing toward international development, addressing chronic skin conditions affecting quality of life worldwide.
• HRS-8080 (Hengrui Medicine)Target: ER (estrogen receptor) degradation combined with CDK4/6 inhibition for HR+/HER2- breast cancer. Mechanism: Oral selective ER degrader plus CDK4/6 inhibitor to overcome endocrine resistance, blocking proliferation signals in hormone-driven tumors. Clinical Highlights: Phase 3 trial (NCT07024173) underway in locally advanced/metastatic settings versus physician's choice, building on earlier data showing PFS around 10 months and notable benefits in bone-metastatic patients. Global Impact: Hengrui's strong oncology pipeline supports potential out-licensing and MRCT integration, expanding endocrine-resistant breast cancer options globally.

These advancements highlight a broader trend: China's 2025 milestones—dozens of innovative approvals and billions in out-licensing deals—are fueling 2026's "data-driven" era. Multinational trials increasingly include diverse populations, accelerating approvals and real-world impact.

At Hong Kong DengYue Medicine, we are committed to the pursuit of excellence and innovation while prioritizing sustainability and social responsibility. Grounded in quality, compliance, and integrity, we actively engage in global markets to help bring promising therapies from local discovery to worldwide availability—contributing meaningfully to health for people everywhere.

As more pivotal readouts emerge in 2026, these Chinese innovations promise to reshape treatment landscapes. For patients and families navigating breast cancer or related challenges, these developments represent tangible progress and shared hope. Stay informed, stay connected—the future of precision medicine is arriving, one breakthrough at a time.