# Ivonescimab Receives NMPA Priority Review for First-Line Biliary Tract Cancer

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/ivonescimab-receives-nmpa-priority-review-for-first-line-biliary-tract-cancer
- Published: 2026-11-05T11:19:00+07:00
- Author: PR Newswire

HONG KONG, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Akeso, Inc. (HKEX: 9926.HK) today announced
that ivonescimab in combination with chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of
locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC) has been granted Priority
Review by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). The Priority 
Review designation is expected to accelerate the subsequent regulatory review process
for this indication in China.

In the randomized, double-blind, multicenter Phase III registrational study HARMONi-
GI1 (AK112-309), ivonescimab plus chemotherapy demonstrated superior survival benefit
for patients versus durvalumab plus chemotherapy, the current global standard for
the first-line treatment of BTC. In a prespecified interim analysis reviewed by 
the Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC), HARMONi-GI1 met its primary endpoint
of overall survival (OS), with the ivonescimab plus chemotherapy arm demonstrating
statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement over the control
arm. The trial also met all key secondary endpoints, including progression-free 
survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR).

The HARMONi-GI1 results were presented as a Late-Breaking Abstract in an oral presentation
at the ESMO Presidential Symposium in October 2026. HARMONi-GI1 is the first Phase
III trial in BTC to show statistically significant overall survival benefit against
the established PD-L1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy standard of care.

On October 21, 2026, Summit announced a clinical trial collaboration with ECOG-ACRIN
Cancer Research Group (ECOG-ACRIN) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ivonescimab
with chemotherapy compared to pembrolizumab or durvalumab plus chemotherapy in a
registration-enabling Phase II/III study (EA2251), in the first-line treatment of
patients with advanced BTC.

**About Ivonescimab**

Ivonescimab is a first-in-class PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody independently developed
by Akeso. It is the world’s first approved bispecific antibody that combines immuno-
oncology and anti-angiogenesis mechanisms in a single molecule, helping to define
a new generation of bispecific immuno-oncology therapies. Ivonescimab is also the
first therapy to demonstrate positive results in a Phase III head-to-head study 
against pembrolizumab.

Building on its strong clinical profile in the IO2.0 landscape, Akeso is advancing
a comprehensive global development program for ivonescimab across multiple tumor
types and treatment settings. As a cornerstone of the Company’s IO2.0 + ADC2.0 strategy,
ivonescimab aims to help reshape standards of care in major cancers worldwide.

More than 17 Phase III studies of ivonescimab are underway globally, including seven
international multi-regional registrational Phase III trials and seven head-to-head
studies versus PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. These programs encompass eight registrational
or Phase III studies in lung cancer, as well as trials in first-line MSS/pMMR colorectal
cancer, first-line PD-L1-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (in combination
with ligufalimab versus pembrolizumab), first-line biliary tract cancer (versus 
pembrolizumab/ durvalumab-based regimen), first-line triple-negative breast cancer,
first-line pancreatic cancer, and first-line urothelial carcinoma (versus pembrolizumab
plus a Nectin-4 ADC).

Akeso has out-licensed the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize ivonescimab
in the United States and Canada, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa,
and Japan to Summit Therapeutics under an agreement with a total potential value
of up to US$5 billion.

**About** **Akeso**

Akeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research,
development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world’s first or best-in-
class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, Akeso has built a comprehensive
R&D innovation ecosystem anchored by its proprietary Tetrabody antibody technology
platform, AI-powered drug R&D platform, Dual-Shield ADC technology platform, Dual-
Lock T-cell engager (TCE) technology platform, Tissue-Smart siRNA/mRNA technology
platform, and cell therapy technology platforms.

Backed by world-class GMP manufacturing facilities and a highly efficient, integrated
commercialization system, Akeso has developed into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical
enterprise. Leveraging its fully integrated, multi-functional platform, the Company
maintains a robust pipeline of more than 50 innovative assets targeting cancer, 
autoimmune diseases, inflammation, metabolic disorders, and other major therapeutic
areas. Of these, nearly 30 candidates have advanced into clinical trials, including
15 bispecific or multi-specific antibodies and bispecific ADCs. Eight innovative
drugs are commercially available, and two additional drugs with three indications
are currently under regulatory review for marketing approval.

Akeso is committed to becoming a global leader in biopharmaceuticals through efficient
and breakthrough innovation in R&D, developing novel therapies that are first-in-
class or best-in-class, and providing better disease solutions for patients around
the world.

**Forward-Looking Statements**

This announcement by Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK, "Akeso") contains "forward-looking statements".
These statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of Akeso’s management
and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not
intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any decision to purchase
securities of Akeso. There can be no assurance that the drug candidate(s) indicated
in this announcement or Akeso’s other pipeline candidates will obtain the required
regulatory approvals or achieve commercial success. If underlying assumptions prove
inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially
from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions
and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency 
exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and
health care legislation in the P.R. China, the United States and internationally;
global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products
and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development,
including obtaining regulatory approval; Akeso’s ability to accurately predict future
market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of
international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of Akeso’s
patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation,
including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

Akeso does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking
statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required
by law.

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