Breaking: Akeso cancer drug positioned as Keytruda rival wins Chinese approval

New data show early hints of the medicine improving patient survival — the gold standard outcome of any cancer study.

Log In    Subscribe BREAKING NEWS   Akeso wins Chinese approval for cancer drug positioned to rival Merck's Keytruda By Jonathan Wosen Courtesy Akeso The Chinese biotech that made headlines for beating Merck's Keytruda in a head-to-head trial won approval in China this week for the therapy, a company spokesperson confirmed to STAT. New data show early hints of the medicine, called ivonescimab, improving patient survival — the gold standard outcome of any cancer study. READ MORE Sign up for Cancer Briefing Critical updates on the fast-moving world of cancer research, treatment, and patient care. Learn more. In Case You Missed It 1   Biotech is back, baby! It's all upside from here By Adam Feuerstein 2   With the FDA in turmoil, the 'revolving door' with industry is spinning faster By Allison DeAngelis, Jason Mast, and Elaine Chen 3   Caribou delays readout, discontinues programs, betting on off-the-shelf CAR-T therapies By Adam Feuerstein 4   Exclusive: Biotech entrepreneur Sam Waksal accused of 'reckless conduct' in new lawsuit By Adam Feuerstein Don't miss out on another STAT Investigation Unlock the world of health and medicine with a subscription to STAT+ Learn more STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA ©2025, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails Update Newsletter Preferences • Contact Us • Advertise with Us