China's research-based pharma companies reported mixed third-quarter results for their anti-PD-1 antibodies, BTK and PARP inhibitors amid broader challenges including an ongoing government-led anti-corruption campaign.

While there are already restrictions on the prescribing of cancer drugs in China, oncologists in the world’s second-largest pharma market are also now being expected to strictly avoid off-label use, especially of costly imported therapies from multinationals.

Adding to a growing pattern within the BTK inhibitor pipeline for multiple sclerosis, the US FDA has placed Merck’s evobrutinib on a partial clinical hold following two liver injury incidents, prompting questions over its ultimate approvability.

Biogen’s return of rights to the BTK inhibitor orelabrutinib to originator InnoCare signals an ongoing tough reality for Chinese biotechs with go-global ambitions.