Next-Gen Targeted Therapies: The Rise of ADC Cancer Treatment in China
- MedBridge NZ
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Why the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies are looking to China for the future of cancer treatment—and why patients shouldn’t wait.
Key Takeaways
A New Era of Precision: Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) are "biological missiles" offering potent, targeted attacks on cancer cells with potentially fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
China Leads Innovation: Global pharma giants like Merck and AstraZeneca are heavily investing in Chinese biotech, proving that ADC cancer treatment in China is currently best-in-class.
Faster Access: International patients can access these life-saving therapies in China years before they receive FDA or EMA approval in the West.
Concierge Support: MedBridgeNZ facilitates Medical Tourism China, connecting patients to these advanced treatments without providing medical services directly.
In the fight against cancer, chemotherapy has long been a blunt instrument—powerful, but often causing significant collateral damage to healthy cells. However, a revolutionary class of drugs known as Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) is changing the landscape. Often referred to as "biological missiles" or "magic bullets," ADCs are designed to deliver potent chemotherapy directly into tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue.
While the concept originated in the West, a significant shift is occurring: global pharmaceutical giants are frantically acquiring ADC patents from Chinese biotech companies. For patients facing advanced breast, lung, or urothelial cancers, this means ADC cancer treatment in China has emerged as a critical pathway for accessing next-generation therapies now, rather than waiting years for global rollout.
The "Magic Bullet": Precision Meets Power
An ADC consists of three parts: an antibody that targets a specific protein on a cancer cell, a cytotoxic (cell-killing) payload, and a chemical linker that holds them together. Think of it as a guided missile: the antibody is the guidance system, and the payload is the warhead.
Once the antibody locks onto the cancer cell surface (such as HER2 or TROP2 proteins), the drug is absorbed into the cell, where the linker releases the toxin to destroy the cancer from within. This mechanism allows for higher potency with potentially fewer systemic side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy, making ADC cancer treatment in China a highly sought-after option for refractory cases.
The Global Rush for Chinese ADC Innovation
Historically, new drugs were developed in the US or Europe and eventually reached Asia. Today, the flow is reversing. China has become a core participant in global research, accounting for approximately 40% of the global pipeline. The quality of Chinese ADC therapies has triggered a buying frenzy among multinational corporations (MNCs):
Merck (MSD) signed deals totaling over $11.8 billion with China's Kelun-Biotech to access their ADC candidates, including SKB264 (targeting TROP2).
AstraZeneca, having seen success with Enhertu, actively acquired the global rights to CMG901 (targeting Claudin 18.2) from Chinese firm Keymed Biosciences.
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) paid an $800 million upfront fee (potential total $8.4 billion) for Baili Tianheng’s bispecific ADC (BL-B01D1), setting a record for Chinese innovation export.
These massive investments prove one thing: Industry leaders believe the future of ADC cancer treatment lies in China.
Leading ADC Cancer Treatment Options in China
Chinese ADCs are showing remarkable promise in treating cancers that have become resistant to standard therapies.
1. HER2-Positive and Low-Expressing Breast Cancer
While drugs like Enhertu (DS-8201) have revolutionized treatment, Chinese alternatives like SHR-A1811 (Hengrui Medicine) and A166 (Kelun-Biotech) are demonstrating comparable efficacy with potentially better safety profiles. For example, SHR-A1811 has shown a lower incidence of interstitial lung disease (a serious side effect) in trials compared to global benchmarks.
2. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
For patients with EGFR-mutated lung cancer who have exhausted other options, Chinese TROP2 ADCs (like SKB264) and HER3 ADCs are providing new lifelines. SKB264 has shown "best-in-class" potential, outperforming global competitors in specific safety metrics and efficacy in late-line treatments.
3. Urothelial (Bladder) Cancer
RC48 (Disitamab vedotin), developed by China's RemeGen, was the first Chinese ADC approved for urothelial carcinoma and has shown impressive results, particularly in patients who express HER2.
The Advantage of "Medical Tourism China" for Early Access
For international patients, the regulatory approval process in the US (FDA) or Europe (EMA) can take years after a drug is developed. However, because these drugs originate here, ADC cancer treatment in China is often available first via clinical trials or expedited approval pathways.
Speed to Access: Instead of waiting 3-5 years for these drugs to launch in the West, patients can access the "source technology" immediately.
Mature Supply Chain: China possesses a complete, integrated industrial chain for ADC development, ensuring rapid production and availability.
If you are considering options for advanced care, leveraging Medical Tourism China is no longer just an alternative—it is becoming a primary strategy for accessing the most advanced ADCs.
How to Access ADC Cancer Treatment in China
Accessing medical care in a foreign country can be complex. As a premier medical concierge provider, MedBridgeNZ specializes in facilitating your journey.
Please note that MedBridgeNZ does not provide medical services directly. Instead, we act as your bridge, connecting you with top-tier Chinese hospitals and specialists currently running these advanced ADC cancer treatment protocols. We handle the logistics, language barriers, and appointment scheduling, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery.
References
1. China Pharmaceutical Industry: The Rise of ADCs (Original: 中国医药行业：中国力量，大有可为). SPDB International Research. https://www.spdbi.com/getfile/index/action/images/name/ADC%E8%A1%8C%E4%B8%9A%EF%BC%9A%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E5%8A%9B%E9%87%8F%EF%BC%8C%E5%A4%A7%E6%9C%89%E5%8F%AF%E4%B8%BA_%20%E6%B5%A6%E9%93%B6%E5%9B%BD%E9%99%85%E7%A0%94%E7%A9%B6.pdf
2. Kelun-Biotech: ADC Leader Commercialization Imminent (Original: 科伦博泰（6990.HK）：ADC 龙头商业化在即，未来可期). SPDB International Research. https://www.spdbi.com/getfile/index/action/images/name/%E7%A7%91%E4%BC%A6%E5%8D%9A%E6%B3%B0%EF%BC%886990.HK%EF%BC%89%EF%BC%9AADC%E9%BE%99%E5%A4%B4%E5%95%86%E4%B8%9A%E5%8C%96%E5%9C%A8%E5%8D%B3%EF%BC%8C%E6%9C%AA%E6%9D%A5%E5%8F%AF%E6%9C%9F_%E6%B5%A6%E9%93%B6%E5%9B%BD%E9%99%85%E7%A0%94%E7%A9%B6.pdf
3. Hengrui Medicine: Innovation Entering Harvest Period (Original: 恒瑞医药（600276.CH）：创新药迈入收获期，国际化加速前行). SPDB International Research. https://pdf.dfcfw.com/pdf/H3_AP202411281641100230_1.pdf
4. Innovation Drug: ADC Industry Accelerating (Original: 生物医药之创新药——ADC 行业加速发展，中国力量不容忽视). China Merchants Bank Research. https://pdf.dfcfw.com/pdf/H3_AP202405101632822042_1.pdf
5. Antibody–drug conjugate. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antibody%E2%80%93drug_conjugate