Kanghong subsidiary gets clinical trial approval; eyes eye meds

Chengdu Kanghong Pharmaceutical Group (SZSE:002773) has announced significant developments in its pharmaceutical portfolio. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Chengdu Kanghong Biotechnology, has received approval from the National Medical Products Administration for clinical trials of KH813 injection, a biosimilar drug to the anti-cancer medication Pembrolizumab. The trials will focus on treating metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. Separately, Kanghong also received a drug registration certificate for Lifitegrast eye drops, indicated for treating the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). As a first-generation lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonist, Lifitegrast eye drops offer a novel treatment mechanism. Kanghong is the first domestic company to complete clinical research and receive approval for this medication, which was included in the "Third Batch of Encouraged Generic Drug List" released by multiple national departments in December 2023. The approval will enrich Kanghong's product line and enhance its market competitiveness in the ophthalmology field. The company cautions investors about uncertainties associated with pharmaceutical product development, clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and market conditions.