HONG KONG – Beijing-based Yisheng Biopharma Co. Ltd. said the recent U.S. FDA orphan designation for its PIKA rabies orphan drug is another milestone in its push to expand outside of China. Read More

HONG KONG – Looking to cope with an aging population and a rising disease burden, the highest levels of government in China are now focused on upgrading the country's health care industries with pharma and medical devices at the top of the list. The push is likely to be a defining priority for the government during the coming year. Read More

SHANGHAI – Taiwan Liposome Co. (TLC) is hoping to give patients with osteoarthritis of the knee a better option for pain management with TLC599, a steroid API wrapped in a sustained release liposome delivery package. The company released positive top line results from a phase I/II data for a trial in Taiwan and Australia, and kicked off a phase II trial in both places with plans underway for China and the U.S. Read More

Researchers at Jinan University in Guangzhou, China, have developed the first stem cell-based treatment strategy for androgen deficiency due to male hypogonadism, whereby adult rodent skin cells are directly converted into functional testosterone-producing Leydig-like cells. Read More

HONG KONG – Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) will partner with Suzhou-based Pegbio Co. Ltd. to develop glucokinase activator (GKA) drugs for China as part of the multinational's strategy of using local partners to further the development of innovative drugs that address unmet needs in China. Read More

3SBio Inc., of Shenyang, China, appointed Zhenping Zhu president of research and development and chief scientific officer. Zhu has extensive R&D experience in the biotechnology industry. Prior to joining 3SBio, he served as executive vice president, global biopharmaceuticals for Kadmon Corp., and president of Kadmon China. Read More