Key Takeaways:
CStone Pharmaceuticals (2616.HK) initiated the nationwide commercial supply of its locally manufactured cancer drug pralsetinib, projecting annual sales to exceed RMB 300 million after a more than 430 percent year-over-year sales surge.
The company announced the milestone Friday, highlighting a critical step toward an autonomous domestic supply chain for the highly selective RET inhibitor, which is marketed as Gavreto.
The sales boom follows pralsetinib's inclusion in China’s National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) effective January 1, 2026. As of April, terminal sales volume had climbed by over 430% compared to the previous year, prompting the company to forecast full-year 2026 revenue for the drug of more than RMB 300 million.
The move to localize production for its 100 mg pralsetinib capsules is designed to meet the rapidly growing clinical demand, improve cost efficiency, and bolster profit margins. This secures the supply chain for a key revenue driver in China's vast oncology market.
Pralsetinib is a once-daily oral targeted therapy approved in mainland China for treating RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and thyroid cancer. CStone emphasized that the locally produced version matches all quality and efficacy standards of the imported drug, ensuring a seamless transition for patients and providers.
CStone Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative oncology therapies in China. The group's growing portfolio addresses advanced solid tumors with a strategic focus on the Chinese and greater Asian markets.
The successful transition to a localized supply chain de-risks CStone's revenue stream for pralsetinib and strengthens its competitive position in the Chinese market. Investors will be watching for the company's next earnings report to see the full impact of the NRDL inclusion on profit margins.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
