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HONG KONG, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 5, the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. As a seven-time attendee of the CIIE, Fosun showcased the latest achievements in innovation and global operations at its Fosun Pharma booth in Hall 7.1, featuring cutting-edge medical devices and innovative pharmaceuticals that made their debut in China. Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International, remarked, "Over the past seven years, CIIE has improved every year, becoming a window for China to build a new development framework, a platform for high-level openness, and an international public product for global sharing. Fosun has been a participant, witness, and beneficiary of the CIIE. Leveraging the CIIE platform, our long-term innovations have continually been put into practice, transforming many 'exhibits' into 'products', and converting many overseas partners from 'exhibitors' into 'investors'. This year, we continue to showcase our latest achievements in integrated innovation in the medical device and health sector, including several 'world's firsts' and 'China's firsts'. We firmly believe that China remains a significant opportunity for global development. Together with more overseas companies and global partners, we will promote more cutting-edge innovations to take root in China, moving forward and achieving mutual success on the grand stage of the CIIE." Stars of CIIE Taking Root, Transforming Ion from "Exhibit" to "Product" Healthcare is one of Fosun's main businesses. With CIIE's "spillover effect," several star products from Fosun, supported by the CIIE "accelerator" effect, have successfully entered the market to serve Chinese patients, transforming from "exhibits" into "products". This year, following the popular da Vinci Surgical System, the Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy made its CIIE debut after receiving domestic approval. Since its first appearance at the CIIE in 2019, Ion caught the attention of visitors. By the end of 2022, Ion entered the National Medical Products Administration's 'Green Channel' for innovative products and gained approval in March 2024, with the first commercial application completed in September. Lung cancer is considered the leading cause of cancer deaths, with 1.06 million new cases in China in 2022. The five-year survival rate is only 19.7%, and bronchoscopy is a key diagnostic tool for early lung cancer detection. The Ion bronchoscopy navigation control system offers innovative features for precise, convenient clinical diagnosis, providing new options for patients. By the third quarter of this year, 736 Ion systems had been installed globally, with over 150,000 Ion procedures performed. Outside the CIIE exhibition hall, Fosun is accelerating the localization of advanced medical devices. In June this year, Intuitive Fosun's headquarter industrial base was launched in Shanghai, marking Intuitive's largest R&D, production, and training center in the Asia-Pacific region. At this base, in addition to the Ion shape-sensing bronchoscopy control system, advanced products and core components, including the da Vinci surgical robot, are gradually achieving "Made in China, joint R&D, and global sales." Accelerating Integrated Innovation to Lead in Neurological Disease Treatment Transformation Fosun has long committed to investing in cutting-edge areas of healthcare, fostering a continuous stream of breakthrough "solid achievements" through an open innovation ecosystem involving independent R&D, collaborative development, licensing, and industry investment. These innovations are continually transformed into new drivers of growth. At this year's CIIE, Fosun introduced several latest products that are leading industry transformation. In the field of neurological disease treatment, especially for conditions like essential tremor and Parkinson's disease, patients have long faced challenges with unmet clinical needs. Traditional drug and surgical treatments often have limitations, but advancements in non-invasive treatment technologies have brought new hope to these patients. Fosun has actively responded to this unmet clinical need. At this year's CIIE, the new V2 model of the CNS (Central Nervous System) innovative treatment technology, the V2 model of "Exablate Neuro FUS system" made its debut in China, generating high expectations within the industry. This new model has already received CE certification in Europe and FDA approval in the United States and submitted a registration application to China's National Medical Products Administration in 2024. The V2 model's innovation lies in providing a non-invasive surgical solution for clinically drug-resistant essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease, while also being compatible with a broader range of MRI models, further enhancing the accessibility of this technology. Last year, Fosun, in partnership with Insightec, showcased the "Exablate Neuro" at CIIE, drawing much attention and continuous interest in collaboration. Leveraging the CIIE's "spillover effect", Fosun Pharma and Insightec established a joint venture, Fosun-Insightec, in February this year. The venture is focused on the marketing and developing clinical efforts of Exablate Neuro FUS system in improving the lives of patient living with essential tremor and Parkinson's disease, working to help them regain their quality life and wellbeing. Focusing on innovating to meet real customer needs is a core methodology for Fosun. Data shows that Fosun has made long-term investments in technological innovation, with an investment of RMB 3.5 billion in the first half of this year. Connecting Globally to Enhance Accessibility of Innovative Drugs, Benefiting more Patients Leveraging the CIIE's openness, Fosun also presented innovative products focused on solid tumors, hematological tumors, and immune-inflammatory conditions. Fosun's seven-year journey at CIIE has facilitated the introductions of global products and enabled the export of local innovations to benefit more patients worldwide. In 2017, Fosun introduced China's first CAR-T cell therapy product, Yi Kai Da (ejilunsai injection). Since then, by continuously participating in the CIIE, Fosun has enabled the public to gain an in-depth understanding of this advanced therapy. At this year's CIIE, Fosun highlighted Yi Kai Da's latest developments in the "accessibility and treatability" in lymphoma treatment. Yi Kai Da is now included in over 110 urban customized commercial health insurances and more than 80 commercial insurances, created a new path of payment mode for patients; and over 170 high-standard treatment centers across 28 regions in China providing treatments for over 900 lymphoma patients, achieving revolutionary innovative breakthroughs for cancer care. As a global company rooted in China, Fosun has an extensive industrial presence in over 35 countries and regions worldwide, with robust global R&D capabilities and impressive progress. This year, Fosun also showcased several innovative products, including the world's first and only dual-channel fixed-dose combination oral formulation, Akynzeo® oral (Netupitant and Palonosetron hydrochloride), which blocks both NK-1 and 5-HT3 receptors; the immunoglobulin Thymoglobulin® for improving transplant patient outcomes; the world's first oral targeted medication for psoriasis, Otezla® (apremilast tablets); a new third-generation COMT inhibitor Ongentys® (Opicapone) for managing symptom fluctuations in adult Parkinson's disease patients; and Parsabiv® (Etelcalcetide Hydrochloride Injection), the only peptide-based calcimimetic for treating secondary hyperparathyroidism in adult dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease. Guo Guangchang concluded, "Participating in CIIE has been a top priority for Fosun for seven consecutive years. We have witnessed CIIE become a crucial platform for global companies to share in China's development opportunities and deepened our global partnerships through this platform. We believe the CIIE stage will continue to expand, and Fosun's journey of innovation and globalization will grow broader." SOURCE Fosun WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

HOUSTON, July 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Charles M. Balch, MD, FACS, FASCO is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member for his contributions to Surgical Oncology and Medical Education. Dr. Charles M. Balch stands as a beacon of excellence in the fields of surgical oncology and medical education, with a global impact that spans continents. With a diverse background and unparalleled expertise, Dr. Balch has dedicated his career to advancing the treatment of cancer and shaping the future of medical professionals worldwide. Continue Reading Charles M Balch, MD, FACS, FASCO Dr. Balch's journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, with a minor in chemistry, from the University of Toledo in Ohio. He furthered his education with a prestigious MD from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, followed by extensive training in general surgical residency at renowned institutions such as Duke University Medical Center and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Balch honed his skills through specialized fellowships in immunology at the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, as well as clinical administrative research with the National Institutes of Health. As a board-certified surgeon with more than 49 years in the medical field, Dr. Balch's impact extends far beyond the operating room. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has held leadership positions in numerous prestigious organizations, including serving as Past President of the Society of Surgical Oncology and Chair of the executive committee for the Commission on Cancer. His contributions to melanoma staging as Chair of the melanoma staging committee for the American Joint Committee on Cancer have been instrumental in advancing cancer care worldwide. A leading authority in both melanoma and breast cancer, as well as immunotherapy, Dr. Balch has made significant contributions to laboratory research in tumor immunology and human T lymphocyte differentiation. He is the author of more than 840 publications which have been cited more than 35,000 times in the biomedical literature (an average of 75 citations per article, h-index of 89). In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Balch has been deeply involved in medical education and research throughout his career. He has served as Executive Vice President and CEO for the American Society of Clinical Oncology and played pivotal roles in organizations such as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the Association for Academic Surgeons. Dr. Balch's commitment to education is further evidenced by his involvement with the founding boards of the NASA Space Center in Houston and the NASA Astronaut Medical Standards Committee. A renowned and exceptional leader in multiple arenas, Dr. Balch is the Founding Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of the Annals of Surgical Oncology, which is recognized as the leading journal in the world in its field, with more than 11,000 surgical and library subscribers in 110 countries; Co-Editor-in-Chief of Chinese Clinical Oncology; Founding Editor-in-Chief of Patient Resource Cancer Guides now in its 15th year, which distributes nearly one million cancer guides (with 51 different titles) to cancer patients each year; President of Cancer Expert Now International; President of International Sentinel Node Society; Professor and Past-Chair of Surgery of the Department of Surgical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. He is the former Executive Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Alexandria, Virginia; President and CEO, City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California; Professor of Surgery, Oncology and Dermatology; Deputy Director for Clinical Trials and Outcomes Research; Director of Johns Hopkins Clinical Research Network Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore, Maryland. Further, Dr. Balch has served on The American Board of Surgery (Board of Directors); the Association of Academic Surgeons (President); The International Sentinel Node Society (as President); the Commission on Cancer (Chair, Board of Directors); the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (Founding Board of Directors); and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (Executive Committee). He holds honorary memberships in 12 national surgical organizations (including the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons; the Japan Surgical Society; the National Academy of Medicine of Mexico; and the European Society of Surgical Oncology); a Ph.D degree (honora causa) from the University of Crete; a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Association of Surgical Oncology; National Academy of Medicine of Mexico Honorary Member; Professor Emeritus from John Hopkins University; and the Highest Alumni Award from his alma mater, The University of Toledo. The doctor has lectured in more than 42 different countries in the world and most of the major academic centers in the United States. As one of the leading melanoma experts in the world, Dr. Balch is the editor of Cutaneous Melanoma, regarded as the authoritative textbook on melanoma, now in its 6th edition through Spring Publications. His contributions to the melanoma literature include over 147 published articles, 6 books, and 154 book chapters or invited educational articles regarding his clinical investigations involving the natural history of melanoma, prognostic factors predicting clinical outcome, and standards of surgical treatment. He has published extensively on the conduct and methodology of clinical research. Dr Balch, Dr Seng-jaw Soong and colleagues performed one of the first prognostic factors analysis for melanoma in a landmark paper which was the first to use the Cox multifactorial regression analysis. They were the first to identify the major prognostic factors for Stage I, II and III melanoma that were the independent predictor of survival, including melanoma ulceration as a key predictor of metastases and interferon sensitivity. Their research on the natural history and predictive factors of melanoma clinical outcome essentially redefined the criteria now used worldwide for stratification criteria and end results reporting of clinical trials as well as TNM staging for melanoma. Dr. Balch is an acclaimed expert in the area of breast cancer and was one of the co-co-principal investigators of the only randomized surgical trial that compared Halsted radical mastectomy with modified radical mastectomy and was one of the pioneers of skin-sparing mastectomies followed by immediate breast reconstruction. As a distinguished professional in immunology research, he was the first to demonstrate that T lymphocytes were bone marrow derived and then processed in the thymus, and first described T lymphocyte distribution in various animal species including rats, guinea pigs, rabbits and monkeys. He was also the first to describe human NK and T Cell differentiation antigens, including the widely studied CD57 lymphocyte antigen. He has numerous articles about tumor and transplantation immunology, with more than 100 scientific publications and book chapters. Dr. Balch attributes much of his success to the guidance and mentorship of esteemed figures in medicine, including the late Dr. Donald Morton, Dr. John R. Durant, and Dr. R. Lee Clark, Jr. Their influence has shaped his approach to patient care, research, and leadership. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Balch is deeply involved in his communities, serving as an Elder and member of multiple churches. He also contributes to humanitarian efforts as Chair of the Board of Directors for Undying Hope International. As Dr. Balch continues to leave an indelible mark on the field of surgical oncology and medical education, his legacy of excellence and compassion serves as an inspiration to all who have the privilege of working alongside him. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE The Inner Circle

Bayer's work to file for approval of elinzanetant is "running at full steam.” Bayer’s master plan for its OASIS program is coming together, with the German drugmaker posting phase 3 data that suggest it could challenge Astellas for a recently unlocked menopause market.  The phase 3 data come from the OASIS 1 and 2 studies. Bayer reported the success of the trials in January, and followed up with news of a hit on a third study in March, but kept the data to itself. With Astellas’ Veozah authorized in the treatment of hot flashes associated with menopause, the details will matter if Bayer wins approval for elinzanetant and starts trying to claim a piece of the market.  Bayer used the 2024 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists annual meeting to reveal the data behind the hits on the co-primary endpoints. Both studies looked at the effect of elinzanetant on the severity and frequency of hot flashes after four weeks and 12 weeks of oral daily doses.  In OASIS 1, Bayer reported mean reductions versus placebo in the frequency of hot flashes of 3.29 at Week 4 and 3.22 at Week 12. The Week 4 and Week 12 reductions in frequency in OASIS 2 were 3.04 and 3.24, respectively. Astellas won approval on the strength of phase 3 trials that linked Veozah to placebo-adjusted reductions (PDF) in hot flash frequency of 2.1 and 2.6 at week 4 and 2.6 and 2.5 at week 12. Comparing data across different clinical trials can give misleading impressions but the available evidence suggests Bayer could be competitive. Across OASIS 1 and 2, Bayer reported mean reductions versus placebo for severity of 0.33 and 0.22 at Week 4 and 0.40 and 0.28 at Week 12. Astellas reported placebo-adjusted reductions in severity of 0.2 and 0.3 at both Week 4 and Week 12.   Sleep is an area in which elinzanetant may have an edge over Astellas’ neurokinin-3 (NK-3) antagonist Veozah. Elinzanetant acts on both NK-3 and NK-1, a related receptor that research suggests may have effects on insomnia and mood unrelated to menopause. Bayer reported statistically significant improvements in sleep disturbances and menopause-related quality of life. Astellas has also posted positive sleep data. With three phase 3 successes under its belt, Bayer is preparing to file for approval of elinzanetant. Bayer CEO Bill Anderson said “preparations to obtain first market authorizations are running at full steam” on an earnings call this week. The molecule, which Bayer acquired in its KaNDy Therapeutics buyout, is part of a thin late-phase pipeline that needs to offset anticipated generic erosion of Eylea and Xarelto sales.