CASI Pharmaceuticals administers first FOLOTYN dose in China for PTCL treatment

In a significant stride toward addressing the critical medical needs of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) patients in China, CASI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CASI), a trailblazer in the biopharmaceutical sector, has achieved a milestone by administering the first dose of FOLOTYN (Pralatrexate Injection) to a patient. This landmark event underscores CASI’s commitment to the development and commercialization of innovative therapeutic and pharmaceutical products, particularly in markets with substantial unmet medical demands.

FOLOTYN (Pralatrexate) represents a significant advancement in the treatment of PTCL, a challenging and aggressive form of cancer. As a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor, pralatrexate boasts a mechanism that allows for more effective internalization into tumor cells, potentially enhancing its anti-cancer effects compared to traditional treatments like methotrexate. Clinical studies in China have showcased pralatrexate’s remarkable efficacy, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 52% and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 4.8 months—figures that stand in stark contrast to the ORR of 29% and a median PFS of 3.5 months reported from the PROPEL study in the US.

With its approval in the United States, Japan, and now China, pralatrexate emerges as a promising treatment option for Chinese patients battling relapsed or refractory PTCL. This development not only enhances the therapeutic landscape for PTCL but also reflects the global effort to advance cancer care through innovative solutions.

Dr. Wei-Wu He, CEO of CASI Pharmaceuticals, expressed his enthusiasm for this pivotal achievement, stating, “The dosing of the first patient with FOLOTYN in China marks a significant achievement for CASI. It reflects our unwavering commitment to bringing advanced therapeutic options to patients, particularly in therapeutic areas with substantial unmet medical needs. This is a proud moment for our team and a step forward in our mission to transform patient care through innovation.”

The introduction of FOLOTYN in China by CASI Pharmaceuticals represents a significant advancement in the fight against peripheral T-cell lymphoma. By offering a more effective treatment option, CASI Pharmaceuticals not only addresses a critical gap in PTCL care but also exemplifies the role of innovation in overcoming the challenges of cancer treatment. This milestone not only brings new hope to patients but also sets a precedent for future therapeutic developments in the oncology field.