Penpulimab (trade name: 安尼可®), the only differentiated PD-1 monoclonal antibody independently developed by Zhongshan-based company Akeso, has been approved for marketing by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) in combination with chemotherapy.

This is the fourth indication for Penpulimab, signifying its full-stage coverage of NPC treatment from the first to the third line. It provides patients with a full-course immunotherapy option.

Penpulimab has also been approved for the first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic squamous NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) and the treatment of relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin's lymphoma after at least second-line systemic therapy.

Related News: Zhongshan entrepreneur makes China's 100 power businesswomen list

The 2025 Forbes China's 100 Power Businesswomen list was recently unveiled. Michelle Xia, founder, chairwoman, president and CEO of Akeso, made the list.

Michelle Xiais an expert in molecular biology and antibody drug development. She established Akeso at the National Health Technology Park in Zhongshan in 2012.