Chinese Biotech Firms Collaborate with U.S. Companies to Advance Oncology Treatments
At the ASCO 2026 conference, the collaboration between Chinese biotech firms and U.S. companies was highlighted as a significant development in the field of oncology. Betta Pharmaceuticals, a Chinese company, and Miami-based Xcovery have been working together for nearly a decade on X-396, a next-generation ALK inhibitor for lung cancer. Dr. Li Mao, president of R&D and chief medical officer at Betta Pharmaceuticals, and Dr. Giovanni Selvaggi, chief medical officer of Xcovery Holdings, discussed their partnership and the evolution of the Chinese biotech scene. The discussion emphasized the shift from China being a fast follower to a leader in novel therapies, and how this growth is compensating for challenges faced by U.S. biotechs. The conference also highlighted the importance of precision medicine and the need for regulatory frameworks to keep pace with rapid innovation in cancer care. 
