At the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), Asieris Pharmaceuticals and the China Women’s Development Foundation signed a strategic cooperation agreement for the “Fertility-Friendly Cervical Health Initiative.” The partnership will prioritize two key objectives: promoting women’s reproductive health and preventing and treating cervical cancer, with a primary emphasis on women of childbearing age. This public welfare initiative aims to safeguard fertility while advancing cervical cancer prevention and treatment.
The Outline for Healthy China 2030 Initiative and the Outline for Women’s Development in China (2021-2030) both highlight “cervical cancer prevention and treatment” and “promoting reproductive health” as primary goals for women’s health. In 2020, data revealed that 3.5 million women in China had cervical precancerous lesions, with about 20% of high-grade lesions likely to progress to invasive cervical cancer within 10 years. According to the National Health Commission, rising industrialization, urbanization and changing lifestyles are increasing HPV infection rates and the risk of cervical cancer in women, with cases occurring at younger ages. Current cervical cancer treatments remain primarily surgical, posing risks like bleeding, infection, cervical stenosis, and premature abortion, which can impact fertility. As fertility rates decline and infertility rises, preventing cervical cancer becomes increasingly complex, especially during the critical “fertility preservation” period. The State Council has recently issued the Several Measures to Accelerate the Improvement of the Fertility Support Policy System to Promote the Construction of a Fertility-Friendly Society, providing a roadmap for implementing the “Fertility-Friendly Cervical Health Initiative.”
To advance this cause, the China Women’s Development Foundation has launched the “Fertility-Friendly Cervical Health Initiative.” As a dedicated partner, Asieris Pharmaceuticals will contribute funding and resources over the next three years to support this initiative. The program aims to enhance fertility awareness and health management among women of childbearing age through targeted health education. It will also provide specialized training for healthcare professionals to strengthen their expertise and capabilities in cervical cancer prevention and care. Additionally, efforts will focus on bridging gaps in equitable access to fertility-friendly cervical cancer prevention across regions and demographics.
Du Rui, Chair of the China Women’s Development Foundation, said, “As a leading national foundation under the All-China Women’s Federation dedicated to supporting women and their families, the China Women’s Development Foundation has long prioritized women’s health. The Fertility-Friendly Cervical Health Initiative, launched in partnership with Asieris Pharmaceuticals, further enhances the existing three-tier cervical cancer prevention system and represents a concrete step toward advancing the Healthy China strategy and fostering a fertility-friendly society.” She also expressed her gratitude and appreciation to Asieris Pharmaceuticals for its support of public welfare initiatives for women’s health.
Kevin Pan, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Asieris Pharmaceuticals, said, “Asieris Pharmaceuticals is deeply committed to addressing women’s health needs. Our non-invasive treatment for precancerous cervical lesions, APL-1702, fills a critical gap in clinical care, supporting a fertility-friendly society and safeguarding women’s well-being. Our partnership with the China Women’s Development Foundation is a powerful testament to our dedication to social responsibility. Looking ahead, Asieris Pharmaceuticals will continue collaborating with partners across society to advance fertility-friendly cervical cancer prevention and contribute to the Healthy China initiative.”
