(November 5, 2024, Shanghai) Asieris Meditech (Hong Kong) Co., Limited, a global biotech company specializing in life sciences, made its debut at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE). In collaboration with key partners, the company is showcasing a pioneering prevention and control system aimed at accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer in the CIIE innovation incubation zone. Asieris also debuted several cutting-edge products and technologies at the CIIE, including the world’s first non-invasive treatment for precancerous cervical lesions, a revolutionary alternative to traditional surgery that preserves cervical integrity. This innovative product safeguards women’s fertility while enhancing efforts to eliminate cervical cancer, contributing to China’s commitment to fertility-friendly prevention strategies for cervical cancer.
Comprehensive Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Exhibition at CIIE
The innovative system for accelerating cervical cancer elimination is a holistic, three-tiered approach, combining vaccination, screening, early diagnosis and treatment to protect women’s reproductive health and curb the onset of cervical cancer. At this year’s CIIE, Asieris Hong Kong, in collaboration with more than 10 partners, such as Roche Diagnostics Cervical Cancer Innovation Platform, Hologic Women’s Health Diagnostics Innovation Center, and QIAGEN Smart Innovation Park, presented a comprehensive cervical cancer prevention and control system in a real-life exhibit, with support and guidance from the Cancer Foundation of China.
Cervical cancer is a highly preventable disease with a well-established cause. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, through adoption of a resolution by 194 countries, including China. To advance the Healthy China 2030 initiative, and support the WHO’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, the Chinese government has issued key policies, including the Healthy China Initiative: Implementation Plan for Cancer Prevention and Control and the Action Plan for Accelerating Elimination of Cervical Cancer (2023-2030). At a recent press briefing on “Accelerating Elimination of Cervical Cancer,” the National Health Commission revealed that the risk of cervical cancer is rising in China, particularly among younger women, signaling that there is still much to be done in the fight to control and prevent this disease.
Global and China Debut of Cutting-Edge Products to Advance Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control
The prevention and control system integrates new products, technologies, and services from around the globe, spotlighting essential components and processes in the comprehensive cervical cancer prevention and control chain. At this year’s CIIE, a selection of pioneering products and technologies made their global and China debut, showcasing cutting-edge advancements that represent new quality productive forces. Key highlights include the world’s first photodynamic drug-device combination for the non-invasive treatment of precancerous cervical lesions, with efficacy proven in a global phase III trial; the first HPV test product to receive WHO prequalification (PQ) certification for cervical cancer screening; the first and only FDA-approved digital diagnostic system with an AI algorithm for cervical diagnosis; and the cobas HPV test kit, the first FDA-approved primary screening tool for cervical cancer.
Among the standout innovations at this year’s CIIE is APL-1702, an advanced product from Asieris Hong Kong designed for the non-invasive treatment of precancerous cervical lesions. This unique solution consists of a photosensitizer with a 100-fold increase in absorption capacity, a 635-nanometer wavelength, and a low-power 7-milliwatt LED red light, all integrated into a portable photodynamic therapy system for cervical health. This novel treatment is poised to transform the “one-size-fits-all” surgical approach to managing precancerous cervical lesions.
Innovative Solution to Preserve Women’s Fertility and Cervical Health, Enabling Fertility-Friendly Cervical Cancer Prevention Strategies
Treating precancerous cervical lesions is a crucial step in preventing cervical cancer. Yet, surgery, as the current go-to option, often brings serious side effects, including bleeding, infection, and damage to cervical structure. It can further lead to preterm birth, miscarriage, and compromised fertility, impacting women’s quality of life. There is an urgent need for non-invasive treatment options that preserve cervical health and safeguard fertility.
The introduction of APL-1702 marks a meaningful shift from the one-size-fits-all surgical approach to a non-invasive alternative. This innovative treatment brings new hope to patients by potentially reversing disease progression while preserving the cervix, lowering recurrence risks, and supporting long-term management of precancerous conditions. Most importantly, it offers a pathway for women to retain their fertility, addressing a major concern and brightening their future.
In the recent directive Several Measures to Accelerate the Improvement of the Fertility Support Policy System to Promote the Construction of a Fertility-Friendly Society, the State Council emphasizes the importance of achieving balanced fertility rates and fostering high-quality population development. APL-1702 stands out as a key component in this comprehensive cervical cancer prevention strategy. By aligning top-tier medical solutions with population development objectives, it will contribute to China’s fertility-friendly approach to cervical cancer prevention, which aims to accelerate cancer elimination while protecting women’s fertility.
Dr. Kevin Pan, founder, chairman, and CEO of Asieris Hong Kong, said, “As a global innovative pharmaceutical company, we are thrilled to showcase our groundbreaking product APL-1702 at this year’s China International Import Expo. The expo serves as a premium platform to demonstrate global innovations and technologies, and provides unparalleled opportunities for growth companies like ours. We look forward to leveraging the spillover effect of the CIIE to fast-track APL-1702’s launch in China, benefiting more patients sooner and contributing to China’s goals of cervical cancer elimination and the development of a fertility-friendly society.”
Note: As of this release date, APL-1702 has yet to be approved in China and is presented solely for display at the 2024 China International Import Expo. The information provided is not intended for patients. For more details about the condition, please consult a healthcare professional.
