Innovent Biologics and Eli Lilly and Company have signed a distribution and promotion agreement for Lilly’s CDK4/6 inhibitor Verzenios (abemaciclib) in mainland China. Under the deal, Innovent will handle importation, marketing, distribution and promotion of Verzenios, while Lilly will remain responsible for manufacturing, supply and ongoing development.
Verzenios, developed by Lilly, is approved in China for multiple breast cancer indications. In early breast cancer, it is indicated in combination with endocrine therapy (tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor) for adjuvant treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, node-positive disease at high risk of recurrence. In locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, Verzenios is approved for HR-positive, HER2-negative disease: in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy in postmenopausal women; in combination with fulvestrant for patients whose disease has progressed on prior endocrine therapy; and in combination with imlunestrant for adult patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative, ESR1‑mutated locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer previously treated with endocrine therapy.
Verzenios entered China’s National Reimbursement Drug List Class B in 2021 as the first CDK4/6 inhibitor covered by national reimbursement and renewed its listing in 2025, securing reimbursement across both early and advanced breast cancer indications. The new agreement gives Innovent sole commercialization rights for Verzenios in mainland China, with Lilly retaining its role as Marketing Authorization Holder. The collaboration adds a seventh partnered, on‑market product in China to Innovent’s portfolio and marks its 19th product overall, while Lilly highlights the deal as part of its broader effort to expand access to its oncology medicines in the country.
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