Fosun has long introduced the concept of integrated innovation.

The first aspect involves bringing in technology and localizing research and development (R&D) and innovation, with CAR-T cell therapy as a prime example.

The second aspect focuses on independent research and development, building innovation capabilities to develop first-in-class drugs.

How do we pursue innovation through independent R&D?

Shanghai Henlius, which is the pharmaceutical innovation platform under Fosun, initially focused on developing biosimilars and has since established a comprehensive biopharmaceutical industry chain that covers various therapeutic areas, including oncology, autoimmune diseases, and ophthalmology, with a strong emphasis on meeting patients' unmet clinical needs.

For example, small cell lung cancer is one of the most aggressive and deadly types of cancer, often deemed untreatable due to the lack of effective treatment options. With unmet clinical needs, along with extensive clinical data, market research, and feedback from clinical applications, Fosun has been steadfast in advancing clinical trials for this indication.

HANSIZHUANG is often considered as a game-changer, both for being the world’s first anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody for first-line treatment of small cell lung cancer1and for its mechanism. When cancer cells disguise themselves to evade detection by T cells, HANSIZHUANG binds to the PD-1 receptor on the surface of T cells, effectively blocking this receptor. This action prevents cancer cells from evading detection, allowing T cells to initiate an immune response and destroy the cancer cells.

HANSIZHUANG has successfully been licensed to over 70 countries and regions, and the first overseas shipment has been completed.

This achievement underscores Fosun’s innovation capabilities and demonstrates its global competitiveness through overseas expansion.

Remarks: 

On 25 March 2022, Shanghai Henlius announced that its first independently developed innovative biologic medicine, the PD-1 inhibitor, HANSIZHUANG (generic name: serplulimab injection), was officially approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the treatment of adult patients with advanced unresectable or metastatic Microsatellite Instability-High (MSI-H) solid tumors that have failed to respond to previous standard therapy.

Having discussed all of this, what’s the next step for integrated innovation now that we have built our independent R&D capabilities?

Fosun has been working closely with Intuitive Surgical in the U.S. to localize the production of the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, often referred to as the "king of surgery." This collaboration allows us to develop and manufacture the Da Vinci system in China. Additionally, the Ion Bronchial navigation operation control system (Ion System) has gradually been installed in hospitals following its marketing approval in China. Currently, the new production line for the Da Vinci system and the consumables production line for the Ion System have been launched at Intuitive Fosun Headquarters Industrial Base in Pudong, Shanghai. With technology introduced and local production established, the next step is to fully meet market demand.

Another example of advancing integrated innovation is Easun Technology, which acquired FFT, the world's largest provider of flexible automation production line solutions, in 2019. Since the acquisition, Easun Technology has served clients such as BMW with their new energy power systems, as well as clients in the food and beverage industry. The next step in integrated innovation is to broaden our scope and address the needs of more clients.

Innovation is essentially about...

Addressing the real needs of clients, which is what truly creates value for them." said Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International.

In the first half of 2024, Fosun invested RMB3.5 billion in innovation.

Fosun's investment in innovation will continue to drive profit growth in first-in-class drugs, cutting-edge medical devices, intelligent manufacturing, financial services, and family consumption, with the primary focus always on solving problems.