Shanghai GoBroad Cancer Hospital. [Photo/WeChat ID: pdnews]

Shanghai GoBroad Cancer Hospital, located in the China (Shanghai) Free Trade Zone, marked a major milestone when it prescribed Capivasertib tablets to a patient in Shanghai for the first time.

This comes after the drug received approval from the China National Medical Products Administration in April. The patient, Ms Li, who has advanced breast cancer, had previously undergone endocrine therapy without success. The new prescription offers her a promising treatment option that could improve her prognosis and extend her life.

As the first research-oriented hospital in the FTZ, Shanghai GoBroad has introduced seven innovative drugs since it opened. The hospital is also currently conducting 40 clinical trials, highlighting its commitment to bringing cutting-edge treatments to patients faster.

Research-oriented hospitals like GoBroad stand out by combining clinical practice with research to achieve breakthroughs. Professor Li Jin, the hospital's director, explained that their goal is to diagnose and treat complex tumors and innovate in biopharmaceuticals and medical devices. The hospital aims to meet international standards and China's innovation needs, improving the speed and quality of clinical research.

The hospital has developed a streamlined process to quickly introduce new drugs, ensuring they reach patients and are included in insurance plans as swiftly as possible. In addition to Capivasertib, the hospital has introduced several other groundbreaking drugs, including the first PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, ivonescimab, and the first domestic KRAS G12C inhibitor, Fluzerasib. These drugs offer new treatment options for various cancers, benefiting over 200 patients so far.

China's pharmaceutical industry is rapidly evolving, supported by policies that encourage demand-driven drug development. However, clinical trials remain complex and slow. To address this, Shanghai GoBroad has developed a "smart clinical trial platform" that uses digital tools to streamline processes like protocol design, data management, and patient recruitment.

This platform enhances efficiency and reduces errors, helping the hospital lead in drug development. Currently, the hospital operates 400 beds, with plans to add 300 more by 2027. "In the next few years, we plan to dedicate 50 percent of our beds to clinical research and conduct about 20 innovative drug studies annually," Professor Li said.

The hospital is setting a new standard for how quickly innovative treatments can reach patients, offering hope and new options to those with challenging cancer diagnoses.