On January 4, the Hubei Provincial Science and Technology Innovation Conference was grandly held at Hongshan Auditorium, where the 2025 “61020” Full-Chain Innovation Achievements were officially released. Hiteck Biopharmaceutical’s independently developed National Class 1 innovative drug, Aponermin for Injection, was successfully selected as one of the 20 landmark innovative products, marking high-level recognition of the company’s original breakthrough in the field of oncology therapeutics.

A Global First-in-Class Mechanism Opening a New Pathway in Cancer Treatment

Aponermin for Injection is a cyclized allosteric variant of tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and is the world’s first approved DR4/DR5 agonist. By selectively binding to the death receptors DR4 and DR5 on the surface of tumor cells, the drug activates the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, triggering a caspase cascade reaction that induces tumor cell apoptosis.

This mechanism of action is highly selective and independent of p53 gene status, enabling effective tumor cell killing while minimizing effects on normal cells. As a result, Aponermin provides a novel therapeutic option for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Multiple Authoritative Recognitions and Significantly Improved Accessibility

With its demonstrated clinical efficacy, Aponermin has been included in multiple authoritative domestic clinical treatment guidelines and was successfully added to the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) in 2024. This inclusion has substantially reduced patients’ financial burden and greatly improved drug accessibility.

The product has previously received several major industry awards, with its innovative value and social impact widely recognized.

About the “61020” Innovation Framework

The “61020” initiative is a systematic measure launched by Hubei Province to advance scientific and technological innovation. Each year, it selects:

• 6 major basic research achievements
• 10 key core technologies
• 20 landmark innovative products

Focusing on strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, biomedicine, advanced manufacturing, and new materials, the framework aims to strengthen full-chain innovation efforts and support the development of new-quality productive forces.

The selection of Aponermin not only reflects Hiteck Biopharmaceutical’s strong R&D capabilities but also represents a significant industrial contribution to Hubei’s goal of becoming a national center for scientific and technological innovation.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Indications to Benefit More Patients

Going forward, Hiteck Biopharmaceutical will continue to advance clinical research of Aponermin across additional oncology indications, enabling this globally first-in-class innovative drug to benefit a broader patient population and inject sustained momentum into the high-quality development of China’s innovative pharmaceutical industry.