Ascentage Pharma
Ascentage Pharma is a China-based, dual-listed biopharmaceutical company developing novel small-molecule therapies that modulate programmed cell death for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, with two NRDL-approved products in China (Olverembatinib for CML and Lisaftoclax for CLL) and 40+ ongoing global clinical trials.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersSuzhou, China
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Ascentage Pharma does
Ascentage Pharma is a China-based, globally oriented clinical-to-commercial biopharmaceutical company founded in 2009, dual-listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (6855.HK, since October 2019) and NASDAQ (AAPG, since January 2025), with approximately 800 employees and headquarters in Beijing plus R&D operations in Suzhou. The company focuses exclusively on developing novel small-molecule therapies that modulate programmed cell death — primarily BCR-ABL inhibitors, Bcl-2 family inhibitors, MDM2-p53 inhibitors, and emerging PROTAC-based protein degraders — to address hematologic malignancies and selected solid tumors. Two products are commercially approved in China: Olverembatinib (耐立克/Nailike), a third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor for chronic myeloid leukemia that generated US$62.2M of 2025 sales (80.6% YoY growth after NRDL coverage expansion), and Lisaftoclax (利生妥/Lishengtu), a Bcl-2 selective inhibitor for chronic lymphocytic leukemia that delivered US$10.1M in its first five months on market.
The business operates a hybrid model that combines direct commercialization in China — distributing Olverembatinib and Lisaftoclax through hospital and pharmacy channels under China's National Reimbursement Drug List — with a partnership-driven ex-China strategy anchored by a Takeda option to commercialize Olverembatinib outside China following a US$75M equity investment. Co-development and combination-therapy collaborations with Merck (Keytruda + APG-115), Pfizer (Ibrance + Lisaftoclax), AstraZeneca/Acerta (Calquence + Lisaftoclax), and Innovent Biologics (CD20/CD47 antibodies + Lisaftoclax) broaden the pipeline's commercial surface area. The portfolio is supported by 512 authorized patents (374 overseas), 16 FDA and 1 EU orphan drug designations, 2 FDA Pediatric Rare Disease designations, 2 FDA Fast Track designations, 3 CDE Priority Reviews, and a CDE Breakthrough Therapy designation.
Revenue is driven primarily by NRDL-priced product sales, with FY2025 product revenue of US$82.1M (90% YoY growth) on a 91% gross margin, alongside episodic licensing and IP payments — FY2024 total revenue of US$134.3M included a US$92.9M IP payment that did not recur in 2025. Operating losses remain substantial (FY2025 EBITDA of -US$161.9M, net loss of -US$177.7M), funded by a US$353.2M cash balance built from the 2024 Takeda investment and 2024-2025 placement, IPO, and follow-on equity raises. Nine registrational Phase III trials and 40+ ongoing studies across China, the US, Australia, and Europe, plus the 2026 dual IND clearance of the BTK PROTAC degrader APG-3288, indicate continued reinvestment in global development rather than near-term operating leverage.
Ascentage Pharma firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ascentage Pharma
- Legal name
- Ascentage Pharma Group International Limited (亚盛医药)
- Website
- https://ascentagepharma.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Ascentage Pharma is a China-based, dual-listed biopharmaceutical company developing novel small-molecule therapies that modulate programmed cell death for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, with two NRDL-approved products in China (Olverembatinib for CML and Lisaftoclax for CLL) and 40+ ongoing global clinical trials.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ascentage Pharma industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Oncology Pharmaceuticals
- NAICS
- Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412)
- SIC
- Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Oncology & Hematology Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Translational Medicine & Biomarkers (HLAIALAF)
Keywords
Where Ascentage Pharma is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Suzhou
- HQ country
- China
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices3 records
Markets served
Ascentage Pharma business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Product Sales: Revenue from commercialized products in China: Olverembatinib (耐立克) sales of $62.2 million in 2025 (80.6% YoY growth following NRDL coverage expansion) and newly launched Lisaftoclax (利沙托克拉) generating $10.1 million in its first five months on market.
- Intellectual Property Revenue: License and IP revenue recorded in prior year (2024 had $92.9 million in IP revenue with no comparable revenue in 2025).
- Equity Investments: Non-dilutive capital from strategic partners including Takeda's $75 million equity investment in June 2024, $132.5 million IPO in January 2025, and $190.1 million follow-on offering in July 2025.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Products covered by China's National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Ascentage Pharma product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ascentage Pharma is a global biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes novel small-molecule therapies modulating apoptosis pathways (BCR-ABL, Bcl-2, MDM2-p53) and protein degradation (PROTAC) for cancer treatment. The company sells two approved products in China — Olverembatinib (耐立克) for chronic myeloid leukemia and Lisaftoclax (利生妥) for chronic lymphocytic leukemia — and runs a clinical pipeline targeting hematologic malignancies and solid tumors across 40+ global trials.
Product overview
Ascentage Pharma is a global biopharmaceutical company with two approved products in China (Olverembatinib for CML and Lisaftoclax for CLL) and a pipeline of novel drug candidates targeting hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The company's drug candidates focus on modulating programmed cell death pathways, including BCR-ABL inhibitors, Bcl-2 family inhibitors, MDM2-p53 inhibitors, and BTK PROTAC degraders. Currently conducting multiple global registrational Phase III trials and over 40 clinical trials across China, US, Australia, and Europe.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- 耐立克 (Nailike): Brand name for olverembatinib (奥雷巴替尼), China's first approved third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor
- 利生妥 (Lishengtuo)
Products and services
- 耐立克®奥雷巴替尼 (Olverembatinib) China's first approved third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment, marketed under the brand name 耐立克® (Nailike). Demonstrates deep and durable responses in patients resistant to prior TKI therapies, including 91.3% complete cytogenetic response rate in second-line CP-CML therapy and 94.4% complete remission rate in newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL patients (POLARIS-1 Phase III).
- 利生妥®利沙托克拉 (Lisaftoclax/APG-2575) Bcl-2 selective inhibitor approved by China's NMPA for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Generates positive Phase II data in relapsed/refractory CLL/SLL and myeloid malignancies. Sold under the brand name 利生妥® (Lishengtuo) in China.
- APG-115 (Alrizomadlin) MDM2-p53 inhibitor in clinical development for various cancer indications including leukemia, advanced solid tumors, and pediatric sarcomas. Combined with Merck's KEYTRUDA in clinical collaboration for advanced solid tumors.
- APG-1252 (Pelcitoclax) Dual BCL-2/Bcl-xL inhibitor for cancer treatment being co-developed with the U.S. NCI under a CRADA agreement.
- APG-3288 Novel BTK-targeted protein degrader utilizing proprietary PROTAC technology to induce degradation of both wild-type BTK and multiple BTK mutants associated with resistance to existing BTK inhibitors. Designed for relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies.
- APG-2449 Novel drug candidate being studied in preclinical and clinical development for combination therapies across multiple cancer models including endometrial carcinoma and mantle cell lymphoma.
- APG-5918 Investigational preclinical drug candidate being studied for BRAF V600E-mutant tumors and small-cell lung cancer.
Quantifiable outcome
- 94.4% complete remission rate in newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL patients (POLARIS-1 Phase III)
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Ascentage Pharma
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Ascentage Pharma technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Ascentage Pharma partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Innovent Biologics (信达生物制药)coreStrategic cooperation signed July 2021 for co-development and co-commercialization of Olverembatinib in China, clinical collaboration for Lisaftoclax (APG-2575) with Innovent's CD20 antibody (达伯华) and CD47 antibody (letaplimab/IBI188), and equity investment of $50 million at HK$44.0 per share with warrants at HK$57.2.
- Merck (MSD)coreGlobal clinical research partnership established July 2020 for APG-115 (MDM2-p53 inhibitor) combined with Merck's PD-1单抗 KEYTRUDA (pabolizumab) to evaluate efficacy in advanced solid tumors.
- PfizermajorClinical collaboration and drug supply agreement signed November 2021 for Lisaftoclax (APG-2575) combined with Pfizer's CDK4/6 inhibitor Ibrance (palbociclib) for treatment of recurrent, locally advanced or metastatic ER+/HER2- breast cancer.
- AstraZeneca (Acerta Pharma)majorGlobal clinical research partnership established June 2020 with AstraZeneca's hematology R&D center (Acerta Pharma) for APG-2575 combined with Acerta's BTK inhibitor (acalabrutinib) in relapsed/refractory CLL/SLL patients. October 2023 expansion to joint Phase III registrational study (APG2575CC301) for first-line CLL/SLL treatment.
- UNITY BiotechnologyminorStrategic relationship established January 2019 for molecular development of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL/Mcl-1 inhibitor library for aging-related diseases. Agreement validates patent portfolio, enhances research capabilities, and expands commercialization rights globally.
- University of MichigancoreGlobal exclusive license agreement for patents related to PPI (protein-protein interaction) and cell apoptosis, based on long-term academic collaboration. Core technology platform support.
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)majorCollaborative R&D agreement (CRADA) signed July 2021 with NCI (under NIH) for clinical and non-clinical development of APG-1252 (pelcitoclax), dual Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitor.
- China Pharmaceutical University (中国药科大学)minorCo-founded 'Ascentage-China Pharmaceutical University Innovation and Industrialization Joint Research Institute' signed December 2021. Aims to create leading biopharmaceutical innovation R&D and industry translation center, conducting breakthrough and disruptive drug R&D.
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases (国家血液系统疾病临床医学研究中心)minorStrategic cooperation signed July 2020 to co-build research institute focusing on hematologic malignancies, covering tumor basic research, clinical treatment research, innovative drug R&D, talent cultivation, and core technology platform development.
- Mayo Clinic (梅奥医学中心)minorAcademic institution partnership for clinical research collaboration in hematologic malignancies.
- Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteminorAcademic institution partnership for cancer research collaboration.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Ascentage Pharma competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- BeOne Medicines (formerly BeiGene): China-originated oncology biopharma with a global commercial footprint and dual NASDAQ/HKEX listing, focused on hematologic malignancies including BTK inhibitor Brukinsa. Most directly comparable in trajectory, listing structure, and oncology focus to Ascentage.
- HUTCHMED: Hong Kong-headquartered, dual-listed (NASDAQ/HKEX) Chinese oncology biopharma with multiple approved products and global registrational studies. Closely parallels Ascentage's strategic profile of China-originated novel oncology drug development with US expansion ambitions.
- Innovent Biologics: Chinese biopharma with both biologics and small-molecule oncology assets, multiple approved products, and HKEX listing. Direct strategic partner of Ascentage with co-development/co-commercialization arrangements on Olverembatinib and Lisaftoclax.
Broad incumbents
- AbbVie: Global oncology incumbent whose Venetoclax (Venclexta) is the entrenched Bcl-2 inhibitor in CLL, directly competing with Ascentage's Lisaftoclax; also markets Imbruvica in BTK-driven hematologic malignancies overlapping Ascentage's pipeline.
- Bristol Myers Squibb: Major oncology incumbent whose Sprycel (dasatinib) is a leading second-line CML therapy and a direct competitor to Olverembatinib in TKI-resistant settings. Established global hematology commercial infrastructure and clinical evidence base.
- Novartis: Global oncology leader with Tasigna (nilotinib) and Scemblix (asciminib) as established CML therapies. Represents the entrenched competitive set Olverembatinib must displace in CML.
- AstraZeneca: Acerta Pharma's Calquence (acalabrutinib) is a leading BTK inhibitor; AstraZeneca is also Ascentage's Lisaftoclax combination partner. Both a competitor and strategic collaborator, mirroring Ascentage's relationship with Takeda.
Emerging players
- Arvinas: Pioneer in targeted protein degradation (PROTAC) technology with clinical-stage assets in oncology. Closest mechanistic peer to Ascentage's APG-3288 BTK PROTAC degrader program.
- Kymera Therapeutics: Clinical-stage PROTAC-focused biotech developing protein degraders in oncology and immunology. Comparable to Ascentage's emerging BTK degrader platform in technology category.
Regional players
- Hansoh Pharmaceutical: Major China-domestic pharmaceutical company with oncology pipeline and HKEX listing. Comparable in domestic Chinese market positioning and innovator drug focus, though less globally oriented than Ascentage.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Ascentage Pharma social profiles
Digital presenceAscentage Pharma compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Ascentage Pharma financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ascentage Pharma leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Ascentage Pharma subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Ascentage Pharma funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds5 records
Investors16 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ascentage Pharma M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ascentage Pharma
What does Ascentage Pharma do?
Ascentage Pharma is a global biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes novel small-molecule therapies modulating apoptosis pathways (BCR-ABL, Bcl-2, MDM2-p53) and protein degradation (PROTAC) for cancer treatment. The company sells two approved products in China — Olverembatinib (耐立克) for chronic myeloid leukemia and Lisaftoclax (利生妥) for chronic lymphocytic leukemia — and runs a clinical pipeline targeting hematologic malignancies and solid tumors across 40+ global trials.
Is Ascentage Pharma a public or private company?
Ascentage Pharma is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Ascentage Pharma founded?
Ascentage Pharma was founded in 2009. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Ascentage Pharma based?
Ascentage Pharma is headquartered in Suzhou, China, in the Asia region.
How does Ascentage Pharma make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are intellectual Property Revenue and equity Investments.
Who are Ascentage Pharma's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are BeOne Medicines (formerly BeiGene), HUTCHMED and Innovent Biologics. Broad incumbents are AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis and AstraZeneca. Emerging players are Arvinas and Kymera Therapeutics. Hansoh Pharmaceutical is listed as a regional player.
Does Ascentage Pharma have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ascentage Pharma.
What industry is Ascentage Pharma in?
Ascentage Pharma's product category is Oncology Pharmaceuticals. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAIAAAC, Oncology & Hematology Pharmaceuticals, with a secondary code of HLAIALAF, Translational Medicine & Biomarkers. Its NAICS code is 325412 and its SIC code is 2834.