BeiGene is a Chinese clinical-stage, immuno-oncology company focused on developing molecularly targeted drugs for the treatment of cancer. The Company focuses on attacking the underlying mechanisms of cancer through not only targeted drugs, but also through the use of drug combinations. Coordinating with its belief that the treatment of cancer needs new research platforms, the Company has developed and advanced a proprietary cancer biology platform to propel its drug discovery process. The Company has developed four clinical-stage drug candidates and multiple preclinical drug candidates. The clinical-stage drug candidates are molecularly targeted compounds, BGB-3111, BGB-283 and BGB-290 that inhibit validated oncology targets BTK, BRAF and PARP, respectively, and an immuno-oncology agent BGB-A317 that targets PD-1.
BGB-3111 and BGB-283 have both completed dose-escalation trials and are currently undergoing proof-of-concept trials in Australia and New Zealand. BGB-3111 has demonstrated higher exposure levels than ibrutinib, the only current BTK inhibitor approved by the FDA. In recently released Phase I data, BGB-3111 had an overall response rate of 92% for WM. To date, the BGB-290 trial has demonstrated tolerability and a wide therapeutic window. Interim Phase I data is expected in 2017. BGB-A317 is currently in a Phase Ib study, with a data readout expected in 4Q 2016. The current trial has exhibited greater binding affinity and more specific binding to the target compared to currently approved PD-1 antibodies. The Company is expecting two preclinical programs to enter the clinic in the next year. BeiGene has granted licenses to Merck KGaA to develop and commercialize BGB-283 and BGB-290 worldwide outside of China, and retains exclusive rights to the remaining product candidates