Core Viewpoint - Gyre Therapeutics has received approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in China for a clinical trial application to evaluate pirfenidone for treating radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) and immune-related pneumonitis (CIP) in cancer patients [1][2]. Company Overview - Gyre Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on organ fibrosis, with a commercial-stage product, pirfenidone, which is currently approved for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) [1][7]. - The company is headquartered in San Diego, CA, and is advancing a broad pipeline in China through its indirect controlling interest in Gyre Pharmaceuticals [8]. Clinical Trial Details - The approved trial will utilize an adaptive Phase 2/3 design to explore dosing and confirm efficacy for pirfenidone in the new indication [2]. - Gyre plans to initiate the trial in the second half of 2025 at leading academic and oncology centers across China [6]. Medical Context - RILI affects 5%–25% of lung cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, which can limit treatment efficacy [3]. - CIP occurs in 13%–19% of patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, contributing to a significant percentage of immune-related adverse event deaths [4]. - Currently, there are no targeted therapies for lung injuries caused by radiation or immunotherapy, with corticosteroids being the standard treatment despite their long-term side effects [5]. Drug Mechanism - Pirfenidone is an orally administered small molecule that inhibits TGF-β signaling and fibroblast proliferation, showing clinical benefits in slowing lung function decline in IPF [7].
Gyre Therapeutics Announces NMPA Approval for Clinical Trial Evaluating Pirfenidone Capsules in Oncology-Related Pulmonary Complications