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HLX17

Shanghai Henlius Biotech · Phase 3 active Small molecule

HLX17 is a PD-L1 inhibitor Small molecule drug developed by Shanghai Henlius Biotech. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Non-small cell lung cancer, Other solid tumors (under investigation). Also known as: pembrolizumab.

HLX17 is a monoclonal antibody that binds to and inhibits PD-L1, blocking its interaction with PD-1 and restoring anti-tumor immune responses.

HLX17 is a monoclonal antibody that binds to and inhibits PD-L1, blocking its interaction with PD-1 and restoring anti-tumor immune responses. Used for Non-small cell lung cancer, Other solid tumors (under investigation).

Likelihood of approval
61.3% vs 58.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2028–2030
Steps remaining: NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: High
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 3 → approval rate +58.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 3 drugs reach approval ~58.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
  • Oncology Phase 3 boost +3.0pp
    Oncology Phase 3 trials have higher approval rates (~61%) than the cross-industry average due to clearer endpoints and FDA oncology pathway.
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2028–2030
EMA EU 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2029–2032 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2029–2032 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2029–2032 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2030–2033 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2029–2032 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2029–2033 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2030–2033 +2.3 yr

Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).

Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.

At a glance

Generic nameHLX17
Also known aspembrolizumab
SponsorShanghai Henlius Biotech
Drug classPD-L1 inhibitor
TargetPD-L1
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

HLX17 is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) on tumor cells and immune cells. By blocking the PD-L1/PD-1 axis, it prevents the suppression of T-cell mediated anti-tumor immunity, allowing the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. This mechanism is similar to other checkpoint inhibitors in the immuno-oncology space.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Frequently asked questions about HLX17

What is HLX17?

HLX17 is a PD-L1 inhibitor drug developed by Shanghai Henlius Biotech, indicated for Non-small cell lung cancer, Other solid tumors (under investigation).

How does HLX17 work?

HLX17 is a monoclonal antibody that binds to and inhibits PD-L1, blocking its interaction with PD-1 and restoring anti-tumor immune responses.

What is HLX17 used for?

HLX17 is indicated for Non-small cell lung cancer, Other solid tumors (under investigation).

Who makes HLX17?

HLX17 is developed by Shanghai Henlius Biotech (see full Shanghai Henlius Biotech pipeline at /company/shanghai-henlius-biotech).

Is HLX17 also known as anything else?

HLX17 is also known as pembrolizumab.

What drug class is HLX17 in?

HLX17 belongs to the PD-L1 inhibitor class. See all PD-L1 inhibitor drugs at /class/pd-l1-inhibitor.

What development phase is HLX17 in?

HLX17 is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of HLX17?

Common side effects of HLX17 include Fatigue, Decreased appetite, Nausea, Immune-related adverse events (pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis).

What does HLX17 target?

HLX17 targets PD-L1 and is a PD-L1 inhibitor.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing