Merck KGaA’s pimicotinib moves into priority review in China

German science and technology firm Merck KGaA (MRK: DE) has moved a step closer to introducing a new therapy for tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) in China, with regulators accepting its marketing application and initiating a priority review for pimicotinib.

The Chinese Center for Drug Evaluation has officially accepted the submission for pimicotinib, a once-daily oral treatment for adult TGCT patients who require systemic therapy.

The outcome marks a significant milestone for the German firm and its Chinese partner Abbisko Therapeutics, which developed the investigational CSF-1R inhibitor. The acceptance follows a priority review designation granted in May, aimed at accelerating the approval process.