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Meeting China’s Unmet Need

OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading Podcast
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading Podcast
Episode • Nov 2, 2022 • 34m

For all the drugs, biologics, and medical devices approved for use in the United States and Europe, few of them make their way to China.

AffaMed Therapeutics, a global clinical stage biotechnology company, was established to bridge the gap between global innovation and unmet need in China. With a focus on ophthalmology, neurology, and psychiatric disorders, AffaMed leaders want to serve the patients in China as well as support innovation.

Podcast host Sophia Pathai, MD, PhD, caught up with AffaMed Chief Financial Officer Vijay Karwal to discuss the portfolio that will potentially enable AffaMed to fulfill its mission in ophthalmology.

AffaMed’s pipeline includes products designed to address cataract and refractive surgery and retinal disease. One of those products is AM712, a fusion protein that inhibits VEGF and Ang-2. The company received clearance from the FDA on its Investigational New Drug application as well as China CTA clearance earlier this year.

Karwal also talked about his role as partner at CBC Group, a globally recognized investment firm that supports the growth of healthcare companies in Asia. The firm’s borderless approach aims to leverage growth in Asia to build value in businesses worldwide.


Listen to the podcast today to discover:


  • The evolution of AffaMed within the biotech ecosystem in China.
  • The strategy behind AffaMed’s ophthalmology portfolio.
  • The unmet need for cataract surgery and intraocular lenses in China.
  • The data behind AM712, a product designed to treat retinal vascular diseases.
  • Karwal’s role at CBC Group, Asia’s principal healthcare specialist investment group.
  • How Karwal, a native of India raised in Holland, ended up in Hong Kong and Singapore.


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