China Medical System launches Silevimig Injection for rabies prevention in China
The rollout follows the drug’s approval in China in June 2026 and marks the start of its wider clinical use for people requiring urgent post-exposure protection against rabies.
CHINA—China Medical System Holdings Limited (CMS) has begun the clinical rollout of Silevimig Injection, a Class 1 innovative drug developed for passive immunization against rabies.
Initial prescriptions have been issued at several hospitals across China, including Beijing Luhe Hospital of Capital Medical University, Wenzhou People’s Hospital, Kaiping Central Hospital, Dongguan Guangji Hospital, and Huidong Jilong Ankang Hospital.
The rollout follows the drug’s approval in China in June 2026 and marks the start of its wider clinical use for people requiring urgent post-exposure protection against rabies.
First bispecific antibody for rabies
Silevimig injection is a fully human bispecific antibody that targets two epitopes, G protein epitopes I and III, on the rabies virus.
The approach aligns with the World Health Organization’s recommendation for a cocktail-based treatment strategy and is designed to neutralize different rabies virus strains and genotypes.
The drug provides immediate passive protection while active immunity develops following rabies vaccination.
This makes passive immunization an important component of post-exposure management, particularly for people who require rapid protection after potential exposure to the virus.
Smaller dose and non-plasma-derived
According to CMS, Silevimig Injection has a dose of 0.05 mg/kg, making it the lowest dose among currently available rabies passive immunization products.
Compared with human rabies immune globulin (HRIG), the lower dose requires a smaller injection volume, which could make administration easier and more comfortable for patients.
The product is manufactured using recombinant technology rather than plasma-derived materials.
As a result, it does not carry the risks of blood-borne infections associated with plasma-derived products.
The manufacturing process also allows production at scale through standardized processes, while maintaining consistent quality and reducing variability between batches.
CMS said these characteristics could support more reliable supplies of rabies passive immunization products and improve access for patients who need them.
Rapid rollout following regulatory approval
After receiving marketing approval in June, CMS worked with its partner Genrix Bio to prepare for the product’s commercial launch.
The companies focused on drug supply, market access and medical education while drawing on their respective expert networks and market resources.
The first prescriptions were issued within about two months of approval, enabling hospitals to begin using the new treatment in routine clinical practice.
CMS currently has nine commercialized innovative drugs, which it is progressively introducing across China.
The company said it will continue developing its innovative medicine portfolio through internal research and development and partnerships, focusing on addressing unmet clinical needs and expanding access to new treatments.
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