ASCO 2026 spotlighted Akeso’s ivonescimab in a China-only Phase 3 setting, where interim overall survival data showed a 34% reduction in the risk of death versus PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy in previously untreated advanced squamous NSCLC. The results were presented at ASCO and published in The Lancet. The trial, Harmoni-6, is now becoming a key evidence package for the PD-1/VEGF bispecific category, with discussion focused on whether the regimen can outperform existing PD-1/chemo standards outside China. Rival developers and partners are watching closely as the survival effect clears statistical thresholds set in the study design. The narrative is also likely to accelerate regulatory and market planning, given that overall survival is the most decision-relevant endpoint in the first-line competitive landscape for squamous NSCLC. A separate ASCO-focused item reiterated the same survival reduction and framed it as a high-stakes benchmark for the class.