AMDL, a developer of tests for the early detection of cancer and other serious diseases, says that Jade Pharmaceuticals, its wholly-owned subsidiary in China, has set up production and applied for China State Food and Drug Administration approval to market Docetaxel in China.

Docetaxel is an anti-cancer drug that interferes with the growth of cancer cells.

"There is an enormous need in China for effective and affordable cancer drugs, with more than 1.6 million new cases of the disease annually," said Gary Dreher, AMDL CEO. "Docetaxel is extremely useful because it can treat a broad spectrum of cancers, including breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, stomach cancer and prostate cancer."

According to the company, Docetaxel currently generates more than US$2 billion in sales globally at a rate increasing 20% annually. This drug currently represents approximately US$200 million in sales in China.

According to Dreher, Docetaxel is currently the most popular anticancer drug in China.