26th Nov 2018 08:35
LONDON (Alliance News) - Hutchison China Meditech Ltd on Monday said it launched fruquintinib capsules Elunate with the initiation of product sales in China.
Elunate is used for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, which is the second most common cancer type in China, the biopharmaceutical company said.
The market launch of Elunate in China is being conducted through collaboration with Chi-Med's partner pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly & Co.
The metastatic colorectal cancer has previously been treated with with fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin and irinotecan.
"This launch is a major milestone for Chi-Med," said Chairman Simon To.
"We are very proud to have brought fruquintinib from its initial discovery through to its first sale, and now look forward to seeing patients in China benefit from this important new therapy," added To.
Fruquintinib was first approved by the National Medical Products Administration of China in September.
Hutchison China said it has established a manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China, to produce fruquintinib. The company is developing fruquintinib in multiple further indications, including in combination with other cancer therapies.
Hutchison China shares were down 0.3% on Monday at 4,985.00p each.
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