Japan-based Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd (OTCMKTS: DNPUF) has secured market approval in China for Xenleta (lefamulin acetate), a drug indicated for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. The approval was obtained through Sumitomo’s Suzhou-based subsidiary, which already has Mepem (meropenem), a carbapenem antibiotic, in its Chinese market portfolio, and is set to introduce Xenleta as an additional pneumonia treatment option.
Lefamulin’s Global Journey and Rights Transfer
Lefamulin, a first-in-class pleuromutilin antibiotic for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), was originally discovered by Nabriva Therapeutics plc (OTCMKTS: NBRVF), an Ireland-based company. It gained approval in the US in 2019 and has since been approved in Europe and Canada. Development and commercialization rights for lefamulin in Greater China were initially granted to Sinovant Sciences, a joint venture between CITIC Private Equity Funds Management Co., Ltd and Roivant Sciences GmbH, headquartered in Shanghai, in a 2018 deal. In May 2021, Sinovant Sciences assigned its license for lefamulin to Sumitomo (Suzhou), maintaining the original deal terms.- Flcube.com
