China’s Sihuan Pharmaceutical Holdings Group Ltd (HKG: 0460) has announced that it has received clinical trial approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its insulin degludec, liraglutide to treat type 2 diabetes. This marks a significant step forward in the development of novel treatments for diabetes in China.
Innovative Compound Preparation
Sihuan’s insulin degludec, liraglutide is touted as the world’s first compound preparation consisting of a basic insulin analogue and a GLP-1 analogue. This combination not only significantly reduces blood sugar but also adds the benefit of weight loss effects. The once-daily injection is designed to improve patient compliance and offers a hypoglycemic effect superior to basic insulin therapy alone, while reducing the risk of hypoglycemia and eliminating the side effects of insulin therapy on weight gain.
Market Context and Competitive Landscape
Novo Nordisk’s Xultophy (insulin degludec, liraglutide) was approved in China in October 2021 and entered the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) in 2022. Similarly, Novartis’s Soliqua (insulin glargine, lixisenatide), a comparable product, received approval in January 2023. Sihuan Pharmaceutical’s approval places it among the frontrunners in the development of innovative diabetes treatments in the Chinese market.-Fineline Info & Tech
