German pharmaceutical major Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) has entered into a partnership with China-based Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd (HKG: 1099), granting the latter the rights to promote Boehringer Ingelheim’s Sifrol (pramipexole) and Pradaxa (dabigatran) in China effective from January 1, 2025. Boehringer Ingelheim will retain ownership and manufacturing responsibilities for both drugs. Financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed.
Sifrol and Pradaxa: Boehringer Ingelheim’s Key Products in China
Pramipexole, marketed as Sifrol, is a dopamine receptor agonist used to treat the signs and symptoms of adult idiopathic Parkinson’s disease by stimulating dopamine receptors in the striatum, thereby reducing movement disorders. Dabigatran, known as Pradaxa, is a next-generation oral direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI) used to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
Combating Generic Erosion and Enhancing Market Presence
Both drugs are facing generic erosion in China, where they have been part of the volume-based procurement (VBP) program. This partnership is expected to leverage Sinopharm’s extensive marketing network and resource advantages across the nation to facilitate the promotion of Boehringer Ingelheim’s products. This strategic move allows Boehringer Ingelheim to focus its resources on the further development of novel product pipelines in areas such as stroke, inflammation immunity, and pulmonary fibrosis.-Fineline Info & Tech
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