France-based Servier has announced the first prescriptions for its pancreatic cancer therapy, Onivyde (irinotecan), in 10 hospitals across major cities in China, including Tianjin, Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Fuzhou, and Guangzhou. The drug is used to treat metastatic pancreatic cancer after gemcitabine treatment, in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) plus leucovorin (LV). Onivyde is now available in over 50 direct-to-patient (DTP) pharmacies throughout China.
Global Availability and Market Entry
Originated by Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, irinotecan has been approved for marketing since 2015 in various regions, including the US, Taiwan, Europe, South Korea, and Japan. The drug received its first market approval in China in April 2022, marking a significant expansion in its global reach. Hengui Medicine is also developing a generic version of the drug, which is currently in clinical development.
Implications for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in China
The availability of Onivyde in China’s hospitals and DTP pharmacies offers a new treatment option for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, a disease with limited therapeutic options. Servier Group’s expansion into the Chinese market demonstrates the growing demand for advanced cancer therapies and the potential for international pharmaceutical companies to serve the Chinese patient population.-Fineline Info & Tech
