The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has issued a marketing approval for China-based Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd’s (HKG: 3692) Category 1 product, phenylheptal peptide. This drug is indicated for the treatment of anemia in adult non-dialysis patients who are not receiving erythropoiesis stimulator (ESA) treatment, and in adult dialysis patients who are receiving short-acting erythropoietin (EPO) treatment. It is important to note that this product is not intended to replace red blood cell infusion in patients who require immediate correction of anemia.
Phenylheptal Peptide: A Long-Acting EPO Receptor Agonist
Phenylheptal peptide is a long-acting peptide erythropoietin (EPO) receptor agonist that can stimulate the proliferation of red blood cells in the body, thereby improving anemia and related symptoms in patients with chronic kidney disease. This approval expands the treatment options available for anemia in China, particularly for those with chronic kidney disease who are not responding to or are unable to receive other forms of ESA treatment.
Competitive Landscape of Anemia Treatments in China
Other anemia treatments available in China include Roche’s Mircera (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta), FibroGen/AstraZeneca’s Evrenzo (roxadustat), Kyowa Hakko Kirin’s Nesp (darbepoetin alfa), and Salubris Pharma’s in-licensed Enneiluo (enarodustat). The introduction of phenylheptal peptide to the market adds to the range of therapies for anemia, offering healthcare providers and patients additional choices for managing this condition.-Fineline Info & Tech
