Lundbeck’s (FRA: LDBB) Eptinezumab has been launched in the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Zone, marking it as the first innovative drug available in the region for migraine treatment. This milestone was announced on November 10, 2022, at a joint press conference held by the Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone Administration (Lecheng Administration) and Lundbeck China.
Eptinezumab Profile
Eptinezumab is the first and only FDA-approved monoclonal antibody targeting CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. It was approved by the US FDA in February 2020 and is administered via intravenous injection. This launch in Boao Lecheng provides Chinese migraine patients with a new treatment option.
Boao Lecheng’s Role
Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone allows companies to explore high-quality healthcare products and services in China. Its “early access” policy provides a new gateway for global innovative drugs to enter China. Eptinezumab’s availability in Lecheng is a testament to this policy’s effectiveness.
Partnership and Future Plans
Jens Hoeyer, General Manager of Lundbeck China, said, “We have actively seized the emerging opportunity of Boao Lecheng’s early access policy and took the lead in introducing an innovative migraine drug to China, to help Chinese migraine patients improve their brain health.” Lundbeck aims to become a strategic partner of Boao Lecheng and explore more collaboration opportunities. The company is also advancing the regulatory approval of Eptinezumab in China to benefit more patients.
Ambassador’s Congratulatory Message
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to China, Thomas Østrup Møller, congratulated the cooperation, saying, “We are delighted to see Lundbeck as the first Danish pharmaceutical company to introduce the first innovative drug for migraine to Chinese patients in Boao Lecheng. We expect that more Danish companies will enter the Chinese market through this platform in the future to benefit Chinese patients with innovative products and global experience.”
Clinical Application
Boao Yiling Life Care Center, the hospital partner for the pilot program, first applied Eptinezumab to the clinical treatment of migraine. Li Wei, Chairman of Yiling Hospital Management Group, said, “Eptinezumab is the first innovative drug approved for migraine treatment in Lecheng. We are delighted to assist in its launch and look forward to it bringing better treatment to migraine patients.”
Migraine and Its Burden
Migraine is a common disabling primary headache disorder, characterized by recurrent moderate to severe headaches. WHO data shows that 1 in 10 people worldwide suffers from migraine, with three times as many women as men. In China, the annual prevalence rate of migraine is 9.3%, with 12.8% among females. Professor Wang Yonggang highlighted the significant burden of migraine on patients and the importance of preventive treatment.
Innovative Treatment
Professor Wang Yonggang noted that there are very few innovative preventive treatments for migraine. “As we learn more about the pathogenesis of this disease, CGRP has been identified as a key neurotransmitter. The CGRP-targeting monoclonal antibody drug has filled the gap in preventive treatment,” he said.
Lundbeck’s Commitment
Lundbeck, a global pharmaceutical company focusing on brain diseases, has helped more than 50 million Chinese patients with its innovative therapies. Migraine is a new area Lundbeck is exploring. Jens Hoeyer emphasized, “China is the second-largest market for Lundbeck globally. We will continue to advance the regulatory approval of Eptinezumab in China to help more patients restore their brain health.”-Fineline Info & Tech
