Swiss pharma giant Roche’s subsidiary Chugai Pharmaceutical Co Ltd has officially launched Edirol (eldecalcitol), an active Vitamin D3 derivative, in China. The drug, approved in December 2020 for treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, will be promoted by Chugai Pharma China Co., Ltd and Roche’s local unit.
Drug Profile
Edirol, first approved in Japan in 2011, acts on osteoclast precursor cells to inhibit osteoclast formation. Animal studies showed it promotes calcium absorption in the small intestine and increases blood calcium levels. The drug improves bone metabolism and strength, reducing osteoporotic fracture risk. Its New Drug Application (NDA) in China, supported by Phase III trial results, was accepted in March 2018.-Fineline Info & Tech
