China-based Luye Pharma Group (HKG: 2186) announced the initiation of a Phase III clinical study in China for BA5101, its biosimilar version of Trulicity (dulaglutide), targeting blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Drug Profile
Trulicity, developed by Eli Lilly, is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It activates GLP-1 receptors, increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in β cells, and promotes glucose-dependent insulin release while inhibiting glucagon secretion and delaying gastric emptying. The drug was approved in the US in September 2014, in Europe in November 2014, and in China in February 2019.
Market Context
As of 2020, over 400 million people globally had type 2 diabetes, with projections reaching 586 million by 2030. Trulicity generated $6.47 billion in global sales in 2021, up 28% year-on-year.
Luye Pharma’s Strategy
Luye Pharma plans to file for regulatory approval of its Trulicity biosimilar in markets beyond China, leveraging the growing demand for cost-effective diabetes treatments.-Fineline Info & Tech
