By Fineline Cube 
Japan-based Eisai (TYO: 4523) announced a strategic decision to transfer the rights of its proton pump inhibitor (PPI) Pariet (rabeprazole) in China to Peak Pharmaceutical, a company controlled by CBC Group.
Pariet’s Market Presence
Pariet, with rabeprazole as its active ingredient, has been a leading prescription drug for gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric and duodenal ulcers, reflux esophagitis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Eisai first introduced Pariet to the Chinese market in February 2000 and has since dominated the domestic market. However, with the rise of generic drug manufacturers, the market has become highly competitive, with 16 companies now approved to produce rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets.
Market Competition and Share
Public data shows that Jumpcan Pharmaceutical has taken the lead with over 40% market share, pushing Eisai to the second position with approximately 16%. Rundu Pharma follows with over 10% market share. In the 2022 hospital terminal market, the top three companies were Jumpcan Pharmaceutical, Eisai, and C&O Pharmaceutical Technology, with market shares of 31.76%, 12.17%, and 9.91% respectively.
Volume-Based Procurement (VBP) and Pricing
Rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets faced a competitive landscape in the ninth batch of VBP, with nine domestic and one imported product competing. In 2022, sales of rabeprazole oral formulations in public medical institutions reached 3.8 billion RMB. During the VBP, the highest tender price for the 10mg specification was 0.7647 RMB per tablet, and for the 20mg specification, it was 1.3 RMB per tablet. Zhuhai Rundu Pharma secured the top position in the proposed bid winning list with a bid price of approximately 0.22 RMB per table. Companies such as Chongqing YaoPharma, Jincheng Haisi Pharmaceutical, Shandong Xinhua Pharmamceutical, Shanghai Anbison Lab. Co., Ltd., Hunan Jiudian Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd., Jiangxi Shanxiang Pharm Co. Ltd., and Jumpcan Pharmaceutical all won bids with price reductions exceeding 60%.-Fineline Info & Tech