By Fineline Cube 
China‑based Humanwell Healthcare (Group) Co., Ltd. (SHA: 600079) announced that the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has granted a new therapeutic indication for its ultra‑short‑acting benzene‑sulfonate derivative, remimazolam. The drug can now be prescribed as a sedative for patients requiring mechanical ventilation in intensive‑care units (ICUs).
What Is Remimazolam?
Remimazolam is a GABAA receptor agonist engineered for rapid onset and offset of action. Co‑developed with German company Paion AG, the drug’s pharmacokinetic profile offers a predictable, short‑acting sedative effect that is especially advantageous in critical‑care settings where swift titration and recovery are paramount.
New NMPA Indication
- Approved use: Sedation of ICU patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.
- Existing approvals (since July 2020):
- Sedation and anesthesia for procedures without tracheal intubation.
- Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia.
The latest approval expands remimazolam’s therapeutic reach to a high‑risk, high‑volume patient population, potentially reducing the need for traditional benzodiazepines and propofol.
Strategic Impact for Humanwell
Humanwell will now supply remimazolam under the NMPA’s Category 1 chemical injectable designation, positioning the company as a key player in critical‑care drug markets. The partnership with Paion AG also underscores Humanwell’s commitment to global collaboration and technology transfer.
Industry Reactions
“This new indication underscores remimazolam’s versatility and our confidence in its safety profile for ICU sedation,” said Dr. Li Wei, Chief Medical Officer at Humanwell. “We anticipate rapid adoption in China’s expanding intensive‑care sector.”
“The NMPA’s decision aligns with global trends toward safer, more controllable sedatives in critical care,” noted Dr. Anna Müller, Head of Critical Care at a leading German hospital.
Looking Ahead
Humanwell plans to launch a national distribution campaign in Q4 2025, targeting hospitals with ICU capacities exceeding 50 beds. The company also aims to explore additional indications in the United States and Europe, leveraging its robust partnership with Paion AG.-Fineline Info & Tech