By Fineline Cube 
Boehringer Ingelheim announced that its oral selective phosphodiesterase‑4B (PDE4B) inhibitor Nerandomilast (JASCAYD®) has received formal approval from the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the treatment of adult Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). The approval marks the first IPF drug to hit a Phase III primary endpoint and secure regulatory clearance in more than a decade, breaking a longstanding treatment void.
Key Highlights
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Drug | Nerandomilast (JASCAYD®) – oral PDE4B inhibitor |
| Indication | Adult IPF (United States) and IPF in China |
| Regulatory Milestone | NMPA approval (China) – Priority Review & Approval Procedure |
| US Status | FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation (Feb 2022) & approval (Oct 2025) |
| Mechanism | Selective PDE4B blockade → dual anti‑fibrotic & immunomodulatory effects |
Clinical Impact
- Phase III Success: Nerandomilast met its primary endpoint in a pivotal study, demonstrating significant slowing of disease progression and improvement in lung function.
- Dual‑Action Profile: By selectively inhibiting the lung‑enriched PDE4B isoenzyme, the drug dampens both fibrotic signalling and inflammatory cascades.
- Patient‑Centric Benefits: Oral administration enhances adherence and reduces hospital visits compared with inhaled or intravenous therapies.
Regulatory Significance
- First New IPF Therapy in 10 Years: The approval ends a decade‑long stagnation in IPF drug development.
- Priority Review: NMPA’s expedited pathway underscores the unmet need and robust evidence base for Nerandomilast.
- Global Harmonization: The simultaneous US and Chinese approvals position Nerandomilast for rapid adoption across key markets.
Market & Commercial Outlook
- Pricing & Reimbursement: Boehringer Ingelheim is working with Chinese payers to secure favorable reimbursement terms, leveraging the drug’s breakthrough status.
- Strategic Partnerships: The company plans to expand its distribution network in Asia‑Pacific and Europe, supported by robust pharmacovigilance data.
- Pipeline Synergy: Nerandomilast’s success fuels Boehringer’s broader anti‑fibrotic platform, including agents for progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF).
Forward‑Looking Statements
This release contains forward‑looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially.-Fineline Info & Tech