By Fineline Cube 
Jiangsu Carephar Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Silk Road Medical Technology announced a strategic cooperation agreement in Almaty, establishing an exclusive sales licensing arrangement for Carephar’s Keverprazan Hydrochloride Tablets across three Central Asian markets: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Deal Structure & Market Access
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Parties | Jiangsu Carephar Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Silk Road Medical Technology |
| Agreement Type | Exclusive sales licensing agreement |
| Territory | Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan (Central Asia) |
| Product | Keverprazan Hydrochloride Tablets (Class 1 innovative drug) |
| Drug Class | Potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) |
| Significance | First Chinese-developed P-CAB to enter Central Asian markets |
| Announcement Location | Almaty, Kazakhstan (Silk Road Medical headquarters) |
Product Profile & Competitive Positioning
- Innovation Status: Class 1 innovative drug developed by Carephar; first P-CAB independently developed by a Chinese enterprise
- Regulatory Milestone: Listed in China’s National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) in 2024, ensuring broad patient access
- Current Market Penetration: Available in over 2,000 hospitals nationwide across China
- Therapeutic Advantage: P-CABs offer faster onset of action, more consistent acid suppression, and improved efficacy compared to traditional proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Strategic Partnership Rationale
| Company | Strategic Benefit |
|---|---|
| Carephar Pharmaceutical | Expands international footprint without establishing local commercial infrastructure; leverages Silk Road Medical’s established distribution network across Central Asia |
| Silk Road Medical | Diversifies pharmaceutical portfolio with premium innovative product; strengthens position as preferred partner for Chinese pharmaceutical companies entering Central Asian markets |
Silk Road Medical Technology, headquartered in Almaty, maintains comprehensive capabilities in the supply and service of experimental reagents, medical equipment, medical consumables, chemical and biological pharmaceuticals, and vaccines, providing an integrated platform for Carephar’s market entry.
Market Opportunity & Regional Context
- Central Asian Pharmaceutical Market: Combined market valued at approximately $3.2 billion in 2025, growing at 8.5% CAGR driven by aging populations and increasing healthcare expenditure
- Acid-Related Disorders Prevalence: High incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers across Central Asia, with limited access to next-generation acid suppressants
- Chinese Pharmaceutical Expansion: Part of broader trend of Chinese innovative drugs gaining international recognition, with Central Asia representing a strategic gateway to broader Eurasian markets
Forward‑Looking Statements
This brief contains forward-looking statements regarding the Carephar-Silk Road Medical partnership, including market expansion plans, commercial expectations, and regulatory developments. Actual results may differ due to risks including local regulatory approvals, market adoption rates, competitive dynamics, and geopolitical factors affecting Central Asian markets.-Fineline Info & Tech