Yoshitaka Koketsu, CEO of Sumitomo Pharma (TYO: 4506) (China) Co., Ltd, the Chinese subsidiary of Japan-based Sumitomo Pharma, has expressed strong optimism about the company’s prospects in the local market in an interview with Shanghai Daily. Koketsu emphasized that China, as the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical market, holds strategic significance for Sumitomo Pharma’s global operations.
According to Koketsu, China is not only a key target for launching the company’s innovative products but also a market where patient awareness and disease knowledge have significantly improved, with a growing focus on quality of life. In November 2023, Sumitomo Pharma received approval in China for Xenleta (lefamulin acetate), a treatment for community-acquired pneumonia. Additionally, the company’s overactive bladder therapy, vibegron, is currently in Phase III trials in the country. Sumitomo Pharma anticipates launching several oncology treatments and antibiotics in China in the coming years.
Koketsu also highlighted the potential of China, and Shanghai in particular, as a hub for future innovation. He noted that the increase in innovations originating from China is likely to enhance their global presence, attributing this to Shanghai’s business environment, which includes a talented workforce, robust infrastructure, and collaboration with top-tier medical institutions.- Flcube.com
