China-based Humanwell Healthcare (Group) Co., Ltd (SHA: 600079) has announced the commencement of a Phase IIa clinical study for its Category 1 chemical drug, HW021199, in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The drug’s target has not been disclosed, other than to note that there is no market-approved product with the same target globally. Currently, only Boehringer Ingelheim’s Ofev (nintedanib) and GNI Group’s Etuary (pirfenidone) are commercially available for IPF treatment.
Strategic Partnerships and Orphan Drug Developments in China
In a related development, Daewoong Pharmaceutical has partnered with CS Pharmaceuticals to develop and commercialize the PRS inhibitor bersiporocin, an IPF therapy with orphan drug designation and fast-track status in the US, in Greater China. This agreement was established in January of this year. Additionally, Conba’s pirfenidone and Vcanbio Cell & Gene’s VUM02 have received clinical trial approvals for the treatment of IPF in China.-Fineline Info & Tech
