Fosun Pharma announced Wanbang Pharma, a subsidiary of Fosun Pharma, launched its new product “Wanuric^®”(Febuxostat Tablets) in China recently. Wanbang Pharma is now the second enterprise in China that has introduced this product.

Wanbang Pharma’s new product Febuxostat Tablets obtained China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) approval on 26 June this year. This is the second enterprise with approval in the nation. The introduction of this product does not only provide a more fitting medical choice for many chronic hyperuricemia patients in the nation, but also enriches the company’s major product line, bringing in new profit growth.

Before the launch of Febuxostat Tablets, allopurinol has long been the only clinical drug to inhibit the production of uric acid. Although it is a type of classic drug with long history in the market, the side-effect of taking large amount of allopurinol could be disruptive considering its structural deficiencies. Febuxostate Tablet is the first highly selective non-purine xanthine oxidase inhibitor in decades primarily used to cure hyperuricemia patients with metabolic arthritis symptoms. Compared to other uricosuric drugs, Febuxostat Tablets is a safer approach and more effective in lowering uric acid with less adverse reactions. The drug was first launched in the United States in 2009 and has grown exponentially in the market since its release with global sales amounted up to USD390 million in 2012, an increase by 63% from 2011. The product was recommended as a first-line drug by “America Hyperuricemia Arthuritis Treatment Guideline” in 2012.

According to the statistics from “Chinese Journal of Drug Application and Monitoring”, the current national incidence rate for hyperuricemia patients is 10% and approximately 130 million potential patients. On top of that, patients who depend on medical help in lowering uric acid will require long term or lifelong medical treatment. Thus, “Wanuric^®” has great market potential.

Wanbang Pharma has been committed to the development of the field of endocrinology and metabolism. The launch of Febuxostat Tablets is a vital addition and enrichment to the product line in this sector. Wanbang Pharma also has other major products launched in its hypoglycemic, antihypertensive and lowering uric acid product lines.