Chi-Med Announces First Commercial Launch of Fruquintinib Capsules (Elunate)

Hutchison China MediTech (AIM/Nasdaq: HCM) today announces the first commercial launch of fruquintinib capsules (Elunate) with the initiation of product sales in China.

As quoted in the press release:

CRC is the second most common cancer type in China¹, with about 380,000 new cases per year². The market launch of Elunate^® in China is being conducted through collaboration with Chi-Med’s partner Eli Lilly and Company (“Lilly”).

“This launch is a major milestone for Chi-Med,” said Simon To, Chairman of Chi-Med. “We are very proud to have brought fruquintinib from its initial discovery through to its first sale, and now look forward to seeing patients in China benefit from this important new therapy.” He added, “This achievement reinforces Chi-Med’s position as a fast emerging biotech company, and illustrates China’s capability to emerge as an important global force in oncology innovation.”

Fruquintinib was first approved by the National Medical Products Administration of China (“NMPA”) in September 2018 for the treatment of advanced CRC, becoming the first China-discovered and -developed pharmaceutical for a mainstream oncology indication to be unconditionally approved in China. Chi-Med has established a manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China to produce fruquintinib.

Click here to read the full press release.