Ethypharm Expands Mesalazine Portfolio in China

Ethypharm has announced that its Chinese affiliate, Shanghai Ethypharm Pharmaceuticals Ltd, has acquired a suppository form of Mesalazine from Jiangsu Anbison Pharmaceutical. This acquisition is a significant move for Ethypharm, a leading company in essential medicines for central nervous system disorders, hospital care, and internal medicine.

Ethypharm's strategy focuses on expanding its presence in key markets, especially the five major European countries and China, through both organic growth and acquisitions. By adding the Mesalazine suppository to its portfolio, Ethypharm aims to better serve Chinese patients and healthcare providers by offering a comprehensive range of Mesalazine treatments. Mesalazine is primarily used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Ethypharm has been a pioneer in the Chinese Mesalazine oral market since 1997 with its product Etiasa®, which holds a market share of approximately 30%. Given that China is the third-largest market for Mesalazine globally, the addition of the suppository form is expected to bolster Ethypharm’s market position. While oral forms dominate, topical forms like suppositories account for about 20% of the market. These suppositories offer the advantage of a more targeted release, which can be beneficial for certain treatments.

Denis DELVAL, President and CEO of Ethypharm Group, emphasized the importance of this acquisition. He stated, "This acquisition represents a significant milestone for Ethypharm's growth strategy and aligns with the company's commitment to delivering essential medicines to patients. It will accelerate Ethypharm's growth and reinforce Etiasa®’s leading position in the Chinese market."

Ethypharm is an international pharmaceutical company with European roots, specializing in the central nervous system, hospital care, and internal medicine. The company is dedicated to improving patients' lives and making a positive societal and environmental impact. Ethypharm employs 1,700 people, with 1,400 involved in industrial operations. Their six production sites are located in France, the UK, Spain, and China, specializing in injectables and complex oral solid forms.

The company has a global reach, operating directly in Europe and China, and through strategic partnerships across EMEA, NA, LATAM, and APAC markets. Ethypharm collaborates closely with healthcare authorities and professionals to ensure that its medications are used appropriately and that patients have access to necessary treatments. This close cooperation underscores Ethypharm’s commitment to quality and efficacy in its pharmaceutical offerings.

With this acquisition, Ethypharm not only strengthens its product line but also its commitment to addressing the needs of patients suffering from IBD in China. This move is expected to enhance the company's presence in the Chinese market significantly and provide more treatment options for patients and healthcare professionals alike.

Ethypharm continues to be at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation and patient care, reinforcing its position as a leader in essential medicines and its commitment to expanding its global footprint.