Genemed Biologics' Portfolio Company Gewu Biotech Receives Approval for Novel Pet Drug Lisutinib

Recently, MingMed announced that Lishutinib, developed by its holding company Gegwu (Zhuhai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. ("Gegwu"), has been granted a Class I new veterinary drug certificate by China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs for the treatment of canine pruritus.

The development and commercialization rights of this drug in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao were exclusively licensed to Elanco Animal Health, Inc.'s Chinese subsidiary, Elanco (Sichuan) Animal Health Co., Ltd., in early 2024. This collaboration makes Gegwu (Zhuhai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. the first Chinese company to reach a licensing agreement with a multinational corporation for an approved innovative Class I pet drug.

The success of Lishutinib marks another significant advancement in China's veterinary drug research and development field, further demonstrating the enhancement of China's capabilities in independent innovation and R&D of veterinary drugs.

Yifeng Capital's Kang Fund participated in the investment of MingMed in 2021.

Gegwu (Zhuhai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. General Manager Mr. Lu Kun introduced: “Pruritic dermatoses have been one of the significant diseases affecting pet health for many years. Due to the prolonged time required to confirm the cause, affected dogs often fall into a vicious cycle of ‘itching-scratching-inflammation.’ Veterinarians face the challenge of balancing the effectiveness of itch relief with drug side effects when addressing pruritus. Lishutinib is a small molecule Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that works by suppressing various cytokines that trigger itching and inflammation and are dependent on JAK1 enzyme activity, as well as cytokines related to allergies. Its unique mechanism of action directly interrupts the ‘itching-scratching-inflammation’ vicious cycle, providing rapid relief from itching. We believe that Lishutinib’s distinctive mechanism will offer veterinarians and pet owners a broader range of solutions for the prevention and treatment of pruritus.”

Mr. Ouyang Hui, Chief Technology Officer of MingMed, stated, "Gegwu (Zhuhai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. has gathered a versatile team with rich experience and international perspectives in both human and animal pharmaceuticals. Lisutinib was developed according to high standards, and as the company's first product, it has solidified the market foundation for our subsequent drugs. In the future, Gegwu will continue to expand and strengthen the research and development of pet products, helping pet owners safeguard their pets' health and enjoy more happy companionship. We also look forward to creating more health guarantees for companion animals in China."