Global and Chinese Pharma Companies Ramp Up Investments in Chronic Kidney Disease Therapeutics Since 2024

　　【Pharmaceutical Network Industry DynamicsChronic kidney disease is a condition characterized by structural or functional abnormalities of the kidneys lasting ≥3 months, caused by various factors. In recent years, influenced by factors such as an aging population and changes in lifestyle, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in China has been gradually increasing. Data shows that the prevalence of chronic kidney disease among Chinese adults is as high as 10.8%, with approximately 120 million patients. Currently, there remains a significant unmet clinical need for patients with chronic kidney disease in China.
 

As the Healthy China 2030 initiative enters a critical year, the country is paying increasing attention to the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease, making enhanced intervention in chronic kidney disease an urgent priority. This has also attracted more domestic and international companies to invest heavily in the chronic kidney disease sector.
 

For example, the multinational pharmaceutical company Novartis made a new move at the beginning of 2024, igniting market sentiment. On January 5, it announced the acquisition of Xinruinuo Pharmaceutical (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., which will be wholly integrated into Novartis China.
 

Data shows that Ruinuo Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage Chinese biotechnology company focusing on kidney diseases and related therapeutic areas. The company holds exclusive development and commercialization rights in the Chinese market for two innovative drug projects targeting immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy: atrasentan and zigakibart, both of which are currently in the clinical research and development stage. Atrasentan, an oral selective endothelin receptor (ETA) antagonist, is undergoing Phase III clinical development. According to reports, this drug demonstrated a statistically and clinically significant reduction in proteinuria during a 36-week interim analysis, successfully achieving the primary endpoint of its Phase III study.
 

Previously, Novartis already held a partial stake in Xinruinuo Pharmaceutical (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. According to this acquisition agreement, Novartis will acquire the remaining shares of Xinruinuo Pharmaceutical. After the transaction is completed, Xinruinuo Pharmaceutical will become part of Novartis China. This will help Novartis enhance its competitiveness in the field of renal disease treatment.
 

Bayer also expands its layout in the field of chronic kidney disease treatment in China. Recently, the information disclosed by the Center for Drug Evaluation of the National Medical Products Administration of China showed that Bayer's Class 1 new drug, BAY 3283142 Hydrochloride Tablets, has obtained tacit approval for clinical trials in China and is intended to be developed for the treatment of chronic kidney disease. Public data indicates that BAY 3283142 Hydrochloride Tablets are a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) agonist, considered beneficial for chronic kidney disease. Bayer has previously completed three Phase 1 studies on this drug.
 

Chinese pharmaceutical companies are also focusing on the chronic kidney disease field. On January 17, Tibet Duorui Medicine Company Ltd. announced that it would acquire 51% of Hongxi Medical's equity held by Li Zhanbing, Tian Bin, Zhang Hengrui, and Xiong Rongliang for 0 yuan (unpaid), corresponding to a registered capital of 5.1 million yuan, and will invest 5.1 million yuan into Hongxi Medical. After the completion of this equity transfer, Tibet Duorui Medicine Company Ltd. will hold 51% of Hongxi Medical’s equity, achieving controlling interest.
 

Reportedly, Hongxi Medical is a digital medical technology company engaged in the whole-course management of chronic kidney disease and the one-stop systematic construction of a new-generation intelligent peritoneal dialysis center. The core team of the company has many years of experience in the blood purification industry and is committed to becoming a one-stop solution provider for the systematic construction of a new-generation intelligent peritoneal dialysis center.
 

Tibet Duorui Medicine Company Ltd.'s main business is chemical drug preparations and theirActive Pharmaceutical IngredientsThe research and development, production, and sales, while continuously promoting cooperation with external companies, actively expanding businesses in innovative drugs, medical devices, and traditional Chinese medicine fields. Through this investment, it will be beneficial for the company to enter the chronic kidney disease management field.
 

According to Frost & Sullivan data, the scale of China's chronic disease management market was 637 billion yuan in 2021, and preliminary statistics show that the scale of China's chronic disease management market was approximately 717.9 billion yuan in 2022.
 

Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall the information or opinions expressed in this article constitute investment advice to any person.