Lanreotide Acetate Sustained-Release Injection (Pre-filled Syringe) Launches in China, Ushering in a New Era for Acromegaly Treatment

Beijing, June 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ipsen’s online launch event for lanreotide acetate sustained-release injection (pre-filled syringe), themed “Ultimate Simplicity, Insight into the Future,” was grandly held, ushering in a new era of treatment for acromegaly.

Lanreotide Acetate Sustained-Release Injection (Pre-filled Syringe) was officially approved by the National Medical Products Administration last December for the treatment of acromegaly in patients whose blood growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels remain abnormal after surgery and/or radiotherapy, or who are not candidates for surgical and/or radiotherapeutic intervention.

Somatostatin analogs (SSAs) are consistently recommended by domestic and international guidelines and consensus statements as the first-line pharmacological therapy for acromegaly. Lanreotide acetate sustained-release injection (prefilled syringe), a novel formulation of lanreotide acetate—a commonly used SSA in clinical practice—has been demonstrated in multiple clinical studies to provide significant clinical benefits across various dimensions. In patients with growth hormone-secreting macroadenomas causing acromegaly who have not previously received treatment,Significantly reduces biochemical levels in patients with acromegaly and shrinks tumor volume.^[1], patients who achieved biochemical control with SSA injections every 28 days previously can extend the dosing interval to 120 mg.Administered at intervals of up to 56 days.^[2]。

“Technology for the Benefit of Life.” Medicine has never ceased its exploration. Innovation and R&D in the medical field are patient-centric, focusing on unmet clinical needs, and continuously achieving breakthroughs to bring new hope to patients. Starting from addressing the needs of patients with acromegaly affecting the extremities, Lanreotide Acetate Sustained-Release Injection (pre-filled syringe) adoptsInnovative Nanotechnology, Unique hydrogel technology ensures drugRapid Onset, Sustained Release，No Risk of Needle Clogging; The pre-filled device simplifies the procedure and shortens patient waiting time. Meanwhile, its small injection volume (no more than 0.5 ml) and deep subcutaneous administration in the gluteal region result in fewer local adverse reactions in patients. These technological innovations provide a better experience for users, including nurses and patients, thereby improving patients’ quality of life.^[3]

In his opening address at the conference, Professor Jin Zimeng from Peking Union Medical College Hospital pointed out: "Acromegaly is a relatively rare, chronic, progressive disease with an insidious onset and multi-system involvement; most patients are not diagnosed in the early stages, thereby missing the opportunity for cure."。”Professor Jin called for strengthening the dissemination of knowledge and new treatment concepts regarding acromegaly among clinicians and the public, standardizing diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing follow-up, and continuously improving the level of diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly in China.

Professor Wang Haijun from the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University stated in his speech:“He expressed great anticipation for the lanreotide acetate sustained-release injection (prefilled), hoping that the launch of this new formulation would provide clinicians with more options and bring better treatment outcomes to a wide range of patients.”。”

Professor Wang Renzhi of Peking Union Medical College Hospital also holds the same view.“Based on existing literature and clinical application experience, there is great hope for lanreotide acetate sustained-release injection (pre-filled syringe), with the expectation that it will bring significant benefits to the numerous patients with acromegaly in China. In the future, we look forward to collaborating with peers in the field, pharmaceutical companies, and other stakeholders to further advance work in acromegaly care and drive progress in this field.”。”

According to the “2019 Comprehensive Social Survey of Acromegaly Patients in China” and the survey results from the Jiangsu Rare Disease Alliance on acromegaly patients, the rates of cross-regional medical visits, misdiagnosis, untreated cases, and failure to achieve treatment targets among acromegaly patients in China are currently high, highlighting the severe challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of this rare disease. As an important therapeutic approach for acromegaly, pharmacological treatment still requires improvements in accessibility, convenience, and affordability. A significant proportion of patients are unable to receive long-term, effective treatment after diagnosis. The current medication landscape for acromegaly patients in China faces substantial challenges; therefore, a multi-sectoral coordinated effort focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and patient support is needed to enhance the level of care and protection for these patients.

In fact, the state has already paid more attention to this aspect. The "Healthy China 2030 Planning Outline" proposes to improve the guarantee policies for rare disease medications, and the "National Basic Medical Care and Health Promotion Law" also strongly supports the research, development, and production of drugs for the prevention and treatment of rare diseases. For acromegaly, clinicians, patients, enterprises, and other stakeholders are jointly calling for the inclusion of acromegaly in China's list of rare diseases, incorporating more innovative drugs for treating acromegaly into medical insurance, providing more treatment options for both patients and doctors, and offering greater medical security for individuals with acromegaly.

Mr. Huang Muqi, Vice President of Ipsen China’s Specialty Care Business Unit, pointed out:“For many years, Ipsen has continuously invested in research and development in the field of rare diseases. In the treatment of acromegaly, Ipsen not only independently developed the world’s first long-acting somatostatin analog formulation”^[4], while always adhering to‘Patient-Centered’This philosophy of continuous challenge and pursuit of a better medication experience is well exemplified by the development of lanreotide acetate sustained-release injection (prefilled syringe). We look forward to this product being included in the National Reimbursement Drug List as soon as possible, enabling more patients to benefit from the advancements brought by technology.。”

[1] Caron PJ, Bevan JS, Petersenn S, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Apr;99(4):1282-90.

[2] Orlewska E, Kos-Kudla B, Sowinski J, et al. Endokrynol Pol. 2015;66(2):142-8

[3] Lanreotide Depot: An Antineoplastic Treatment of Carcinoid or Neuroendocrine Tumors，J Gastrointest Canc (2016) 47:366–374. DOI 10.1007/s12029-016-9866-9

[4] Chinese Journal of Medicinal Chemistry：1005—0108{2008)01—0080—01