Takeda Launches Vonoprazan (Takecab®) in China, Ushering in a New Era of Acid Suppression Therapy
Takeda
Biopharmaceutical Manufacturer
Shanghai, May 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Takeda China announced its novel mechanism acid-suppressing drug, Takecab®(Vonoprazan Fumarate Tablets) Launch in China to Provide a Novel Acid-Suppressive Therapy for Adult Patients with Reflux Esophagitis (RE), Helping Them Return to a Better Quality of Life. As the First Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker (P-CAB) Approved in China, Takecab®Now officially in production at Takeda’s Tianjin facility, realizing “Made in China” quality. At today’s launch event, Takeda China also announced the nationwide rollout of the “Bao Wo Kang Jian – Reflux Esophagitis Patient Support Program.” This program aims to provide better medication access and support for patients with reflux esophagitis in the post-pandemic era, enabling effortless health management.
Professor Chen Minhu from the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Chairman of the Chinese Society of Gastroenterology under the Chinese Medical Association, pointed out: "Over the past few decades, acid-suppressing drugs have continuously evolved, yet there remain unmet therapeutic needs. Today, we are pleased to see the emergence of a drug with a novel mechanism of action in the field of acid suppression therapy. As the first potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) introduced into China, Vonoprazan"®will provide new options for current acid-suppressive therapy, thereby improving the quality of life for patients with reflux esophagitis (RE).”
Novel Mechanism Acid-Suppressing DrugListed in China,Walker®Providing New Options for Clinical Medication
Reflux esophagitis is a common digestive system disease, characterized by symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation caused by the reflux of gastric contents. It may be accompanied by extra-esophageal symptoms and involves erosion of the esophageal mucosa, significantly affecting patients' quality of life and sleep. Epidemiological data show that the prevalence of reflux esophagitis in the general population in China is as high as 6.4%.[1]。
Professor Hou Xiaohua, Standing Committee Member of the Chinese Society of Gastroenterology under the Chinese Medical Association and Director of the Department of Gastroenterology at Union Hospital affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, stated: “The 2017 World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) Global Guidelines point out that promoting mucosal healing, alleviating symptoms, and improving health-related quality of life are among the important goals of RE treatment.”[2]“The treat-to-target strategy we currently emphasize requires that, while focusing on symptom relief, we also fully consider individual patient factors to adjust treatment regimens, with the aim of fully achieving the therapeutic goal of mucosal healing.”
As a new generation of acid-suppressing drugs, clinical data indicate that Vonoprazan®Full Efficacy with the First Dose[3], Sustained Acid Suppression[4]and convenient to take[5],[6]such characteristics. Walker®Its launch in China will provide new clinical treatment options for RE, ushering in a new era of acid-suppression therapy.
Professor Cheng Nengneng, Director of the Department of Pharmacology at the School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, stated: “Wo Ke®Four Key Features – Fast, Strong, Long-lasting, Stable: It’s Walker®Important pharmaceutical characteristics that confer clinical advantages, Takeda®...its market launch will bring about a new leap forward in the treatment of acid-related diseases.”
Professor Zou Duowu, Standing Committee Member of the Chinese Society of Gastroenterology under the Chinese Medical Association and Director of the Department of Gastroenterology at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, stated: “Takeda®It is a novel acid-suppressing drug with a new mechanism of action, which works by blocking H+，K+K of ATPase+Channel, competitive blockade of K+“Binding to this enzyme allows for prolonged retention in gastric parietal cells, thereby rapidly inhibiting gastric acid secretion and providing a novel therapeutic option for patients with reflux esophagitis (RE).”
Vonoprazan Fumarate Tablets were launched in Japan in February 2015. Their indications include reflux esophagitis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, prevention of recurrence of gastric or duodenal ulcers during treatment with low-dose aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and eradication of Helicobacter pylori.
International Quality, Made in China: Bringing the Patient Assurance Program to Benefit ChinaRE Patients
According to statistical data, the number of patients with reflux esophagitis in Shanghai alone exceeds 1.5 million.[1]. Among individuals with upper gastrointestinal symptoms, the prevalence of reflux esophagitis is as high as 17.8%.[7]. To improve disease treatment and quality of daily life, patients with refractory epilepsy (RE) in China are looking forward to better treatment options. Benefiting from the rapid approval by the National Medical Products Administration, Vonk®Officially approved on December 18, 2019. Subsequently, during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, as Takeda’s sole production facility in China, Takeda’s Tianjin plant actively advanced the WoKe project under the strong coordination of the local government and relevant departments.®Following local production and subsequent procedures in China, the product was launched just 16 days after approval of the repackaging license, realizing the vision of “Made in China” quality to benefit patients.TakedaThe Tianjin factory initiated production line upgrades at the end of 2018, and after the upgrade, Takeda®with an annual production capacity of up to 20 million boxes, ensuring medication supply for RE patients in China and worldwide.
Meanwhile, the sudden outbreak of the pandemic accelerated the development of “Internet + Healthcare.” Takeda China seized the trend of online diagnosis and treatment to actively improve the accessibility of innovative medicines. Through patient assistance programs, Takeda not only alleviated the pressure on offline medical services but also reduced non-medical costs, thereby better benefiting patients in China. From May to October 2020, Takeda launched the “Bao Wo Kang Jian – Patient Assistance Program for Reflux Esophagitis” nationwide. During this period, patients diagnosed with reflux esophagitis (RE) were prescribed Vonoprazan by their physicians.®Afterward, you may voluntarily enroll in the coverage plan to access a range of services, including free online consultations, treatment efficacy guarantees, green-channel access for critical illnesses, and general practitioner consultations. “Bao Wo Kang Jian” will provide enrolled patients with enhanced medication coverage, facilitating effortless health management.
“Delighted to Welcome Walker”®official launch in the Chinese market. Upholding the philosophy of “patients first,” Takeda will continue to commit to introducing cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic solutions and innovative medicines, bringing more new treatment options to patients. Mr. Shan Guohong, President of Takeda China, stated, “We will also continue to deepen our presence in the Chinese market, enabling innovative medicines manufactured in China to serve more patients domestically and even globally.”
[1] Zou D, et al. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2011;46(2):133-41
[2] Hunt R, et al. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2017;51(6): 467-478.
[3] Hunt RH, et al. Curr Treat Options Gastroenterol.2018 Dec;16(4):570-590.
[4] Kagami T, et al. Aliment pHarmacol Ther. 2016 May;43(10):1048-59.
[5] Martinucci I, et al. Expert Opin pHarmacother. 2017;18(11):1145-1152.
[6] Report on the Deliberation Results, Evaluation and Licensing Division, Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau. https://www.pmda.go.jp/english/index.html. November 26, 2014.
[7] Bai Y, et al. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013;28(4):626-31.