MSD Launches Novel Antibiotic Recarbrio® (Imipenem/Cilastatin/Relebactam) in China to Tackle CRE and CRPA Infections
MSD
Pharmaceutical R&D and Manufacturer
Shanghai, China,2025Year5December 12Day— MSD (MSD is the trade name of Merck & Co., Inc., located in Rahway, New Jersey, USA) announced its new carbapenem/enzyme inhibitor combination formulation Recarbrio.®(Imipenem Injection) has officially been launched in China, applicable for treating the following infections caused by susceptible Gram-negative bacteria in patients aged 18 years and above: Hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP); complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) (including pyelonephritis) with limited or no alternative treatment options; complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) with limited or no alternative treatment options. The first batch of the drug has been packaged at MSD's Hangzhou plant in China, achieving its first local release.
Professor Xiao Yonghong, President of the Infectious Disease Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Member of the Expert Committee on Rational Drug Use of the National Health Commission, Affiliated First Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineStated: "Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) are listed by the World Health Organization as 'Critical Priority Pathogens' due to their high level of drug resistance and threat to patient safety."[1]And 'High-Priority Pathogens'[1]。In response to the severe challenges posed by CRE and CRPA infections, there is an urgent clinical need for a more extensive 'armamentarium' to effectively address these issues. Ruikebo®(The launch of Imipenem/Cilastatin for injection) brings a new option to address the treatment challenges of CRE and CRPA infections and will also contribute to the continuous optimization of Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) – innovative choices of antimicrobial agents, reduced resistance, and improved patient outcomes. As infectious disease physicians, we look forward to more innovative drugs being applied clinically, becoming a 'powerful tool' in combating complex drug-resistant bacterial infections and safeguarding patients’ health."
Anna Tian, Senior Vice President of MSD Global and President of MSD ChinaRepresents: "Recomb®The launch of (Imipenem for Injection) once again demonstrates MSD's firm commitment to the continuous development in the anti-infective field. We look forward to the introduction of this innovative drug providing new impetus to curb the situation of drug resistance. Building on its profound foundation and extensive product pipeline in the anti-infective domain, MSD will remain dedicated to bringing cutting-edge treatment options to healthcare professionals and patients, supporting the establishment of a more resilient anti-infective defense line. —— Recobro®(Imipenem for Injection) is also the first drug to be launched in China through MSD's Hangzhou factory. We will continue to strive to safeguard the line of life with the strength of technological innovation and build a healthy future together with an open and cooperative spirit."
With the strong support of the Qiantang New District Government in Hangzhou and the guidance of MSD's Manufacturing Division digital transformation strategy, MSD China's Hangzhou factory will...®(The core technology of Imipenem/Cilastatin for Injection) has been transformed into the ultimate standard for industrial production, with product stability reaching an internationally leading level. This local debut also marks that the Hangzhou factory now has the capability to rank among the top tier of global innovative drug manufacturing.
About MSD
At MSD (the corporate name of Merck & Co., Inc. in the United States, headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey), we are united by a shared purpose: harnessing the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We are committed to being a top-tier, research-intensive biopharmaceutical company — today, we remain at the forefront of research, delivering innovative solutions to advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in humans and animals. We have built a diverse and inclusive global workforce that operates responsibly every day to secure a safe, sustainable, and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com and follow us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About MSD China
China is a crucial part of MSD's global growth strategy. MSD’s China headquarters is located in Shanghai, with a research and development center in Beijing and manufacturing facilities in Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Tianjin, integrating R&D, manufacturing, and commercial operations. We are fully committed to providing the people of China with high-quality innovative medicines, vaccines, and services for the benefit of Chinese society. For more information, please visit MSD China's official website or follow MSD China's official social media account on WeChat.
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[1] WHO Bacterial Priority Pathogens List, 2024