Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical Company Limited has announced that its subsidiary, Shandong Zibo Xincat Pharmaceutical, has been granted a Drug Registration Certificate from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its febuxostat tablets. This approval signifies that the company meets the necessary domestic production standards, paving the way for the manufacturing and sales of the drug within China.
Febuxostat is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor used to reduce uric acid levels in patients with hyperuricemia and gout. Gout is a common and painful form of inflammatory arthritis that affects millions worldwide. The prevalence of gout is increasing globally, driven by factors such as aging populations and changes in dietary habits. Effective management of hyperuricemia is crucial in preventing gout flares and long-term joint damage.
The approval is expected to bolster Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical's standing in the pharmaceutical market. Febuxostat offers an alternative to allopurinol, another commonly prescribed drug for gout. While allopurinol has been a mainstay treatment, some patients experience adverse effects or are unable to tolerate it, creating a need for alternative therapies like febuxostat.
The approved febuxostat tablets will be manufactured by Shandong Zibo Xincat Pharmaceutical. The company will now focus on scaling up production and distribution to meet the anticipated demand within the Chinese market. The availability of domestically produced febuxostat could also potentially lower the cost of treatment for Chinese patients suffering from gout and hyperuricemia.
