SK Biopharmaceuticals Launches Cenobamate in China, Marking Major Milestone for Epilepsy Treatment
核心洞察
SK Biopharmaceuticals (搜索) has officially launched its innovative epilepsy drug Cenobamate in China, with first prescriptions beginning at major hub hospitals across the country.
The drug received approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (搜索) in December 2024 for treating focal-onset seizures in adults, entering full commercialization three months later.
Cenobamate aims to shift epilepsy treatment goals from "seizure control" to "seizure freedom" in China, representing a significant advancement in therapeutic approach.
SK Biopharmaceuticals (搜索) has officially launched its innovative epilepsy drug Cenobamate in China, marking a significant milestone in the company's global expansion strategy. The drug, known locally as Yifului (搜索), began its first prescriptions at major hub hospitals across China on March 26, 2026, approximately three months after receiving approval from the National Medical Products Administration (搜索) (NMPA) in December 2024.
Commercial Launch and Market Entry
The launch represents the culmination of a strategic partnership between SK Biopharmaceuticals (搜索) and Ignis Therapeutics (搜索), a joint venture established with global investment firm 6 Dimensions Capital (搜索). SK Biopharmaceuticals currently holds approximately 32.8% ownership in Ignis, which handles the development and commercialization of Cenobamate in China.
The partnership, formalized in 2021, encompasses clinical development and licensing procedures for major pipeline drugs including Cenobamate and Soliamphetol (搜索). To ensure rapid market penetration, Ignis secured a comprehensive distribution network covering hospitals and pharmacies nationwide through a strategic collaboration with China's largest pharmaceutical distribution company, Kukje Holdings (搜索), in February.
Clinical Recognition and Treatment Paradigm Shift
Cenobamate gained significant clinical recognition when it was included in the Epilepsy Treatment Guidelines of the Chinese Medical Association last year. The drug is approved for treating focal-onset seizures in adults, addressing a critical therapeutic need in China's epilepsy patient population.
"The first prescriptions of Cenobamate in China mark a significant milestone in our commercialization strategy and will serve as a turning point in China's epilepsy treatment, shifting the goal from 'seizure control' to 'Seizure Freedom,'" said Eileen Long, CEO of Ignis Therapeutics (搜索).
Regional Expansion Strategy
The successful Chinese launch serves as a foundation for broader regional expansion across Northeast Asia. SK Biopharmaceuticals (搜索) President Lee Dong-hoon emphasized the company's commitment to accelerating market entry in Korea and Japan through strategic partnerships.
"Starting with China, we will solidify collaboration with partners in each region to accelerate entry into the Northeast Asian markets, including Korea and Japan," Lee stated. He described the Chinese launch as "the fruits of SK Biopharmaceuticals (搜索) and Ignis Therapeutics (搜索)' long-term cooperation, marking an important milestone for Cenobamate's global expansion."
Innovation and Development Background
Cenobamate represents an independently developed innovative drug by SK Biopharmaceuticals (搜索), demonstrating the company's research and development capabilities in the neurological therapeutics space. The drug's approval and launch in China validates the company's approach to developing novel treatments for epilepsy patients.
Long emphasized the company's commitment to meeting clinical needs, stating, "We will do our best to ensure that innovative new drugs can quickly meet the needs of the clinical field based on mature local supply chains."