SK Biopharmaceuticals officially launched Cenobamate, its innovative epilepsy medication, in China on Thursday, signaling a significant step in its global commercialization strategy. This launch targets one of the world’s largest and most dynamic pharmaceutical markets.
Cenobamate, branded as Yifurui in China, received approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration in December as an adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in adult patients with epilepsy. Initial prescriptions are now being fulfilled at leading hospitals throughout the country.
Developed in-house by SK Biopharmaceuticals, Cenobamate’s commercialization in China is being spearheaded by Ignis Therapeutics, a strategic joint venture established with global investment firm 6 Dimension Capital.
This collaborative partnership, formed in 2021, encompasses key pharmaceutical pipelines, including Cenobamate and Solriamfetol (known locally as Yilangqing), aiming to address significant unmet medical needs in the region.
To facilitate rapid market penetration, Ignis Therapeutics recently finalized a strategic distribution agreement with Sinopharm, China’s largest pharmaceutical distributor. This agreement ensures nationwide access to hospitals and pharmacies, supporting a swift and comprehensive rollout of Yifurui across the country.
SK Biopharmaceuticals holds a substantial 32.8 percent stake in Ignis Therapeutics. The launch in China is poised to significantly enhance the joint venture’s valuation and establish a robust platform for further regional expansion.
“Beginning with China, we aim to strengthen cooperation with our regional partners to accelerate our expansion into key Northeast Asian markets, including Korea and Japan,” stated Lee Dong-hoon, President of SK Biopharmaceuticals, underscoring the company’s commitment to the region.
Eileen Long, CEO of Ignis Therapeutics, highlighted the transformative potential of Cenobamate’s introduction. “The first prescription of Cenobamate marks a pivotal turning point, shifting the paradigm of epilepsy treatment in China from simply controlling seizures to achieving complete seizure freedom for patients,” she stated.
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