Hengrui Medicine receives approval for new diabetes drug

Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine (SSE:600276) announced that its subsidiary, Shandong Shengdi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., has received a drug registration certificate from the National Medical Products Administration for its innovative drug, Ruige Lieting Metformin Tablets (Type I)/(Type II). The drug, a Class 1 innovative drug developed independently, is indicated for improving blood glucose control in adult patients with Type 2 diabetes suitable for treatment with Ruige Lieting phosphate and Metformin hydrochloride, in combination with diet and exercise. This marks China's first domestically developed dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) combined with Metformin fixed-dose combination. As of now, the cumulative R&D investment in the Ruige Lieting Metformin Tablets-related project is approximately CNY 7,660,000. The announcement also cautions investors about potential uncertainties affecting production and sales post-approval. In 2024, global sales of comparable products were estimated at USD 11.55 billion.