Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals (01276): Liposomal injection of ilaprazole hydrochloride (II) approved for clinical trials.

Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals (01276) announced that its subsidiary, Shanghai Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., recently received the approval notice for the clinical trial of Irinotecan Hydrochloride Liposome Injection () issued by the National Medical Products Administration, and will soon begin the clinical trial. Irinotecan hydrochloride is a semi-synthetic derivative of camptothecin. Camptothecin selectively binds to topoisomerase I, which induces reversible single-strand breaks, thereby unwinding the DNA double-strand structure; Irinotecan hydrochloride and its active metabolite SN-38 can bind to the topoisomerase I-DNA complex, preventing the reconnection of broken single strands. Irinotecan Hydrochloride Liposome Injection encapsulates Irinotecan hydrochloride in a liposome carrier to improve the distribution and metabolism of the drug in the body and tumor bodies, thereby achieving the goal of enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity. Irinotecan Hydrochloride Liposome Injection was first developed by Merrimack Pharmaceuticals company under the brand name Onivyde, and has been approved in the United States, European Union, South Korea, Singapore, and Japan since 2015. In April 2022, Onivyde was officially approved for market by the National Medical Products Administration. The company's Irinotecan Hydrochloride Liposome Injection () was approved for market in 2023, indicated for use in combination with fluorouracil and calcium folinate for the treatment of unresectable locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer that has failed chemotherapy with gemcitabine as a base in the past. As of 2024, global sales related to Irinotecan are approximately $373 million. As of now, the cumulative research and development investment in Irinotecan Hydrochloride Liposome Injection projects is approximately RMB 42.47 million (unaudited).