Sinobiopharma announces Chinese approval of Perindopril

Sinobiopharma, Inc. has announced that it has received approval from the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) to manufacture and market its formulation of Perindopril, an anti-hypertension drug.

Perindopril, used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure, is the latest generation of a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It supports circulation by preventing the production of chemicals that occur naturally in the body but constrict blood vessels.

As the first Chinese producer of Perindopril, Sinobiopharma comes to market with significant competitive advantages, including lower cost active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), and being the first in the world to offer capsule formulation, which is not only easier to swallow, but also has greater efficacy and reduced side effects compared to earlier versions of the drug. Prior to SFDA approval of Sinobiopharma's version, Servier (France) was the only firm to market Perindopril in China. Perindopril completed clinical trials in September 2007.

High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke, heart attack and kidney failure; it affects an estimated one billion people worldwide. In China, the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases is on the rise, costing patients approximately RMB 300 billion (US $37 billion) in medical expenses each year. Of this amount, some RMB 30 billion (US $3.7 billion) is spent directly on the treatment of hypertension, according to China's Ministry of Health.

High blood pressure affects nearly one in five Chinese adults during their lifetime, according to the State Council of China.

"SFDA approval of Sinobiopharma's formulation of Perindopril strengthens our product portfolio in keeping with our strategy of focusing on first-to-market generic and innovative drugs," says Lequn Huang, Company President and CEO.