Updated on 14 November 2013
Singapore: Taiwan based Genovate Biotechnology and ScinoPharm have jointly developed the highly potent oral generic drug Livepro (Entecavir), representing a new generation of drugs for the treatment of Hepatitis B.
It is expected to be commercially available by the end of the year in Taiwan, accounting for more than USD70 million worth of market opportunity.
The new-generation oral Hepatitis B drug Livepro is a drug jointly developed by Genovate and ScinoPharm. Both companies combined their resources with ScinoPharm being responsible for the development and manufacturing of the active pharmaceutical ingredient for Livepro, "Entecavir". Additionally, formulations were developed with the joint involvement of Genovate in order to enter the markets in Taiwan and China.
Mr. Jo Shen, President and CEO of ScinoPharm, stated, "This collaboration with Genovate signifies ScinoPharm's strategic move into the formulation development field. Livepro is the first commercially available product produced through the company's branching out into the field of formulation, specifically its "double A" strategy (API + ANDA) of combining Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient manufacturing with formulations required in Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDA). The company's strategy is to respond to customers' demand for high-quality drugs through its one-stop shop services."
Mr. Jen Chen, CEO of Genovate, noted, "Formulation drug development engaging in upward vertical integration with active pharmaceutical ingredient sources and starting from the process patent, combined with formulation design will add products' value and ensure market niche. ScinoPharm boasts world-class API development and manufacturing capacity. The cooperation between Genovate and ScinoPharm is a win-win strategy devised through the expertise of both sides. Additionally, patients will also benefit from it, making it a triple-win collaboration model."