Hua Medicine Receives Approval for Innovative Diabetes Treatment in Hong Kong
Hua Medicine has announced the official marketing approval of dorzagliatin, trade name MYHOMSIS® (華領片®), in Hong Kong for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes in adults. This approval, issued by the Pharmaceutical Service of the Department of Health of the Hong Kong SAR, marks a significant milestone as dorzagliatin is the first glucokinase activator (GKA) to gain marketing clearance outside of mainland China.
The approval came under Hong Kong's innovative '1+' pharmaceutical regulatory mechanism, which aims to accelerate the availability of innovative drugs that have already been vetted in major markets like mainland China, the US, or Europe. This initiative allows for a streamlined application process and data recognition, speeding up the time to market for new therapies. Hua Medicine submitted dorzagliatin's New Drug Application (NDA) to the Hong Kong Department of Health last September, and its approval today resonates with the efforts to improve diabetes management in the region.
Cao Beili, Hua Medicine's Vice President of Corporate Operation and Great Bay Development, emphasized the innovative nature of MYHOMSIS®, noting that it stands as the first primary care drug approved under this new regulatory framework. Furthermore, the company views Hong Kong as a strategic launchpad for international market penetration into Southeast Asia and beyond.
Dr. Chen Li, the CEO and Founder of Hua Medicine, echoed this sentiment, stating, "The approval of dorzagliatin represents a monumental achievement for our company. This innovative medicine showcases Hong Kong's commitment to supporting next-generation drugs and reaffirms the international competitiveness of China's homegrown therapies."
Dorzagliatin's approval also aligns with the broader global healthcare challenge posed by diabetes, which has seen sharp increases in prevalence worldwide. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the number of adults aged 20-79 diagnosed with diabetes is set to rise dramatically, raising concerns about health management. In Hong Kong alone, diabetes is a growing public health concern, with surveys showing that 6.9% of individuals aged 15 and above have been diagnosed with the disease.
What sets dorzagliatin apart from existing diabetes therapies is its fundamental innovation: it addresses the underlying causes of glucose dysregulation rather than just managing symptoms. The drug acts to repair the function and expression of glucokinase (GK), improving the body's sensitivity to glucose and promoting a balanced approach to glycemic control through integrated action across multiple organs including the pancreas, liver, and intestines. This multi-target functionality fosters enhanced insulin secretion and overall metabolic wellness for patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes.
Since its initial approval by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in September 2022, dorzagliatin has been made available to over 200,000 patients within China through its inclusion in the National Reimbursement Drug List, highlighting its quickly growing acceptance and uptake in the healthcare systems.
Looking ahead, Hua Medicine plans to further leverage Hong Kong's "1+" mechanism to expedite the marketing of dorzagliatin across Southeast Asia, tapping into the region’s market potential and addressing the significant diabetes burden. The company intends to expand its research efforts in collaboration with esteemed local institutions to explore dorzagliatin's benefits for pre-diabetes and innovative intervention strategies.
Hua Medicine's innovative focus not only provides new hope for diabetes management in Hong Kong but also signals a turning point as the company charts a path toward establishing a stronger presence in the global healthcare landscape. The strategic use of Hong Kong as a gateway reinforces the potential for Chinese-developed drugs to meet the rising international demand for effective diabetes treatments while fostering ongoing research and local collaborations to drive innovation. With increasing numbers of patients seeking effective therapies, dorzagliatin exemplifies a forward-looking approach that could reshape diabetes management both regionally and globally.