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(Alliance News) - Hutchison China MediTech Ltd said Thursday its anticancer drug Elunate has been included in updated China's National Reimbursement Drug list.
The company said fruquintinib capsules Elunate, used for treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer, is company's first novel oncology drug commercially launched in China.
Globally, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer, with 426,700 new cases diagnosed in China during 2018.
Christian Hogg, chief executive officer, said: "The inclusion in the National Reimbursement Drug list is a very important step forward to broaden availability and patient access to Elunate across China."
Inclusion in the NRD list allows patients in China to use their state medical insurance to cover part of the cost of treatment.
Hogg said the company now looks forward to its partner, US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly & Co, to capitalize on the provided opportunity to accelerate the accessibility of Elunate to patients across China.
Hutchison China MediTech's shares were 0.6% lower in London at 362.00 pence each on Thursday.
By Loreta Juodagalvyte; loretajuodagalvyte@alliancenews.com
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