On September 17, Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Tonghua Dongbao" or the "Company") and Nanjing Kingfriend Biochemical Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Kingfriend") announced a strategic partnership to introduce their insulin injections, including insulin glargine, insulin aspart, and insulin lispro, to the US market. According to the agreement, both companies will collaboratively develop and manufacture these three insulin drugs, adhering to US FDA requirements. Once these drugs are approved, Kingfriend will secure exclusive rights to market these drugs in the U.S.

The Chinese pharmaceutical industry is growing in overall strength and global competitiveness. An increasing number of top Chinese pharma companies are expanding overseas to maximize their product value. The US pharmaceutical market, known for its rigorous quality standards, remains the world's largest. This partnership aims at the expansive US insulin market. As per 2021 data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the US has around 32.2 million adults aged 20-79 with diabetes, making it fourth worldwide with a prevalence of 10.7%. That year, US diabetes-related treatment costs amounted to approximately USD 379.5 billion, the highest globally.

Tonghua Dongbao, a frontrunner in China's insulin sector, specializes in diabetes care. Its portfolio covers a complete range of rapid-acting, basal, and premixed human insulin and insulin analogs, with its human insulin maintaining the top market position in China, according to Pharmcube data. With over 20 years of export experience and an EU-certified production facility for human insulin drug substances, the Company ensures high-quality standards, making its products competitive on the global stage.

Kingfriend is a leading company in China's injectable drug exports with a strong sales footprint in the U.S. Its subsidiary, Meitheal, specializes in sterile injectable drugs, handling their registration, quality control, and marketing. With a professional US-based team experienced in procurement, manufacturing, and sales, they can efficiently cover various channels in the US injectable drugs market.

"With over 30 years of dedication, Tonghua Dongbao has excelled in the Chinese market, securing the largest share in China's human insulin market. Our product quality and production capacity are at an all-time high. Our partnership with Kingfriend in the US insulin market is a perfect blend of both companies' strengths," said Leng Chunsheng, Chairman of Tonghua Dongbao.

"Kingfriend has over 30 years of experience in commercializing biopharmaceutical research results and marketing biologic drugs worldwide. We recognize the coming 5-10 years as a golden opportunity for global expansion of biosimilars, a crucial direction for our growth. Our partnership with Tonghua Dongbao to tap into the US insulin market is the right decision, made at the right time, with the right partner," said Tang Yongqun, Chairman of Kingfriend.

In recent years, Tonghua Dongbao has been rapidly expanding its global presence and progressing with product approvals abroad. The Company is preparing to register its insulin glargine in several developing countries and has also readied insulin aspart for registration. The European Medicines Agency has officially accepted the Company's application for its human insulin injection. Moreover, the Company will work with Kexing Biopharm to penetrate 17 emerging markets with its liraglutide injection.

As its R&D matures and product portfolio expands, Tonghua Dongbao will bring more high-quality and innovative products to international markets. Guided by the ethos of "persist in innovation, build a global brand", the Company is committed to providing superior products for global patients and contributing to human health.

About Tonghua Dongbao

Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (stock code: 600867.SH) is a leading pharmaceutical firm in China, specializing in drug R&D, production, and sales. While maintaining its focus on diabetes treatment with the most extensive R&D pipeline in the industry, the Company is expanding into endocrinology and pioneering in the novel drug sector. Its primary products include human insulin, insulin glargine, insulin aspart, Zhennaoning Capsules, and diabetes-related medical devices.

Going forward, Tonghua Dongbao will stay committed to its ethos of "persist in innovation, build a global brand". Capitalizing on national policies encouraging novel and biological drugs, the Company aims to drive growth through technological innovation, enhance its biopharmaceutical R&D prowess, and expedite the commercialization of its research results, all in pursuit of "being an explorer and leader of novel drugs R&D in the field of endocrinology".

About Kingfriend

Nanjing Kingfriend Biochemical Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (stock code: 603707.SH) integrates drug R&D, production, and sales. The company has a top-notch isolator production line, advanced aseptic injection production technology, and a quality system certified in many regions including China, the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Brazil. Kingfriend boasts world-class R&D and production capabilities, a global quality approach, and strong US-based sales expertise. They provide injectable CDMO services, with a focus on the Chinese and US markets, but also extend their reach globally. Their ongoing mission is to assist partners in achieving global market breakthroughs and to champion the brand of the Chinese pharmaceutical industry.