On December 7, China Resources Pharmaceutical Group Limited (CR Pharma) signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Swedish company Xbrane for the development of Xlucane, a biosimilar to Lucentis.

The Xlucane is the first biosimilar developed by Xbrane to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Under the agreement, CR Pharma shall be responsible for the registration, clinical research and commercial sales of the product in China. The two parties also discussed and confirmed follow-up cooperation on Spherotide, a long-acting triptorelin microsphere injection product. Spherotide is the world's first generic version of a microsphere drug approved for the treatment of prostate cancer, endometriosis and uterine fibroids.

The introduction of two advantageous Xbrane products will allow CR Pharma to make a quick foray into biosimilars and antineoplastic agents, both of which are of paramount importance in drug manufacturing, thereby expanding core product lines and building up core competitiveness.