Fosun Pharma Launches New Product -- "Wanuric(R)" (Febuxostat Tablets) Available in the Market

HONG KONG, Aug. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. ("Fosun Pharma" or the "Company"; stock code: 600196-SH, 02196-HK; and, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"), a leading healthcare company in the PRC, announced Jiangsu Wanbang Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Wanbang Pharma"), a subsidiary of Fosun Pharma, launched its new product "Wanuric^®"(Febuxostat Tablets) in China recently. Wanbang Pharma is now the second enterprise in China that has introduced this product.

Wanbang Pharma's new product Febuxostat Tablets obtained China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) approval on 26 June this year. This is the second enterprise with approval in the nation. The introduction of this product does not only provide a more fitting medical choice for many chronic hyperuricemia patients in the nation, but also enriches the company's major product line, bringing in new profit growth.

Before the launch of Febuxostat Tablets, allopurinol has long been the only clinical drug to inhibit the production of uric acid. Although it is a type of classic drug with long history in the market, the side-effect of taking large amount of allopurinol could be disruptive considering its structural deficiencies. Febuxostate Tablet is the first highly selective non-purine xanthine oxidase inhibitor in decades primarily used to cure hyperuricemia patients with metabolic arthritis symptoms. Compared to other uricosuric drugs, Febuxostat Tablets is a safer approach and more effective in lowering uric acid with less adverse reactions. The drug was first launched in the United States in 2009 and has grown exponentially in the market since its release with global sales amounted up to USD390 million in 2012, an increase of 63% from 2011. The product was recommended as a first-line drug by "America Hyperuricemia Arthuritis Treatment Guideline" in 2012.

According to the statistics from "Chinese Journal of Drug Application and Monitoring", the current national incidence rate for hyperuricemia patients is 10% and approximately 130 million potential patients. On top of that, patients who depend on medical help in lowering uric acid will require long term or lifelong medical treatment. Thus, "Wanuric^®" has great market potential. 

Wanbang Pharma has been committed to the development of the field of endocrinology and metabolism. The launch of Febuxostat Tablets is a vital addition and enrichment to the product line in this sector. Wanbang Pharma also has other major products launched in its hypoglycemic, antihypertensive and lowering uric acid product lines.

About Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. (Fosun Pharma)

Fosun Pharma is a leading healthcare company in the PRC. The Group was established in 1994 with headquarters located in Shanghai, and was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 1998. In October 2012, though the international financial environment was unfavorable, the Company successfully completed offering and listing H shares in Hong Kong. As a result, the Company has listings in both the A share market and the H share market. The Group has achieved significant results with strengthened corporate governance and investor relationship management. In addition to the SSE 180 Index, CSI 300 Index, SSE Dividend Index and SSE Corporate Governance Index, Fosun Pharma is also included in the SSE Private Enterprise 50 Index and SSE Social Responsibility Index. According to IMS Health Incorporated ("IMS"), the Group was one of the top five domestic pharmaceutical companies in the PRC by revenue in the pharmaceutical manufacturing segment in 2011. The Group's business operations strategically cover multiple important segments in the healthcare industry value chain, with business segments including pharmaceutical manufacturing, pharmaceutical distribution and retail, healthcare services and diagnostic products and medical devices.

Additional information about Fosun Pharma is available at http://www.fosunpharma.com.

About Jiangsu Wanbang Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Wanbang Pharma)

Wanbang Pharma is the core member of Fosun Pharma. Wanbang Pharma medical products cover chemical pharmaceutical ingredients and preparations, biochemical and biological products and traditional Chinese medical drugs, all qualified products with GMP and GSP certification. Wanbang ranked No. 1 with its anti-diabetic products in the market share in China; Animal Insulin Injection, Wanpriy (Glimepiride Tablet) and MAC (Meglumine Adenosine Cyclophosphate Injection). Products such as Compounded Aloe Capsule, Xiaokekang Granule, Xihuang Capsule are exclusive products; Calyo (Calcium Dobesilate Capsule), EPO (Recombinant Human Erythropoietin for Injection), Bangtan (Telmisatan Tablet), Heparin Sodium Injection, Eluzer (Pemetrexed Disodium for Injection), Perphenazine Tablet are also ranked among the best in the Chinese market.

Additional information about Wanbang Pharma is available at http://www.chinawanbang.com.

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