On 26th October, the prescriptions of China Medical System(CMS)’s innovative drug, named Metoject (Methotrexate Pre-filled Injection), have been issued for the first time in several hospitals located in different Chinese cities. It marked Metoject, the first Methotrexate (MTX) pre-filled injection for subcutaneous administration for the treatment of psoriasis in China, officially stepped into the clinical application stage and stepped into the new era of psoriasis therapy, bringing a novel and better traditional treatment option for psoriasis patients.
On 24th March this year, Methotrexate Injection was approved for marketing in China for the treatment of severe recalcitrant disabling psoriasis, which is not adequately responsive to other forms of therapy such as phototherapy, PUVA, and retinoids. Metoject (Methotrexate Pre-filled Injection), is available in small-capacity strengths with high concentration, and adopts a new MTX delivery method, subcutaneous administration to increase its bioavailability. Featured with pre-filled syringe, Metoject allows patients to administer independently once per week, making it more convenient.
First prescription of Metoject issued by the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
After obtained the China marketing approved of Metoject, CMS coordinated relevant departments and efficiently accomplished the import of the first batch of Metoject for commercialization. Following receipt of arrived goods at Chongqing Port on September 26, CMS obtained the product’s Drug Inspection Report on October 20, shortly after Chinese National Day holiday. Six days later, the first prescriptions of Metoject were issued in many cities of China, indicating Metoject was officially put into clinical application to bring a better systemic treatment therapy to Chinese psoriasis patients.
Metoject, The First MTX Pre-filled Injection for Subcutaneous Administration for the Treatment of Psoriasis in China.
Psoriasis is a common chronic, recurrent, inflammatory, and systemic disease that is difficult to treat and cure. It has become a serious global problem. Due to its long course and high relapse rate, psoriasis has a significant negative impact on patients’ quality of life and psychological well-being. In China, there are more than 7 million people suffering from psoriasis with an incidence rate of 0.47%, among which 57% are with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
In addition, CMS has completed all the subjects enrollment of Metoject’s bridging trial for adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China. Methotrexate is recognized internationally as the first choice first-line and anchor drug for the treatment of RA. Metoject is expected to be the first MTX pre-filled injection for subcutaneous administration for the treatment of RA in China.
In 2023, CMS successfully obtained China marketing approvals for its three innovative products, including Methotrexate Injection (METOJECT), Tildrakizumab Solution for Injection (ILUMETRI), which is a specific IL-23 p19 subunit monoclonal antibody targeting adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, and China’s first Diazepam Nasal Spray (VALTOCO), an innovative medicine targeting acute repetitive seizures that is convenient to use with a very rapid onset of action. The issue of Metoject’s first prescriptions in multiple Chinese cities represents that CMS’s innovation development officially entered a new era of large-scale clinical application. The Group will continue to identify products with differentiated advantages globally and efficiently promote their clinical development and commercialization, bringing more new and effective drugs to patients.