Everest Medicines has announced the commercial launch of VELSIPITY (etrasimod arginine tablets) in Mainland China, marking a significant milestone in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). The drug's debut was highlighted by the issuance of the first prescription at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University.
On its launch day, VELSIPITY was prescribed in eight tertiary hospitals across seven major cities, including Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing, providing immediate nationwide coverage. The drug is also accessible through internet hospital platforms, enhancing patient access.
VELSIPITY received approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration in February 2026, with the first prescription issued just a month later, underscoring the strong clinical demand and Everest Medicines' execution capabilities.
The launch comes as inflammatory bowel disease, particularly UC, is on the rise in China, driven by lifestyle changes and improved diagnostics. The patient population is expected to grow significantly, with projections indicating the IBD treatment market could exceed RMB 10 billion by 2030.
VELSIPITY is a next-generation, highly selective S1P receptor modulator, recommended for moderately to severely active UC by leading clinical guidelines. Clinical studies have shown its potential for rapid onset of action, long-lasting remission, and mucosal healing, with a favorable safety profile.
In the ENLIGHT UC study, a Phase 3 clinical trial, VELSIPITY achieved a 48.1% clinical remission rate at week 40. The drug's safety and efficacy have been confirmed through real-world data and long-term studies, maintaining a stable safety profile over five years.
Everest Medicines plans to leverage its commercialization experience, gained from its nephrology product NEFECON, to drive VELSIPITY's market growth. NEFECON’s success has validated the company's platform for innovative medicine commercialization, which VELSIPITY is expected to replicate.
With traditional UC treatments presenting limitations, VELSIPITY's oral convenience and safety profile position it as a promising alternative. Industry expectations suggest the drug could reach peak sales of RMB 5 billion, contributing significantly to Everest Medicines' revenue growth.
To enhance accessibility and affordability, Everest Medicines aims to establish a multi-channel market access framework and pursue inclusion in China’s National Reimbursement Drug List. This strategy includes patient assistance programs and innovative payment solutions.
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