EUSOL Biotech Co., Ltd. (referred to as "EUSOL," stock code: 6652), a developer of both biologic and small molecule drugs, announced today (14th) a strategic collaboration agreement with Anxo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (referred to as " Anxo," stock code: 6677), a specialist in drug delivery technologies. The partnership aims to develop a new form oral anticoagulant with annual global sales exceeding USD 1 billion. The drug will be developed in a way that does not infringe existing patent rights, with the goal of becoming the first generic on the market in Taiwan.
The signing ceremony was officiated by EUSOL Chairman Hongjen Chang and Anxo Chairman Jerry Wang.
The two companies will combine their respective strengths to collaborate in the development, production, and sales of the target drug, sharing associated costs and future sales profits. The development timeline is projected to be three years including bioequivalence (BE) study conduction, and market approval targeted in 2028. If all goes well, expanding the sales into international markets will be the joined goal for the next phase.
EUSOL Chairman Hongjen Chang emphasized that to demonstrate Taiwan's capability in generic drug R&D and encourage domestic companies to compete on a global market, the government released a number of conducive drug pricing reform plans to the industry development last year. Among them, the first two Taiwan-manufactured generics approved within five years of the original drug's patent expiration to receive the same National Health Insurance pricing as the originator, significantly boosting pharmaceutical industry efforts to preemptively position niche products before patent expirations.
Having shifted its business model two years ago to focus on niche generic drugs and specialty formulations through strategic collaborations, EUSOL is optimistic about this venture. Eusol General Manager Wanya Chang expressed excitement about partnering with Anxo, which boasts a range of proprietary technology platforms and has secured over 20 first-to-market generic drug approvals in Taiwan. She anticipates a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership.
Anxo Chairman Jerry Wang also voiced his enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing EUSOL's advanced drug development expertise and experience in regulatory and market strategies. He looks forward to leveraging the complementary strengths of both teams to seize post-patent generic market opportunities.
Anxo General Manager Lin-Chuan Yan elaborated on the oral anticoagulant, describing it as a novel mechanism drug with high selectivity that directly inhibits coagulation factor Xa to prevent thrombosis. The medication is designed for effective stroke and systemic embolism prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and for the treatment of venous thromboembolism, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
According to IQVIA data, the original drug achieved sales of approximately USD 29.6 million in Taiwan in 2023, USD 876 million in the Asia-Pacific region, and USD 2.363 billion globally (equivalent to TWD 75.6 billion), with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 19.24% over the past six years.