China has made significant strides in the
R&D and manufacturing of avatrombopag maleate, transitioning from follower
to parallel runner in the global area.
1. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API)
Manufacturing: Technological Independence and Innovation:
(1) High-Technology Synthesis: The
avatrombopag molecule is complex with multiple chiral centers. Leading Chinese
API manufacturers have successfully mastered key technologies like asymmetric synthesis,
chiral resolution, and purification, enabling industrial-scale production with
high purity and yield.
(2) Green Chemistry & Cost Control:
Continuous process optimization is underway to shorten synthetic routes and
employ greener solvents and reagents, reducing costs and environmental impact.
(3) Integrated Supply Chain: A largely
self-sufficient domestic supply chain, from key starting materials to advanced
intermediates, ensures stable and controllable API production.
2. Formulation Technology: Quality and
Bioequivalence
(1) Mature Formulation Process: The maleate
salt is formulated into conventional oral tablets. Domestic manufacturers have
well-established expertise in its formulation, particle size control, and
stability assurance.
(2) Consistency Evaluation & Global
Outreach: For generic development, Chinese companies conduct bioequivalence
(BE) studies adhering to international standards (e.g., FDA, ICH), ensuring
parity with the originator drug. Several companies have obtained DMF filings with
the U.S. FDA or ANDA approvals, demonstrating global supply capability.
3. R&D Trends and Future Directions
(1) Generic and Novel Formulation
Development: Following patent expiry, multiple generic versions have been
approved in China, improving affordability. Research into novel formulations
for optimized delivery is ongoing.
(2) Expansion into New Indications: Local
clinical trials are actively exploring its use in chemotherapy-induced
thrombocytopenia and aplastic anemia to generate real-world data in Chinese
populations.
(3) Continuous Manufacturing &
Digitalization: The industry is exploring advanced technologies like continuous
flow chemistry for API production, integrated with smart manufacturing to
enhance efficiency and quality robustness.
In Conclusion, Avatrombopag maleate remains a vital TPO-RA option due to its distinct clinical advantages. The Chinese
pharmaceutical industry, by mastering core synthesis technologies and
establishing high-standard manufacturing, not only ensures the drug's
accessibility but also demonstrates its rapidly advancing technological prowess
within the global pharmaceutical value chain.