France-headquartered Ethypharm has announced the acquisition of a suppository form of Mesalazine by its Chinese affiliate, Shanghai Ethypharm Pharmaceuticals, from the Chinese Company Jiangsu Anbison Pharmaceutical.

Leader in essential medicines for central nervous system, hospital care and internal medicine, Ethypharm's strategy is to continue to grow in its key markets, the five major European Countries and China, as well as internationally with its strong network of distributors. Its growth will be driven by both organic growth and acquisitions.

Mesalazine is a medication used to treat Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Since 1997, Ethypharm has pioneered the Chinese Mesalazine oral market with Etiasa, achieving approximately 30% market share.

China is the third-largest market of Mesalazine globally, with mainly oral forms and topical forms accounting for 20% of the total market.

The Mesalazine suppository treatment offers advantages such as providing a more targeted release.

The acquisition will enable Ethypharm to better meet the Chinese patient and healthcare professional demand for quality treatments by offering a full portfolio of Mesalazine forms. It extends the life cycle of one of Ethypharm's leading products.