Tillotts Pharma partners with Pioneer for the marketing and distribution of Tillotts` product Asacol® in the People’s Republic of China

November 26, 2024

RHEINFELDEN, Switzerland, November 27, 2024 – Life Science Newswire – Tillotts Pharma AG (“Tillotts”), which is part of the Japanese Zeria Group, and Pioneer Pharma (Hong Kong) Co., Limited (先鋒醫藥(香港)有限公司) (“Pioneer”), which belongs to Shanghai Pioneer Holding Ltd., are pleased to announce the signing of an exclusive agreement covering the distribution and marketing of Tillotts’ product Asacol® Tablets 800mg in the mainland of the People’s Republic of China (“China”).

Under the terms of the agreement, Pioneer will act as Tillotts’ exclusive and long-term partner, for the promotion and distribution of Asacol® Tablets 800mg in China, a first-line treatment option for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC). This partnership reflects Tillotts’ ongoing dedication to making Asacol® globally accessible to patients who are impacted by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

This alliance is strategically vital for both Tillotts and Pioneer, especially in light of the growing prevalence of IBD among patients in China. The country has one of the highest rates of IBD cases in Asia, with incidence levels having increased two to three times over the past decade. 1,2   

Thomas A. Tóth von Kiskér, Chief Executive Officer at Tillotts, emphasized:

“A significant aspect of our Vision 2030 is to expand our presence in key global markets through carefully chosen partnerships. With Pioneer’s strong distribution network and deep market knowledge, we are positive that this partnership will further accelerate our growth. We are excited to have signed this agreement, kickstart our collaboration, and strengthen our commercial footprint in China.” He further noted, “With Pioneer as our strategic partner in the Chinese market, we are confident in our ability to enhance the well-being of IBD patients in the region.”

Mr. Xinzhou Paul Li, Chairman, Shanghai Pioneer Holding Ltd. said:

“We are delighted and deeply honored to embark on our partnership with Tillotts, a global leader in gastrointestinal (GI) field. Asacol®, with its impressive track record of efficacy and safety, has a wealth of clinical experience in treating IBD worldwide. At Pioneer, we will be dedicated to making Asacol® accessible to the increasing number of Chinese patients battling IBD, leveraging our extensive gastrointestinal sales network and collaborations with key opinion leaders in the field.”