Guangzhou, Oct, 2024, MingMed Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“MingMed”) announced that its subsidiary, FelicaMed Biotechnology Co., Ltd. ("FelicaMed"), primarily leading the research and development of Lirucitinib, has received the approval from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China for Class I New Veterinary Drug Certificate for the treatment of canine pruritus. The development and commercialization rights for this drug in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau were exclusively licensed to the Chinese subsidiary of Elanco Animal Health Inc., Elanco (Sichuan) Animal Health Co., Ltd., at the beginning of 2024. This collaboration makes FelicaMed the first Chinese company to partner with a multinational corporation for the licensing of an approved Class I innovative pet medicine. The success of Lirucitinib marks another major advancement in China's veterinary drug research and development field, further highlighting the country's enhanced capacity for independent innovation and research in veterinary medicine.

Mr. Lu Kun, General Manager of FelicaMed, stated: "Pruritic skin diseases have long been one of the key health issues affecting pets. The time-consuming nature of diagnosing the root cause often leaves afflicted dogs trapped in a vicious cycle of itching, scratching, and inflammation. Veterinarians face challenges in balancing itch relief with the side effects of medication. Lirucitinib, a small molecule Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, works by inhibiting various itch- and inflammation-inducing cytokines that depend on JAK1 enzyme activity, as well as allergy-related cytokines. Its unique mechanism of action directly breaks the vicious cycle of itching, scratching, and inflammation, providing rapid itch relief. We believe that the unique mechanism of action of Lirucitinib will offer veterinarians and pet owners a broader range of solutions for managing skin itching."

Dr. Ouyang Hui, Chief Technology Officer of MingMed, added, "FelicaMed brings together a multidisciplinary team with extensive experience and an international perspective in both human and veterinary medicine. Lirucitinib, developed to high standards, lays a solid market foundation as the company's first product. Looking forward, FelicaMed will continue to enhance and expand its research and development of pet products, helping pet owners protect their pets' health and enjoy more joyful companionship. We are also excited to provide greater health security for companion animals in China."