Thailand approves new therapeutic medicine for gout and hyperuricemia

Japan-based pharmaceutical firm Eisai Co. has received approval for URECE Tablets (dotinurad) in Thailand as a treatment for gout and hyperuricemia. This approval is the first time that the agent has been approved in China or the five ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states where Eisai holds licenses to develop and distribute the agent.

URECE Tablets are a new therapeutic medicine for gout and hyperuricemia discovered by FUJI YAKUHIN. It suppresses uric acid reabsorption and lowers blood uric acid levels by selectively inhibiting the urate transporter (URAT1) related to reabsorption of uric acid in the kidney.

Eisai concluded a license agreement with FUJI YAKUHIN in February 2020 for China and in August 2021 for five ASEAN member states: Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Thailand, granting exclusive development and distribution rights in these countries.

Hyperuricemia is known to be associated with various diseases, including those of the urinary system, endocrine system, metabolic system, and cardio-cerebrovascular system, as well as gout. Furthermore, the prevalence of hyperuricemia in Thailand is estimated to be as high as 10.6%. It is expected that the number of patients will further increase in the near future due to changes in lifestyle and dietary preferences in accordance with socioeconomic development.