PharmaEssentia reported January revenue of NT$1.06 billion, a 107.87% year-over-year increase. The revenue mainly stemmed from the robust sales of its rare blood cancer drug Ropeginterferon alfa-2b (Ropeg, also known as P1101) in the U.S. and global markets, marking the third consecutive month of revenue surpassing NT$1 billion.

Recent announcements by health authorities in Europe, the U.S., Canada, and other countries revealed delays in shipments of Pegasys, Ropeg’s competitor, drawing significant attention in the pharmaceutical industry. In the UK alone, approximately 2,000 patients rely on Pegasys, and the National Health Service (NHS) has confirmed that it will subsidize the use of Ropeg during the shortage period. According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the shortage is expected to continue until the second half of 2025. Canada’s drug shortage report site estimates the shortage will persist until the end of the year.

The U.S. FDA has also announced that Pegasys supply will be further constrained until the fourth quarter of 2025, with a full resumption of supply expected only in 2026.

PharmaEssentia believes that the shortage of the competing drug will further boost demand for Ropeg and accelerate patient growth. The company emphasized that it will continue to ensure there is no interruption in medication availability for patients and remains optimistic about its operational prospects for the year.

Due to the annual reset of patient deductibles under the U.S. healthcare insurance system at the beginning of each year, pharmaceutical companies face a temporary burden from the Medicare Coverage Gap, also known as the "Donut Hole," which can slightly impact early-year revenues. However, PharmaEssentia’s revenue for January still maintained a stable NT$1 billion, demonstrating strong growth momentum.

Resource: 血癌新藥立功 藥華藥1月營收10.6億、年增翻倍