Merck and Janssen partner to launch Invokana in China

Germany’s Merck KGaA (MRK: DE) has signed an agreement with Xian Janssen Pharmaceuticals to launch Invokana (canagliflozin), an innovative drug for adults with type 2 diabetes, in China.

Through the collaboration, Xian Janssen, a part of US health care giant Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has granted Merck the exclusive rights to promote Invokana in China, and the two companies will work closely together on future development, distribution, promotion, marketing and sales o Publishf Invokana in the country.

“Our mission is to transform 40 million patients’ lives in China by 2025. We are very pleased to be collaborating with Xian Janssen, who shares our goal of helping improve the lives of people living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes. Merck has been making continued efforts to expand its portfolio with the aim of providing more high-quality medicines and better treatment options for millions of diabetic patients in China. The introduction of Invokana to China reinforces our long-term commitment to China,” said Rogier Janssens, managing director and general manager of Merck’s biopharma business in China.