China Pharma Holdings, Inc. ("China Pharma") announced it had received approval from the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) to manufacture and market its Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection product on Oct 9.

Granisetron hydrochloride is indicated for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with radiation treatment and chemotherapy in cancer patients. It is a highly selective receptor antagonist against 5-hydroxytryptamine 3(5-HT3), which is produced during chemotherapy and radiation treatment that triggers emetic reactions in these patients.

Granisetron hydrochloride is a prescription drug and is administered within 30 minutes before initiation of chemotherapy treatment. China Pharma intends to market this product exclusively within the greater China area. Currently, the sales statistics for granisetron products in China are not available; however, the market for injectable granisetron hydrochloride is valued over $1 billion in the U.S. and Canada.

"This new approval underlines the breadth of our product portfolio and pipeline development," commented Zhi-lin Li, President and CEO. "It adds a new dimension to our current extensive product line that treats a wide range of diseases and conditions in the Chinese population, including cardiovascular, CNS and infectious diseases. This product supports our strategy of growth through product development."

Source:佚名