WEGO Terumo’s Peritoneal Dialysis Solution Approved by NMPA

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Terumo Corporation announced that China based WEGO Terumo (Weihai) Medical Products CO., Ltd (WEGO Terumo), a joint venture of medical device company WEGO and Terumo, has received regulatory approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to manufacture and market a novel neutral peritoneal dialysis solution. This product is expected to launch in the beginning of 2023, and it will be the first neutralized peritoneal dialysis solution available in China.

Dialysis is a treatment for those with chronic kidney failure, where water and waste products in the blood is removed artificially. There are two kinds of dialysis: hemodialysis is a procedure done at a hospital or dialysis center, whereas peritoneal dialysis can be done at the patients’ convenience such as at home or at work.

Terumo has been involved in promoting peritoneal dialysis treatment in Japan, ever since launching its peritoneal dialysis system in 1988. Furthermore in 2000, Terumo launched Japan’s first neutralized peritoneal dialysis solution where the acidity (pH) is closer to human body fluids.

WEGO Terumo was established in 2012, and Terumo has been responsible for providing technical expertise and trademark license. Furthermore, Terumo supports the sales and after-service of the peritoneal dialysis products produced by WEGO Terumo by providing marketing consultation to WEGO. The companies are collectively striving to meet the rapidly growing demands for peritoneal dialysis in China.

Yasumasa Oohashi, vice-president of WEGO Terumo comments, “Originally peritoneal dialysis solutions were acidic. Over the years, Terumo has accumulated research and technology to neutralize the solutions. In China, acidic peritoneal dialysis solutions are the only option in the market, and we hope to be able to provide new choices for patients and ultimately help enhance the patients’ quality of life”.
 
Peritoneal Dialysis in China  
In China, it is estimated there are about 3 million patients with end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis therapy, and this number is expected to grow to around 4.5 million* within 10 years. With about 120,000 patients on peritoneal dialysis, it is the largest in the world. This number is expected to further increase to about 200,000* within 10 years.

* Estimated numbers provided by WEGO

About Terumo

Terumo (TSE: 4543) is a global leader in medical technology and has been committed to “Contributing to Society through Healthcare” for 100 years. Based in Tokyo and operating globally, Terumo employs more than 28,000 associates worldwide to provide innovative medical solutions in more than 160 countries and regions. The company started as a Japanese thermometer manufacturer, and has been supporting healthcare ever since. Now, its extensive business portfolio ranges from vascular intervention and cardio-surgical solutions, blood transfusion and cell therapy technology, to medical products essential for daily clinical practice such as transfusion systems, diabetes care, and peritoneal dialysis treatments. Terumo will further strive to be of value to patients, medical professionals, and society at large.