Fobeni Healthcom Pharmaceutical Jiangsu Co., Ltd. (hereafter, “Fobeni”), a joint venture company between Marubeni Corporation (hereafter, “Marubeni”) and Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd., (hereafter “Fosun Pharma”), has been entrusted by Meiji Seika Pharma Ltd. (hereafter, “Meiji Seika”) to conduct a clinical trial in China for a new drug (β-lactamase inhibitor; international product name: “nacubactam”) developed by Meiji Seika (hereafter, “the Project”). The clinical trial taking place in China is part of a global clinical trial*1 for nacubactam.

Various infectious diseases with their origin in increases of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria*2 are now becoming an ongoing global issue. This may be partly attributable to the decomposition and neutralization of antimicrobial agents administered to patients through the action of the β-lactamases*3.  Nacubactam is expected to make antimicrobial agents effective by inhibiting the action of β-lactamase.

Fobeni and Fosun Pharma—a company with extensive expertise and a proven track record in the development, manufacture, and sales of pharmaceuticals in China—will engage in clinical trials of  β-lactamase inhibitors, for which demand has been growing in China in recent years. Together they will actively promote the Project to deliver nacubactam to persons suffering from infectious diseases as a result of antimicrobial resistant bacteria as soon as possible.

Marubeni has been expanding its pharmaceutical sales initiatives and distribution business in China and the Middle East with this Project representing the first time that it is set to participate in a clinical trial. Marubeni regards the pharmaceutical business as a next generation business with considerable potential for future growth, and will continue to increase its initiatives scope in similar areas. Marubeni has been endeavoring to contribute to the development of the pharmaceutical market through its business activities throughout the world by increasing the availability of treatment options for patients suffering from various diseases.

*1 Clinical trials conducted at the same time in Asia (including Japan and China), Europe and the Middle East
*2 Bacteria that have become resistant to antimicrobial agents and do not respond to these agents
*3 Enzyme that inactivates medicines

Fobeni Overview
Company name:	Fobeni Healthcom Pharmaceutical Jiangsu Co., Ltd.
Representative:	Chairman, Mr. Wen Deyong
Establishment:	June, 2018
Address:	Yancheng Avenue, Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province, China
Business:	Distribution of pharmaceuticals and related products in Japan and China
Meiji Seika Pharma Overview
Company name:	Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd.
Representative:	President and Representative Director, Mr. Daikichiro Kobayashi
Establishment:	October 9, 1916
Address:	4-16, Kyobashi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Business:	Manufacture and sale of ethical pharmaceuticals