Beaufort-Ipsen (Tianjin) Pharmaceutical Co Ltd inked a deal with Shenzhen Wanhe Pharmaceutical Co Ltd on Monday, in an effort to increase its drug accessibility in China.

The agreement was signed to promote the early entry of Beaufort-Ipsen's new intestinal preparation drug to benefit more patients in China.

Colorectal cancer is a common disease. Data from the National Cancer Center shows the incidence of colorectal cancer in China ranks second among all malignant tumors, and has been on the rise.

Ding Shigang, director of the gastroenterology department of Peking University Third Hospital, said: "In recent years, the burden of colorectal cancer disease in China has been increasing. Reducing mortality and morbidity is an urgent need.

"The colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, and adequate bowel preparation is the foundation of a high-quality colonoscopy. Although there are many intestinal preparation drugs, there is still a need for intestinal preparation drugs with good taste, less water, high quality and safety."

The intestinal preparation drug from Beaufort-Ipsen is a French product and will be listed in the Chinese market this year.

Alan Chan, general manager of Beaufort-Ipsen, said: "The cooperation will accelerate the launch of the product in China, better meet the medical needs of Chinese patients in the field of intestinal preparation, and contribute to the 'Healthy China 2030' initiative.

"Through this cooperation, the two sides will jointly explore innovation, so as to promote the coverage of high-quality medical resources, improve the level of colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment, and create a healthy and beautiful future for Chinese patients."

Wang Kejia, general manager of Wanhe Pharmaceutical, said: "It is expected that we could integrate resources to promote the accessibility of Beaufort-Ipsen's product to enhance patients' healthcare awareness and quality of life. We also expect to cooperate with Beaufort-Ipsen in broader fields in the future."