Press release – Holbaek, April 27, 2026
Pharmacosmos has entered into an agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of China Medical System Holdings Limited (“CMS”, 867.HK/8A8.SG), which will take over the exclusive commercialisation of Monofer® (ferric derisomaltose) and Cosmofer® (iron dextran) in China.
Since establishing its affiliate, Pharmacosmos has built a rapidly growing business in China, treating more than 1.2 million patients. Building on this foundation and recognising a significant unmet need in the treatment of iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), CMS approached Pharmacosmos to explore the possibility of cooperation. Pharmacosmos has therefore decided to transition to a partnership model, entering into an agreement with CMS to accelerate and expand access to its products in China.
Tobias S. Christensen, CEO of Pharmacosmos A/S, said, “CMS approached us with a compelling proposal to take the business forward. With a professional marketing team of around 5,000 members, an established commercialisation platform and a strong presence across the Chinese pharmaceutical market, CMS will provide a strengthened foundation for our products to make a transformative difference in the treatment of patients in China suffering from iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia.”
The agreement becomes operative in May 2026, has a term of fifteen years, and may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties prior to its expiry.
About Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anaemia
The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) among Chinese residents is estimated at 20.1% according to the Fourth National Nutrition Survey in China. However, both patients and healthcare professionals have insufficient awareness of the disease. Less than 20% of patients with mild anaemia receive diagnosis and treatment, and only about 50% of patients with severe anaemia receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment. This indicates significant underdiagnosis and undertreatment of ID/IDA. Iron supplementation is the standard treatment for ID/IDA and includes oral iron therapy and intravenous iron therapy. Intravenous iron therapy is an important option for patients who cannot tolerate oral iron, have an inadequate response to oral therapy, require rapid iron repletion, or prefer full iron supplementation within one to two administrations.
About CMS
CMS is a platform company linking pharmaceutical innovation and commercialisation, with strong product lifecycle management capabilities, dedicated to providing competitive products and services to meet unmet medical needs.
CMS focuses on global first-in-class (FIC) and best-in-class (BIC) innovative products and efficiently promotes the clinical research, development and commercialisation of innovative products, enabling the continuous translation of scientific research into clinical practice to benefit patients.
CMS is deeply engaged in several specialty therapeutic fields and has developed proven commercialisation capabilities, extensive networks and expert resources, resulting in leading academic and market positions for its major marketed products. CMS continues to promote the in-depth development of its core specialty fields, strengthening the competitiveness of its cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic, gastroenterology, ophthalmology and skin health businesses, bringing economies of scale within these areas. Among these, the skin health business (Dermavon) has become a leading enterprise in its field and is proposed to be listed independently on the SEHK. Meanwhile, CMS continues to develop its integrated R&D, manufacturing and commercialisation capabilities in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, capturing growth opportunities in emerging markets to support the Group’s high-quality and sustainable development.
About Pharmacosmos
Pharmacosmos A/S is a global leader in carbohydrate chemistry and innovative treatments for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia. Building on our foundational expertise in carbohydrate chemistry and cell cycle biology, we develop innovative treatments for unmet patient needs, with a focus on iron metabolism and blood-related disorders. Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Denmark, our team is made up of more than 700 specialists across the UK, Ireland, the Nordics, Germany, Canada, the USA, and China
Contact
Christian Lundquist Madsen
Vice President Global Marketing & Communication
+45 5948 5959
clm@pharmacosmos.com