Scienture Holdings Inc. has achieved a significant milestone, dramatically broadening the availability of its innovative medication, Arbli (losartan potassium) Oral Suspension. The company announced that this crucial treatment is now integrated into the formularies of leading national insurance providers, covering a vast network of commercial and Medicare supplement plans. This expansion ensures that over 100 million people across the United States will have access to this vital drug, marking a major step forward in patient care.
Arbli (losartan potassium) Oral Suspension, 10 mg/mL, represents a pioneering advancement as the first ready-to-use liquid formulation of losartan potassium to receive FDA approval. This formulation addresses a critical need for patients who cannot easily take solid dosage forms, offering a safe, consistent, and user-friendly alternative. Unlike previous options, Arbli does not require compounding, boasts a reduced dosing volume, and maintains a long-term shelf life at room temperature, simplifying medication management for both patients and caregivers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Arbli for several key indications. It is prescribed for the treatment of hypertension in patients aged six years and older. Additionally, it plays a vital role in reducing the risk of stroke for individuals with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. Arbli is also approved for managing diabetic nephropathy in specific patients with type 2 diabetes, highlighting its broad therapeutic utility.
This expanded coverage follows Scienture's successful launch of commercial sales and initial customer order fulfillment for Arbli in October. The U.S. market for losartan is substantial, with annual sales totaling approximately $256 million and more than 71 million prescriptions written each year, according to IQVIA data. This underscores the immense commercial potential and the significant impact Arbli is poised to make within the healthcare landscape.
Narasimhan Mani, President and co-CEO of Scienture, emphasized the positive implications of this expanded access. He stated that patients covered under these new plans would now benefit from more affordable access to Arbli, with potentially lower out-of-pocket expenses, depending on their specific plan design and utilization management policies. This move is expected to alleviate financial burdens and improve medication adherence for millions of individuals.
Scienture's commitment to enhancing patient access to essential medications is clearly demonstrated by this strategic expansion. By making Arbli more widely available and affordable, the company is directly contributing to better health outcomes for a large segment of the population, particularly those living with hypertension and related cardiovascular conditions.