Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Holdings Co.'s (GBPH) version of Viagra has become the bestseller in its category by volume after only a year on the market because of increasing demand, lack of competition and its low price, according to a report by the Global Times.
The drug known as Baiyunshan Jinge is used to treat male sexual dysfunction. It has the same dosage form, quality, strength and intended use as sildenafil citrate tablets (SCT) that is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
In May 2014, the patent for Viagra, held by U.S.-based pharmaceutical firm Pfizer Inc., expired and hence allowed domestic medical companies to develop similar drugs.
According to GBPH, Jinge's sales since it was launched in the domestic market on Oct. 28, 2014 exceeded 700 million yuan ($109.8 million) as of Sunday.
Wang Wenchu, the deputy director of Baiyunshan pharmaceutical factory, said during a press conference on Sunday that the domestic sales of Jinge "exceeded expectations."
Jiang Hui, a professor at Peking University Third Hospital, said in a statement to the Global Times that the demand for ED treatment is growing in China.
Jiang also noted that Jinge having no strong domestic competitors has helped its success.
At 48 yuan per pill, Jinge is an affordable option for Chinese men because it is priced about 60 percent less than SCT.
In 2014, Jinge's sales revenue was lower than that of SCTs, but its sales quantity exceeded SCTs. This is due to its significantly lower price.
Wang said that Jinge would soon be prescribed in domestic hospitals, noting that it may even enter the global market soon.