Fruquintinib (Elunate) 1mg & 5mg Capsules | China NMPA-Approved VEGFR Inhibitor for mCRC | GLT

Generic Information: Elunate (Fruquintinib)

Elunate (fruquintinib), marketed in China as 爱优特, is an orally administered, quinazoline-based small-molecule angiogenesis inhibitor independently developed by Hutchison MediPharma (Shanghai). It is a highly selective inhibitor of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) family — VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. Approved by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in September 2018 through the priority review pathway, Elunate was the first self-developed innovative anticancer drug born in China. It is co-developed and co-promoted in partnership with Eli Lilly, has been included in China's National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) since January 2020, and has since gained approvals in the United States (FDA, November 2023, as Fruzaqla) and the European Union (June 2024) — a global endorsement of its quality and clinical value.

What Is Elunate (Fruquintinib) Used For?

Elunate (fruquintinib) capsules are indicated as monotherapy for adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who have been previously treated with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, and who have previously received or are not suitable candidates for anti-VEGF therapy and/or anti-EGFR therapy (RAS wild-type). In other words, it serves as a third-line treatment option that has demonstrated a significant overall survival benefit for patients whose disease has progressed after at least two prior systemic treatment regimens.

In the pivotal phase III FRESCO trial conducted in China, fruquintinib significantly extended median overall survival (9.3 months vs 6.6 months with placebo) and median progression-free survival (3.7 months vs 1.8 months) in previously treated mCRC patients. These results were confirmed globally in the international FRESCO-2 trial, forming the basis of its US and EU approvals.

How Does Elunate (Fruquintinib) Work?

Fruquintinib is a selective VEGFR 1/2/3 tyrosine kinase inhibitor. By blocking the phosphorylation of VEGFRs on vascular endothelial cells and their downstream signalling, it suppresses the proliferation, migration and tube formation of endothelial cells, thereby inhibiting the formation of new tumour blood vessels (angiogenesis). Cutting off the tumour blood supply starves the tumour of oxygen and nutrients, slowing tumour growth and disease progression. Unlike multi-target kinase inhibitors, fruquintinib's kinome selectivity is designed to concentrate anti-angiogenic activity on VEGFR targets while minimising off-target toxicity.

Indications

• Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) — third-line treatment after failure of fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy and prior/unsuitable anti-VEGF and anti-EGFR (RAS wild-type) therapy
• Additional approvals (US/EU, as Fruzaqla): previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer in adults
• Clinical studies are also exploring fruquintinib combinations in gastric cancer, endometrial cancer and other solid tumours

Dosage & Administration

The recommended dose of Elunate (fruquintinib) is 5 mg (one 5 mg capsule) taken orally once daily for 3 consecutive weeks, followed by 1 week off — a 28-day (4-week) treatment cycle. Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Capsules should be swallowed whole and can be taken with or without food, at the same time each day. If a dose is missed, do not take a double dose the next day. Dose adjustments follow a step-down approach: first reduce to 4 mg once daily, then to 3 mg once daily if needed; discontinue permanently if 3 mg is not tolerated. Treatment must be initiated and supervised by an experienced oncologist.

Side Effects

The most common adverse reactions of fruquintinib include hypertension, proteinuria, hand-foot skin reaction, hoarseness, bleeding, elevated transaminases, thyroid function abnormalities, abdominal pain or discomfort, oral mucositis, fatigue, diarrhoea, infections, elevated bilirubin and decreased appetite. Serious but uncommon risks include gastrointestinal perforation, fistula and severe haemorrhage — patients with a history of gastrointestinal perforation or unhealed wounds should not use this medicine. Liver function and urinalysis should be monitored regularly during treatment. Pregnant and breastfeeding women must not use fruquintinib.

Storage

Store Elunate capsules below 30°C in the original packaging, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the box. Ambient (non-cold-chain) worldwide shipping is sufficient for oral capsules.

Why Choose the China Version of Elunate (Fruquintinib)?

• China's first self-developed innovative anticancer drug — discovered in Shanghai by Hutchison MediPharma with full global intellectual property; NMPA-approved through priority review in September 2018.
• Proven survival benefit — median overall survival extended to 9.3 months vs 6.6 months with placebo in the phase III FRESCO trial, and confirmed worldwide in FRESCO-2.
• Globally validated quality — the same molecule is FDA-approved in the United States (Fruzaqla, 2023) and EU-approved (2024), underscoring international recognition of Chinese-innovated oncology therapy.
• Widely adopted in China — included in the National Reimbursement Drug List since January 2020, covering over 300 hospitals and used by more than 80,000 colorectal cancer patients.
• Affordable access — sourcing directly from China offers a significantly lower cost per cycle than US/EU markets.
• Reliable supply by GLT — GIVE LIFE TIME LIMITED ships authentic, batch-traceable Elunate with full documentation (CoA and batch records) worldwide.

How to Order Elunate (Fruquintinib) from GLT?

1. Contact us via WhatsApp +86 15234153837 or email [email protected] with the product name, specification and quantity.
2. Receive a formal quotation, payment instructions and estimated delivery time.
3. Complete payment via our secure payment channel (Hao Yi Lian / 好易联).
4. Goods are dispatched with batch documentation; tracking provided until delivery.

We serve both licensed institutions (hospital procurement, pharmacies, importers) and individual patients. A valid prescription may be requested before dispatch.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between Elunate and Fruzaqla?

They contain the same active molecule, fruquintinib. Elunate is the brand name used in China (co-promoted by Eli Lilly with Hutchison MediPharma), while Fruzaqla is the brand name used in the United States and Europe (partnered with Takeda). The China version (Elunate) offers the same molecule at a lower cost.

2. Is Elunate (fruquintinib) approved in China?

Yes. Elunate was approved by China's NMPA in September 2018 through priority review and has been included in China's National Reimbursement Drug List since January 2020.

3. How is Elunate shipped internationally?

As an oral capsule, Elunate ships via ambient temperature-controlled courier with full batch documentation (CoA, batch traceability). Typical delivery time is 7–14 days depending on destination.

4. Can I order Elunate for personal use?

GLT serves both institutions and individual patients. Individual buyers should hold a valid prescription from a licensed physician, and we recommend using this medicine under oncologist supervision.

5. Which strengths are available?

Elunate capsules are available in 1 mg × 21 capsules and 5 mg × 7 capsules per box, matching the stepwise dose-titration scheme (5 mg → 4 mg → 3 mg daily).