BOAO, Hainan — In a significant development for sexual health treatment in China, the Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone (Lecheng) has officially introduced Veregen® (sinecatechins), a pioneering botanical drug for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts (condylomata acuminata).

This move leverages Lecheng’s “early access” policies to bridge the gap between global medical innovations and domestic patient needs, specifically addressing the high recurrence rates and psychological burdens associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections.

The Hidden Burden of HPV

While public awareness of HPV often centers on its carcinogenic risks, the prevalence of benign yet distressing conditions like genital warts is frequently overlooked. According to recent data, the global annual incidence of genital warts ranges from 160 to 289 cases per 100,000 people.Caused primarily by low-risk HPV types 6 and 11, these warts manifest as growths on the genitals or anal areas. While not cancerous, they impose a heavy toll on patients. The condition is not merely physical; the visibility of the warts often leads to severe psychological distress, anxiety, and social stigma. Furthermore, the virus can persist even after visible warts disappear, leading to a frustrating cycle of recurrence.

Addressing the 'Recurrence Dilemma'

Historically, the treatment landscape for genital warts in China has been dominated by physical destruction methods—such as freezing, laser therapy, and electrocautery—or surgical excision. While these methods can remove visible warts quickly, they are invasive and painful.

More critically, they do not eliminate the underlying viral infection. Literature indicates that recurrence rates for these traditional therapies can range from 10% to 70%, with the highest risk occurring within the first three months. This “whack-a-mole” nature of treatment often leaves patients physically scarred and emotionally exhausted.

A Botanical Solution: Veregen®

The introduction of Veregen® marks a shift toward a more patient-centric approach. As the first botanical drug approved by the U.S. FDA for this indication, Veregen® offers a distinct mechanism of action compared to traditional corrosive agents.

  • Natural Composition: It is an ointment derived from green tea extracts, specifically a mixture of catechins known as sinecatechins.
  • Immune Modulation: Rather than simply burning off tissue, it acts as an immune modulator, activating local immune cells to target and kill the HPV virus.
  • Improved Safety Profile: Clinical experts note that the treatment is associated with fewer side effects, less pain during application, and a lower recurrence rate compared to destructive therapies.

Professor Zhang Xuejun from Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, highlighted that Veregen® represents a significant improvement in patient experience, sparing them the pain of destructive treatments while effectively clearing warts through immune activation.

Lecheng: Bridging the Gap

The availability of Veregen® in Lecheng is a direct result of the zone’s preferential policies, which allow for the early importation of drugs already approved by major international regulators (like the FDA or EMA) but not yet widely available in mainland China.

Gao Huimin, Deputy Director of the Lecheng Administration, emphasized that this is the first herbal prescription drug introduced to the zone, adding a new category to their formulary. The drug is now accessible at the Ruijin Hospital Hainan and Boao Super Hospital.

This initiative aligns with Lecheng’s broader mission to gather global medical innovations—from oncology to orthopedics—and make them accessible to Chinese patients without the need for overseas travel.

Access and Consultation

For patients seeking this new treatment option, Veregen® is indicated for adults (18+) with external genital and perianal warts. The medical teams at the designated hospitals are prepared to provide consultations and tailor treatment plans that prioritize both clinical efficacy and patient privacy.