CKD completes acquisition of diabetes drug 'Januvia'

Drug that generates annual sales of KRW 23B

CKD acquired the reimbursement permit in addition to the approval permit…It signed an agreement with MSD in May 2023

Chong Kun Dang has completed the sale transfer and takeover of 'Januvia (sitagliptin phosphate hydrate),' a diabetes drug that generates annual sales of KRW 23 billion in South Korea.

 

Conseqently, what was previously labelled as MSD's is now labelled as Chong Kun Dang's in South Korea.

 

According to industry sources on January 20, the pharmaceutical company label for three Januvia items (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg) registered in the National Health Insurance Service's reimbursement list will be changed from MSD Korea to Chong Kun Dang.

 

The change is due to adjustments following the sale transfer and takeover.

 

The insurance authority allows the final ceiling price to be the same as the transferred item if the acquired item holds the production rights.

 

As a result, the prices will remain the same: KRW 200 for Januvia Tab 25 mg, KRW 301 for Januvia Tab 50 mg, and KRW 453 for Januvia Tab 100 mg.

 

In 2023, Chong Kun Dang signed an agreement with the MSD headquarters to acquire all domestic rights for three items: Januvia, Janumet, and Janumet XR.

 

Chong Kun Dang will acquire domestic sales and distribution rights, as well as approval, trademark, and production rights.

 

The contract period is from July 15, 2025, to August 31, 2038.

 

Chong Kun Dang has been selling the Januvia series since 2016 through joint promotion with MSD Korea.

 

Now that Chong Kun Dang wholly owns Januvia's domestic rights, it has secured a stable cash cow.

 

Januva recorded outpatient sales of KRW 23 billion in 20224, according to UBIST.

 

The annual sales performance of Januvia, Janumet, and Janumet XR exceeds KRW 100 billion.

 

Currently, Chong Kun Dang has completed the process for Januvia's permit and is expected to takeover the reimbursement permit soon.

 

The company is proceeding with the sale transfer and takeover of Janumet XR Tab.

 

Chong Kun Dang explained on the sale transfer and takeover of the Januvia series as "By securing the Januvia series in addition to previously acquiring Duvie, new drug for diabetes, we have stably expanded treatment options for patients."