Jext, only distributed to KOEDC for profits

↑More than twice the drug price difference,↑Patient discomfort and economic burden

The company will distribute directly from next January because of headquarters volume control

The company that exclusively deals with one of urgent drugs, Jext used for allergic reaction Shock (Anaphylaxis) was criticized for distributing drugs only through KOEDC( Korea orphan & Essential Drug Centers ) for profit.

 

Even though Jext was listed insurance registration last July and it is possible for the company to make direct distribution, The price between general reimbursement and KOEDC reimbursement has big difference.

 

So, Jext distributed only to KOEDC.

 

According to the patients and KOEDC on the 11th, Jext has been distributed and sold patients only through KOEDC since domestic reimbursement listed.

 

It is in patients and KOEDC view that KOEDC reimbursement is much higher than general reimbursement, and it makes economic burden to patients.

 

The company says it is not for profit at all.

 

The headquarters regulates the distribution of general reimbursement items, so the company is inevitably unable to distribute the supply.

 

In fact, KOEDC reimbursement price of Jext is ₩134,933 more than double the general reimbursement price is ₩56,670.

 

The company distributes Jext only through KOEDC until insurance registration listed.

 

But it is still on sale only through KOEDC, even though Jext got general reimbursement listed and can be distributed at clinics or retail pharmacies.

 

The reimbursement price of KOEDC is calculated based on the import cost, whereas the general reimbursement price is meticulously formulated through registraion procedure of Health Insurance Review & Assessment Services.

 

It is the majority opinion of reimbursement specialists that it is much more profitable to sell at KOEDC than to distribute Jext at the general imbursement.

 

Furthermore, the distribution of Jext through KOEDC significantly reduces additional marketing and management tasks such as account management costs required for direct distribution.

 

That's one of the reasons why the direct distribution is delayed.

 

However, if the distributor don't handle the medicine reimbursement listed directly for 6 months, the regulatory action is removed.

 

It even raises doubts that the company deliberately distributes Jext only to KOEDC.

 

Regardless of the company's intentions, as a result, patients need to get Jext ony by paying more expensive money through KOEDC because thiere is no distribution volume, even though there is a way to purchase Jext at significantly lower reimbursement.

 

KOEDC official said, the prodcut is not in shortage of distribution, but the the company distributes medicines only to KOEDC and dose not supply them directly.

 

It's reluctant.

 

In the end, patients have to go and buy through KOEDC with higher price for almost 6 months even after reimbursement listed, there has never been a company using this trick so far.

 

The deliberate coordination disregards the purpose of establishing KOEDC and the policy of expanding access to ER medicines for patients.

 

In response to such criticism, the company said that it is not a distribution control for profitability, and will start direct distribution as soon as possible.

 

The company official said, It was true that Jext was distributed only to KOEDC after July when reimbursement listed, but it was not intended.

 

It was a supply disruption at the headquarters in preparation for improved Korean insert, etc.

 

The official added, "The company will import Jext products within this month and supply them directly from next January after our own quality inspection".