Generic drug spots a gap in Revolade mkt...listing a high-dose formulation

SK Plasma’s Revolpaq Tab 75 mg enters reimbursement listing this month

Has strategized to differentiate through the original drug by higher dosing convenience

A generic version of the immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) therapeutic 'Revolade (eltrombopag olamine)' is entering the market in a high-dose formulation not offered by the original drug.

​As a late-entrant generic developer, SK Plasma is expected to pursue full-scale market share expansion through a differentiation strategy focusing on enhanced dosing convenience.

​According to industry sources on the 25th, following the National Health Insurance (NHI) reimbursement listing of the 25 mg and 50 mg doses of SK Plasma's Revolpaq Tab this month, the 75 mg product is scheduled to enter the reimbursement scope next month.

​This month, reimbursement prices are KRW 28,398 for the 25 mg strength and KRW 55,188 for the 50 mg strength. The 75 mg dose scheduled for listing next month is priced at KRW 68,985. Because no identical dose strength is available on the market, the reimbursement ceiling was determined by applying the dosage-proportional pricing formula.

​Revolpaq Tab is indicated for chronic immune thrombocytopenia and severe aplastic anemia, referencing Novartis's Revolade as the originator product.

​The first generic referencing Revolade is Pharmbio Korea's Elpaq Tab. The company pioneered the generic market entry by securing reimbursement listing in October 2024.

​Although it was eligible for the same reimbursement price as the previously listed identical formulation due to its orphan drug designation, Pharmbio adopted a niche strategy by pricing the product 30% lower than the original drug.

​SK Plasma listed its two strengths, 25 mg and 50 mg, at prices lower than the original drug Revolade but higher than Pharmbio's Elpaq Tab.

​After obtaining regulatory approval in June for the 75 mg strength, which is unavailable in both the originator and existing generic lines, SK Plasma is now awaiting reimbursement listing next month.

​The 75 mg high-dose formulation set for listing offers enhanced dosing convenience as its core advantage. Patients with severe aplastic anemia (adults and adolescents) are indicated to take 75 mg daily for six months. This formulation offers the convenience of a single 75 mg tablet, eliminating the need to co-administer 25 mg and 50 mg tablets.

​According to UBIST data, Revolade prescription sales reached KRW 4.7 billion last year. With the entry of a high-dose generic targeting a gap left by the original drug, competition to capture market share across the Revolade market is expected to intensify further.