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- 2025-12-17 20:28:08
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- Alteogen secures EU authorization for Eylea biosimilar
- by Cha, Jihyun Sep 18, 2025 06:03am
- [Bio platform company Alteogen (CEO Soon-jae Park) announced on the 17th that it has obtained marketing authorization from the European Commission (EC) for ‘Eyluxvi (project name ALT-L9),’ an Eylea biosimilar it had jointly developed with Alteogen Biologics. Eyluxvi is Alteogen’s second biosimilar product to receive approval, following its Herceptin biosimilar. The final authorization was granted about two months after the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued a positive opinion in July. Eylea is a widely used treatment for ophthalmic diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). In 2024, it generated blockbuster sales of USD 9.5 billion (approximately KRW 13 trillion). With the authorization, Eyluxvi can now be prescribed in Europe for approved indications, including wAMD, DME, macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (BRVO/CRVO), and myopic choroidal neovascularization (myopic CNV). Alteogen CEO Soonjae Park said, “Eyluxvi is Alteogen's first biosimilar product, developed through our proprietary research to derive the substance, followed by global clinical development completed with our subsidiary Alteogen Biologics, and ultimately approved independently. Through this process, we not only advanced R&D but also gained valuable experience with European regulators and the approval process, thereby expanding Alteogen’s capabilities.”
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- Samjin Pharm and Sanofi collide in the influenza vaccine mkt
- by Hwang, byoung woo Sep 17, 2025 06:12am
- With the influenza (flu) vaccination season approaching, competition in the vaccine market for adults aged 65 and over is anticipated. The government has switched the National Immunization Program (NIP) vaccine to a three-valent vaccine and lowered the procurement price. The introduction of the four-valent vaccine in the non-reimbursed medicine market is likely to be a variable. (from left) product photo of Fluad Quad and Efluelda According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the 2025-2026 seasonal influenza National Immunization Program (NIP) will begin on the 22nd of this month and run until April of next year. Free vaccinations will be provided to high-risk groups, including children aged 6 months to 13 years (born between January 1, 2012, and August 31, 2025), pregnant women, and individuals aged 65 and over (born before January 1, 1956). Considering that influenza vaccinations typically begin with the NIP, the competition between Samjin Pharm-CSL Seqirus and Sanofi is expected to heat up from October. Samjin Pharm-CSL Seqirus and Sanofi are aiming to expand their market influence by promoting an adjuvanted vaccine and a high-dose vaccine, respectively. First, Samjin Pharma, in cooperation with CSL Seqirus, is scheduled to supply 'Fluad Quad,' an adjuvanted vaccine for elderly individuals, and 'Flucelvax Quad,' the cell-based flu vaccine. Samjin Pharma offers a specialized line of prescription drugs for treating chronic diseases and product lines related to pediatrics, such as Trestan. The company anticipates synergy with its existing sales capabilities. A Samjin Pharma official said, "The company has long strived to provide good treatments for chronic disease patients, who are a high-risk group for influenza," and added, "As our product portfolio is focused on chronic disease treatments, we intend to ensure that Fluad Quad, an adjuvanted influenza vaccine, can be administered to the chronic disease patients we have been focusing on." Sanofi is expected to pursue a continuous market strategy, building on its efforts from last year. Sanofi has already been prepared for inclusion of its product in the NIP, including the publication of a cost-effectiveness analysis in the international journal 'Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics' in November 2023, which compares its high-dose vaccine with a standard-dose vaccine using national health insurance big data. A Sanofi official emphasized, "Efluelda is the only product among the high immunogenicity flu vaccines recommended by the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases that has proven preventive efficacy in a randomized clinical trial," and added, "Efluelda will contribute to reducing the socioeconomic burden caused by influenza and pneumonia in adults aged 65 and over." The premium vaccine market for adults aged 65 and over has been increasing. One of the variables is the shift of the NIP vaccine to a three-valent formulation. Previously, a four-valent vaccine containing antigens for four types of viruses, including influenza A virus (H1N1 and H3N2) and influenza B virus (Victoria and Yamagata), was used in the NIP. However, based on the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation earlier this year, this season's vaccine will be a three-valent vaccine that excludes the influenza B/Yamagata virus antigen. Consequently, the procurement price has been lowered compared to the previous four-valent vaccine, and the four-valent vaccine that was previously administered will now be a non-reimbursed vaccine. It means that the adjuvanted vaccine and high-dose vaccine, which previously competed with the NIP-included four-valent vaccine, will now have to compete for market share with both the NIP-included three-valent vaccine and the (non-reimbursed) four-valent vaccine. Both the adjuvanted vaccine and the high-dose vaccine claim to offer higher preventive efficacy in elderly individuals than the conventional influenza vaccine, but a price barrier could be an issue. However, a prediction also exists that, in the long run, as both vaccines aim to enter the NIP, they will focus on expanding the market for vaccines specifically designed for elderly individuals, rather than just competing with each other. In a previous press conference, Professor Choi Min-joo of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital said, "Research results indicate that the switch from a standard influenza vaccine to an adjuvanted vaccine is a rational choice not only in terms of medical benefits but also from an economic perspective," and added, "These results suggest that an adjuvanted vaccine like Fluad could be a worthy subject for policy consideration in future discussions for selecting NIP vaccines for the elderly." An individual from the vaccine industry said, "The promotions by Samjin Pharma-CSL Seqirus and Sanofi will likely involve considering various factors beyond simple market share competition, including their products' potential inclusion in the NIP and vaccination patterns." They added, "Since both companies are already emphasizing not only their vaccination efficacy but also their cost-effectiveness through research, We believe they will consider growing the overall market pie."
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- Jemperli nears final hurdle for reimb in endometrial cancer
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Sep 17, 2025 06:11am
- The immunotherapy Jemperli is on the verge of securing expanded reimbursement coverage for endometrial cancer in Korea. According to industry sources, GSK Korea has recently finalized drug price negotiations with the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) for the PD-1 inhibitor Jemperli (dostarlimab). The only step remaining is review by the Health Insurance Policy Deliberation Committee. Specifically, the indication for reimbursement is extended to the treatment of newly diagnosed recurrent or advanced high microsatellite instability (MSI-H)/mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) endometrial cancer. Currently, the first-line standard of care for endometrial cancer is platinum-based chemotherapy combining paclitaxel and carboplatin. However, one in four patients relapses or progresses after this therapy. With the number of recurrent/advanced cases increasing but effective options lacking, the 5-year survival rate remains under 20%. Jemperli was first listed for reimbursement in December 2023 as a second-line treatment for recurrent/advanced (FIGO stage IIIB and above) endometrial cancer that had progressed during or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Since then, efforts have been made to add a first-line indication and expand reimbursement. The drug’s efficacy in the first-line setting was confirmed through the Phase III RUBY trial. The RUBY trial enrolled 494 patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer, comparing Jemperli plus platinum-based chemotherapy (carboplatin + paclitaxel) against placebo plus chemotherapy. Designed with more than 3 years of treatment follow-up—given that the average survival under standard platinum therapy is less than 3 years—the primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) per RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors). Results showed that the Jemperli combination reduced the risk of death by 31% versus the control group across the overall advanced/recurrent patient population. Over a median follow-up of 37 months, the median OS in the Jemperli arm was 44.6 months, compared to 28.2 months in the control arm, extending survival by 16.4 months and lowering the risk of death by 31%. Jae Kwan Lee from the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Korea University Guro Hospital, said, “Endometrial cancer carries a high risk of recurrence even after initial treatment, so effective first-line options are crucial. The RUBY trial is recognized as a landmark study that demonstrated the long-term efficacy of immunotherapy in this setting.” He added, “Jemperli in combination with platinum chemotherapy is the only immunotherapy available in Korea to show an OS benefit in endometrial cancer. Importantly, the trial included high-risk groups, such as patients relapsing more than 6 months after chemotherapy and those with carcinosarcoma, yet still demonstrated significant clinical value.”
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- Vivozon "Joint sales of Unafra with Daiichi Sankyo"
- by Kim, Jin-Gu Sep 17, 2025 06:10am
- Vivozon has chosen Daiichi Sankyo Korea as its co-promotion partner for Unafra Inj (opiranserin). The pharmaceutical industry points to two key reasons for this partnership: a synergy in sales and marketing for postoperative patient care, and the potential for Daiichi Sankyo Korea to play a positive role in Unafra's global market entry. Joint sales promotion of Unafra Inj: synergy between product·sales expected in 'postoperative patient care.' On September 16, Vivozon announced that it had signed a co-promotion and sales agreement with Daiichi Sankyo Korea for the distribution, marketing, and sales of Unafra in Korea. Under the terms of the agreement, Vivozon will supply the finished product, and the two companies will share the responsibilities of distribution, sales, and marketing. Vivozon announces signing a co-promotion and sales agreement with Daiichi Sankyo Korea for its Unafra. Unafra received the marketing authorization as the 38th new Korean drug in December of last year. Around the time of the product's approval, Vivozon began searching for a co-promotion partner. For Vivozon, securing a domestic sales partner was crucial. Its existing sales team of about 30 people handled promotion and sales for regional hub hospitals, but this was insufficient for a stable landing of the new drug. To effectively sell Unafra, which is approved for postoperative pain management, a sales team specializing in large hospitals was needed. Consequently, the company focused on securing a partner while also expanding its own sales force. It is reported that several other pharmaceutical and biotech companies showed interest, but Vivozon ultimately chose Astellas Pharma Korea. A Vivozon official stated, "With the Unafra's approval set, we added about 10 sales representatives dedicated to the product. With this partnership, we will now begin full-scale sales of Unafra," and added, "Daiichi Sankyo Korea will be responsible for sales and marketing at general hospitals with over 300 beds, while both companies will jointly handle sales and marketing for hospitals and clinics with fewer than 300 beds." Daiichi Sankyo Korea's product portfolio, which targets postoperative patients, is also considered a background to the partnership. Daiichi Sankyo Korea holds 'Nasea (ramosetron),' a preventive medication for nausea and vomiting, and 'Taleaje (mirogabalin),' a treatment for neuropathic pain. Both products are primarily used for pre- and postoperative patient management, creating a potential synergy with Unafra, which targets postoperative pain management. The global pharma Daiichi Sankyo Korea's support is expected for global expansion From the development stage, Vivozon set its goal on the global market for Unafra. The decision to choose Daiichi Sankyo Korea as a partner is interpreted as a move that extends beyond mere domestic sales and marketing collaboration, with the company also seeking practical and strategic support for its global expansion. Vivozon has established a two-track global entry strategy. For the U.S., Europe, and China, the goal is to enter the market through technology transfer. The company plans to out-license the drug to companies with local clinical and new drug approval experience. In the U.S. market, the largest, a local Phase 3 clinical trial for the injectable formulation is underway, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) product approval remains a key hurdle. For Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Latin America, and Russia/Eurasia, the company's policy is to secure regional export partners. It is reported that specific discussions are underway with several companies. During this full-scale global expansion, Daiichi Sankyo Korea's expertise in global clinical trials, approvals, and supply chain management can enhance the company's business credibility in negotiations for technology transfer to the U.S. and Europe, local clinical trial design and operation, and large-scale production and supply planning. Daiichi Sankyo Korea also has a global network, regional subsidiaries, and distribution channels, which could be instrumental in connecting with local partners and verifying distribution networks. It is expected that the company's network will play a crucial role in facilitating communication with local pharmaceutical companies and distributors when searching for regional export partners in areas such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. A Vivozon official stated, "We expect this partnership with Daiichi Sankyo Korea, a global pharmaceutical company, to have a positive impact on Unafra's overseas expansion."
- Company
- Did companies pre-stock inventories in the U.S.?
- by Kim, Jin-Gu Sep 17, 2025 06:10am
- The surge in Korean pharmaceutical exports to the United States—driven by concerns over possible tariffs—returned to normal levels within 2 months. Industry observers suggest that companies may have frontloaded shipments to secure inventories in the U.S. market. While exports have declined, some note that since tariff risks remain unresolved, shipments to the U.S. could spike again at any time. August U.S. exports total USD 95.43 million…79% drop in just 2 months According to Korea Customs Service data released on the 16th, exports of Korean pharmaceuticals to the US in August reached USD 95.43 million (approx. KRW 130 billion). This represents a 4% increase compared to August 2024 (USD 91.75 million). This trend sharply contrasts with the previous 3 months, during which exports surged. Monthly pharmaceutical exports to the US in the past 2 years In May, exports rose 35% year-on-year to USD 184.35 million (KRW 260 billion). In June, exports hit a record USD 458.38 million, nearly equal to the previous 4 months combined. In July, exports more than doubled year-on-year (+120%), reaching USD 136.21 million. However, by August, exports increased only 4% year-on-year, effectively returning to typical levels. Compared with June, exports fell 79%, shrinking to one-fifth in just 2 months. The share of US exports in Korea’s overall pharmaceutical exports also fell—from 49% in June to 15% in August, returning to a level similar to the 2024 annual average of 18%. Did companies sufficiently secure local inventory...levels return to previous years' levels Analysts attribute the decline to companies having already secured sufficient inventories in the U.S. in response to tariff risks. Amid fears of potential US tariffs on pharmaceuticals, Korean companies boosted shipments to build local stockpiles. Once inventories were secured, exports normalized in August. In April, US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs globally, though pharmaceuticals were initially exempt. On July 30, the US and EU agreed to impose a 15% tariff on pharmaceuticals. However, tariff rates on Korean medicines remain undecided. With risks ongoing, Korean pharmaceutical and biotech firms have taken proactive measures. For example, Celltrion reportedly secured a 2-year supply of inventory in the US and is investing KRW 700 billion to acquire a local biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility. Companies with significant U.S. export shares, including Celltrion, are known to have employed similar strategies. As inventory levels in the U.S. were sufficiently secured during this process, it is suggested that export volumes likely returned to normal levels in August. However, some observers note that since tariff risks have not been fully resolved, pharmaceutical exports to the U.S. could increase again after September. A pharmaceutical industry insider stated, “The large volume exported in June and July may have accumulated as inventory within the U.S. Consequently, the need for additional procurement decreased in August, and export performance may have been adjusted. However, as the tariff risk has not yet been fully resolved, exports of domestic pharmaceuticals to the U.S. could fluctuate again around the time of the U.S. government's official announcement.”
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- "PSA test determines prostate cancer survival rate"
- by Son, Hyung Min Sep 17, 2025 06:09am
- There is a growing need to introduce prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer. On September 16, the Korean Urological Oncology Society held a press conference at the Press Center, highlighting current updates on prostate cancer and emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis through PSA testing. Professor Byong Chang Jeong, President of the Korean Urological Oncology Society (Samsung Medical CenterAccording to the National Cancer Registration Program's announcement last year, there were 20,754 new prostate cancer patients in 2022, accounting for 7.4% of all cancer cases. In particular, the incidence of prostate cancer in individuals aged 65 and over reached 416.1 per 100,000 people, and this burden is expected to grow as Korea approaches a super-aged society. Professor Byong Chang Jeong, President of the Korean Urological Oncology Society (Samsung Medical Center's Department of Urology), said, "The Society has designated the third week of September as 'Prostate Cancer Awareness Week' and has been conducting various campaigns to spread correct awareness of prostate cancer and establish early screening as a part of daily life." Professor Jeong stressed, "We are raising awareness about the importance of early diagnosis, such as with PSA testing." A variety of treatments for prostate cancer have been introduced, leading to improvements in patient survival rates. Androgen receptor inhibitors, such as Janssen's Zytiga, Erleada, and Akeega, Astellas' Xtandi, and Bayer's Nubeqa, are being used. Recently, radiopharmaceuticals have also emerged. Novartis' Pluvicto received domestic approval in Korea last May and is now available for the treatment of adult patients with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who have previously received an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor and a taxane-based chemotherapy. PSMA is a proteolytic enzyme synthesized in the epithelial cells of the prostate. Its expression is typically high in high-grade, metastatic, and castration-resistant prostate cancer. Compounds that combine a ligand binding to PSMA with a radioisotope that emits relatively low energy (Gallium-68) are used for PET/CT diagnosis. In contrast, compounds combined with a high-energy emitting radioisotope (Lutetium-177) can be used as a treatment. Additionally, several Korean biopharmaceutical companies, including FutureChem and Celltrion, are also developing radiopharmaceuticals for prostate cancer. Professor Park Sung-woo, Vice President of the Korean Urological Oncology Society (Pusan National University Yangsan HospitalProfessor Park Sung-woo, Vice President of the Korean Urological Oncology Society (Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital's Department of Urology), assessed, "When prostate cancer is detected early, the treatment outcomes are so good that it is often curable. However, if it metastasizes, the treatment outcomes rapidly worsen." He stated, "Early diagnosis is a key variable that determines a patient's survival rate and quality of life." Park added, "Various treatments have been included in the reimbursement list, contributing to improved survival rates. However, the speed of listing is slow compared to the pace of new drug launches. If new drugs that emerge in the future are quickly covered by reimbursement, it will help improve the survival rates of prostate cancer patients." PSA testing plays critical role in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer Prostate cancer, like other cancer types, often has few early symptoms, making it difficult for patients to be aware of the disease and leading to delayed diagnoses. Because of this, PSA testing plays a critical role in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate, and its levels increase when cancer cells multiply. The PSA test, a simple blood test, has a low patient burden and high accessibility. If included in regular health check-ups, it could significantly enhance the effectiveness of prostate cancer management. Professor Young Hwii Ko, Editor-in-Chief of the Korean Urological Oncology Society (Ewha Womans University Medical CenterBased on PSA levels, Gleason score, and stage, prostate cancer is classified into risk groups: ▲low-risk (PSA ≤10, Gleason score ≤6, stage T1-T2a) ▲intermediate-risk (PSA >10 to ≤20, Gleason score 7, stage T2b) ▲high-risk (PSA >20, Gleason score 8-10, stage T2c or higher). Since the treatment strategy varies depending on the stage, PSA testing has the advantage of quickly identifying which risk group a patient belongs to, going beyond just early diagnosis. Professor Young Hwii Ko, Editor-in-Chief of the Korean Urological Oncology Society (Ewha Womans University Medical Center's Department of Urology), said, "The treatment outcomes and survival rates for prostate cancer are dramatically different depending on whether it's diagnosed early." He added, "The PSA test is both simple and highly accurate. If the PSA test were included in the NIP, it could help increase patient survival rates and reduce socioeconomic costs."
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- Will the new GVHD drug Rezurock be reimbursed in 2H?
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Sep 16, 2025 06:10am
- Attention is growing over whether the graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) treatment Rezurock will be included in the national health insurance reimbursement list in the second half of this year. Sanofi Korea’s ROCK2 inhibitor Rezurock (belumosudil) recently passed the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA)’s Drug Reimbursement Evaluation Committee. Accordingly, the company is expected to soon enter pricing negotiations with the National Health Insurance Service. If the procedures proceed smoothly, reimbursement listing may be possible within the year. Rezurock, which received accelerated approval from the US FDA, was granted domestic approval in Korea in August last year, and was launched without reimbursement in November. It selectively inhibits ROCK2, a novel mechanism of action that targets inflammatory and fibrotic processes in chronic GVHD. Chronic GVHD is a complication that occurs in about half of patients who undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although the patient pool is relatively small, it affects about half of transplant patients and is a life-threatening condition that requires treatment. GVHD accounts for 37.8% of deaths in hematologic malignancy patients aside from relapse. With the number of hematopoietic stem cell transplants increasing every year (1,794 cases in 2023), the need for chronic GVHD treatment has also been on the rise. Within 3 years on average, 42% of transplant patients develop chronic GVHD, and 66% already are experiencing acute GVHD. However, a treatment gap exists in chronic GVHD. Both domestic and international treatment guidelines recommend steroids as first-line therapy, but it cannot be used in the long-term, as prolonged use can cause various systemic side effects of Cushing’s Syndrome, including osteoporosis, joint necrosis, organ failure, hyperlipidemia, gastrointestinal disorders, and growth retardation. While 96% of chronic GVHD patients receive steroids as first-line therapy, 70% move on to second-line treatment, and 50% eventually require third-line treatment. In cases where second-line treatment fails, there has been no effective third-line option, leaving patients to rely on combination therapy with steroids and immunomodulators. Also, 97% of chronic GVHD patients treated with steroids experience at least one complication, with infection being the most common (79.5%). Symptoms manifesting across multiple organs significantly lower quality of life, and host reactions in the lungs and liver can be particularly fatal. Against this backdrop, attention is on whether Rezurock will establish itself as a new treatment option through reimbursement coverage in Korea. Rezurock demonstrated a high overall response rate (ORR) of 75% in clinical trials targeting patients who failed two or more lines of systemic therapy, proving superior efficacy compared to existing treatments. In particular, it showed high response rates in previously hard-to-treat organs: 71% in joints, 39% in the liver, and 26% in the lungs. Professor Hee-Je Kim, Head of Hematology at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, said, “Forty-two percent of chronic GVHD patients develop symptoms across multiple organs, which significantly lowers their quality of life. Host reactions in the lungs and liver can have fatal consequences for hematologic cancer patients, so there has been an urgent need for a therapy that can effectively manage these.”
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- Sanofi-MTPK sign exclusive sales agreement for Aubagio
- by Son, Hyung Min Sep 16, 2025 06:09am
- (From left), MI Youn Lee, Head of EP & Portfolio at Sanofi Korea and Australia/New Zealand; Won Kyu Lee, CEO of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Korea) Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Korea (CEO Wonkyu Lee, MTPK) announced that it has entered into an exclusive domestic promotion and distribution agreement with the global biopharmaceutical company Sanofi Korea (General Manager Kyung Eun Bae), for the multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment Aubagio. The agreement officially took effect on September 1, 2025. Both companies aim to ensure stable product supply and patient-focused service through close collaboration. Through this partnership, MTPK has secured exclusive sales rights for Aubagio in Korea and will be responsible for local sales and marketing activities. Sanofi will continue to handle product importation, supply, regulatory affairs, and overall product management. Aubagio has demonstrated efficacy in reducing relapses and slowing disease progression in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. It is a once-daily oral therapy, offering convenience that is being used widely both in Korea and abroad. MI Youn Lee, Head of EP & Portfolio at Sanofi Korea and Australia/New Zealand, stated, “With this agreement, we expect that more Korean MS patients will gain stable access to the therapeutic benefits of Aubagio. Sanofi will continue to strive to build a sustainable treatment environment that allows patients to maintain better treatment and improve their quality of life.” Won Kyu Lee, CEO of MTBK also said, “Drawing on our extensive experience in the field of neurological diseases, we will do our utmost to ensure Aubagio reaches Korean MS patients more effectively. In line with our corporate philosophy, we will continue to enhance corporate value through the introduction of innovative new drugs and contribute to patients and society through ongoing activities.”
- Company
- Active treatment needed for childhood·adolescent obesity
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Sep 15, 2025 06:03am
- With interest in obesity management becoming higher than ever with the introduction of Mounjaro and Wegovy, attention is also gathering to neglected areas. In particular, the rising prevalence of childhood obesity and the limited treatment options have raised the need for improved treatment environments. Globally, obesity has become the most common nutritional disorder among children, leading to physical problems such as growth hormone deficiency, precocious puberty, and polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as psychosocial issues including low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Since children and adolescents are continuously growing in height and weight, obesity is diagnosed using body mass index (BMI) percentiles based on sex and age. According to the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity’s Clinical Practice Guidelines (2022, 8th edition), children aged two years and older should be assessed using the 2017 growth chart: BMI at or above the 85th percentile is considered overweight, and at or above the 95th percentile is considered obese. ◆Childhood and adolescent obesity is on a continuous rise...Korea is also at risk The problem is the sharp increase in the childhood and adolescent obesity population. According to a pooled analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Imperial College London, the number of obese children and adolescents has increased by more than tenfold over the past 40 years. By analyzing BMI and obesity prevalence trends from height and weight measurements in populations aged 5 and older across 200 countries between 1975 and 2016, the prevalence of childhood obesity rose from less than 1% in 1975 to 6% among girls and 8% among boys in 2016. This indicates a steady global rise in both the number and proportion of children affected by obesity, with particularly sharp increases in regions such as the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, East Asia, and high-income English-speaking countries. Prevalence of Pediatric and Adolescent Obesity in Korea In line with global trends, obesity prevalence among Korean children and adolescents has also been on the rise. According to the “2021 National Health Statistics” published by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, obesity prevalence among boys aged 6–18 increased to 19.5% in the 8th survey period from 11.1% in the 5th (a 1.76-fold increase), while among girls it rose to 12.7% from 9.2%, which is a 1.38-fold increase. Also, a sample survey of elementary, middle, and high school students released by the Ministry of Education in April showed that 29.3% of students fell into the overweight or obese category last year—which is roughly one in three. ◆Academic community aligns with clinical guidelines...recommends drug therapy Given this situation, clinical guidelines for childhood and adolescent obesity are also evolving. Notably, the necessity for more direct treatment approaches, including previously conservative drug therapy, is increasingly being raised. According to the guidelines released on January 9, 2023, by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for the evaluation and treatment of childhood obesity, pharmacological therapy is recommended for children aged two and older, and surgical interventions are permitted from age 13 onward—emphasizing active intervention from the early stages of diagnosis. The recommended medications include Saxenda (liraglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide), Xenical (orlistat), and Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate). This has sparked debate by overturning the tendency to prioritize traditional dietary and behavioral therapies in children and adolescents, but it also underscores the urgent need for obesity management in severely obese children and adolescents. Korea has also recognized the need for pharmacotherapy. In 2022, the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity recommended considering drug therapy under the supervision of experienced specialists if intensive diet, exercise, and behavioral therapy fail to control ongoing weight gain and obesity-related comorbidities in children Furthermore, the first guidelines on childhood obesity that was published in Asia, which was in 2019, covered the ▲definition and diagnosis of overweight and obesity in children, ▲treatment principles of pediatric obesity, ▲behavioral therapy (including diet, exercise, lifestyle, and mental health), ▲pharmacological treatment, and ▲surgical treatment. For each area, they established recommendations and their respective levels of evidence (Level A–D). Professor Hye-Woon Jung of Kyung Hee University Hospital’s Department of Pediatrics said, “Lifestyle intervention is important for severely obese children and adolescents, but it may not be enough. In such cases, active pharmacological treatment should be considered. Although some medications are approved for severe pediatric obesity, treatment options remain limited in Korea.”
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- NIP inclusion of Beyfortus sparks discussion
- by Hwang, byoung woo Sep 15, 2025 06:02am
- The results of a study on the cost-effectiveness of Sanofi’s RSV preventive antibody injection for infants, Beyfortus (nirsevimab), have been published, sparking debate around including Beyfortus in Korea’s National Immunization Program (NIP). Pic of BeyfortusA research team led by Professor Hae-Sun Suh from Kyung Hee University College of Pharmacy recently published Beyfortus’s cost-effectiveness when introducing it to Korea. This study is the first in Korea to analyze the cost-effectiveness of Beyfortus and was published in the international journal ‘Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics’. The study compared two strategies: administering Beyfortus to all infants under 12 months and to high-risk children under 24 months, versus the current strategy of administering a preventive antibody injection (palivizumab) only to high-risk infants. Using claims data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA), the team conducted a cost-utility analysis (CUA) from a societal perspective. This included outpatient and inpatient treatment, management of complications, caregiver productivity loss, and socioeconomic costs from premature death. Results showed that using the Beyfortus strategy on all infants under 1 year of age and high-risk groups under 2 years of age reduces unnecessary medical costs associated with RSV infection and alleviates the burden of productivity loss for caregivers. In particular, it was confirmed that over 90% of the overall health improvement effect originated from the group of full-term infants under one year of age, supporting the validity of a universal RSV prevention strategy for all infants. Furthermore, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for introducing the Beyfortus prevention strategy compared to the existing strategy was USD 33,071 per QALY (approximately KRW 43 million per QALY), demonstrating its cost-effectiveness. QALY, the cost-effectiveness indicator used in this study, is a health outcome measure that reflects health-related quality of life by applying a weight. It quantifies ‘how long and how healthily one can live’ through treatment and prevention. Although a cost-effectiveness threshold is not explicitly defined in Korea, analysis using commonly accepted standards—ranging from approximately USD 35,000 (per capita GDP) to USD 50,000 (1.5 times per capita GDP)—showed this study demonstrated cost-effectiveness within that range. Professor Suh said, “This study confirmed that a prevention strategy utilizing Beyfortus is not only effective for preventing RSV in infants and young children in Korea, but also provides a valid basis for its inclusion in a nationwide universal vaccination program. We hope these results will serve as key policy data for the future introduction of Beyfortus into the National Immunization Program, thereby contributing to protecting infant and young child health and reducing the social burden.” Beyfortus demonstrates cost-effectiveness …Will it synergize with the revised legislation? The published research on Beyfortus is expected to bolster future discussions regarding the National Immunization Program (NIP). Given the NIP's inherent goal of maximizing the vaccination effect through universal immunization, cost-effectiveness remains a critical consideration alongside efficacy. This aspect is included in the ‘Bill for the Partial Amendment to the Infectious Disease Prevention and Management Act’ proposed by Representative Yong-ki Jeon of the Democratic Party of Korea last August, which addresses RSV's inclusion in the NIP. While the legislative intent stated that it aims to contribute to public health improvement through infectious disease prevention by mandating essential vaccinations for acute respiratory infections, the inclusion of provisions regarding the submission of cost estimation requests implies that future submission of vaccine cost-effectiveness evaluation data is a prerequisite. Particularly, it is analyzed that the fact that the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has not established clear guidelines for the preventive antibody Beyfortus within the NIP program, which has primarily focused on vaccines, could positively influence its potential inclusion in the universal vaccination program. Hee-kyung Park, Head of Sanofi’s Vaccine Division, said, “While 90% of infants under 2 years old are infected with RSV, there are no available treatments for RSV, making prevention crucial. Hospitalizations due to infant RSV infection place a significant burden on parents and families raising children. Therefore, establishing an effective prevention strategy accessible to all infants is paramount.” Park added, “Sanofi will continue to protect infant health and reduce the medical and economic burdens faced by families and society through innovative preventive solutions.”
