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- 2025-12-17 17:00:29
- InterView
- Dong-A ST launches Sterlara biosimilar Imuldosa in the US
- by Cha, Jihyun Aug 20, 2025 06:22am
- Dong-A ST (CEO: Jae-Hoon Jeong) announced on the 19th that the company has launched IMULDOSA (project name DMB-3115, active ingredient ustekinumab), a biosimilar version of Stelara, in the US through its partners, multinational pharmaceutical companies Intas Pharmaceuticals and Accord Biopharma. IMULDOSA is biosimilar version of Janssen’s Stelara that is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Stelara has generated global sales of approximately USD 21.552 billion (IQVIA 2024 cumulative revenue). IMULDOSA has been launched in 14 countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain, and has obtained marketing authorization in the MENA region, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. A representative from Dong-A ST stated, “With the launch of IMULDOSA in the United States following its introduction in Europe, our global market expansion is gaining momentum. We will strive to ensure that IMULDOSA becomes an effective treatment option for patients worldwide.” IMULDOSA was jointly developed by Dong-A Socio Holdings and Meiji Seika Pharma since 2013. In July 2020, the rights for development and commercialization were transferred to Dong-A ST to facilitate efficient global project execution, and the two companies have since continued joint development. In July 2021, a global license-out agreement for IMULDOSA was signed with the multinational pharmaceutical company Intas Pharmaceuticals. Intas is commercializing IMULDOSA through its global subsidiaries, including Accord BioPharma in the U.S. and Accord Healthcare in Europe, the UK, and Canada.
- InterView
- V-olet challenges to become a blockbuster fat-destroying inj
- by Nho, Byung Chul Jul 08, 2025 06:36am
- Kim Seul-ki, PM of Daewoong Pharmaceutical Daewoong Pharmaceutical's V-olet Inj, a deoxycolic acid (DCA)-based fat-destroying injectable, is garnering attention as it implements an external expansion strategy to become a global blockbuster drug, following Nabota Inj. Launched in 2021, V-olet Inj is an injectable that demonstrates significant improvement in moderate-to-severe bulging or excessive submental fat in adults through its mechanism of irreversible fat cell destruction and collagen synthesis. It currently holds a 90% market share in the Korean market. Deoxycholic acid (DCA) is a secondary bile acid that emulsifies and breaks down fat in the body. The active ingredient used in V-olet Inj is 100% chemically synthesized DCA, not derived from human or animal sources. Kim Seul-ki, PM of Daewoong Pharmaceutical's Nabota Business Team, stated, "V-olet Inj demonstrated significant submental fat improvement and safety in Koreans through a domestic Phase 3 clinical study." Kim added, "It is currently regarded as the only original product among related products launched in Korea." Notably, 72.1% of V-olet Inj recipients showed significantly higher satisfaction (compared to 25.4% for placebo), and not a single serious adverse event (SAE) occurred. Currently, V-olet Inj's domestic sales are handled by DNC Aesthetics and approximately 500 Daewoong Pharmaceutical sales representatives, and it is highly likely to surpass KRW 10 billion in annual sales soon. Kim stated, "Marketing approval for V-olet Inj was granted in the Philippines, and the company plans to seek approvals and launches in other Asia-Pacific countries, including China, Indonesia, and Thailand. Nabota, a blockbuster drug, is currently marketed in over 80 countries globally, and we are pursuing a product expansion strategy like Nabota." Q&A with Kim Seul-ki, PM, Daewoong Pharmaceutical. -Please introduce yourself. =Hello. I am Kim Seul-ki, overseeing the marketing of Daewoong Pharmaceutical's medical aesthetics pipeline, Nabota, and V-olet Inj. I was solely responsible for the launch of V-olet Inj in 2021, so it has already been five years since its release. -Belkyra was withdrawn from the Korean market, and there was a period without DCA-component products.What was the motivation for Daewoong Pharmaceutical to launch V-olet Inj in 2021? =Daewoong Pharmaceutical strives to develop and market differentiated, high-quality products. I believe DCA fat reduction was one of them. DCA is the only ingredient approved for fat improvement, so its efficacy is not disputed. The problem was that Belkyra was too expensive, which led to its failure in the Korean market. 'PPC (phosphatidylcholine),' which is currently suspended from sale but was previously used, and 'combination contour injections,' which most aesthetic clinics still offer, remain very popular fat-dissolving procedures. We assessed that the obesity market and fat-dissolving market would continue to grow, just as GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are gaining attention today. As everyone is aware, Daewoong Pharmaceutical has been manufacturing and selling Nabota for over ten years. We believed that Nabota, indicated for wrinkle and muscle hypertrophy improvement, and V-olet Inj, focused on fat improvement, could create good synergy, and that V-olet Inj could establish itself as the next-generation product following Nabota. -V-olet Inj's initial launch reaction was significant, and I understand it quickly revitalized the DCA market in a short period. What's the secret to its rapid market impact? =It's thanks to our efforts to build trust as the first domestically produced DCA injectable. Notably, its approval as the only specialized pharmaceutical for fat improvement, along with its differentiated mechanism of action for fat cell destruction, was well communicated to medical professionals through significant effort. I believe that actively sharing the experiences of medical professionals with extensive clinical experience in the DCA field, and continuously conducting research to build trust, so that medical professionals can use it confidently, has played a significant role. Initially, concerns arose about potential side effects due to the word 'destruction.' Still, by emphasizing and educating on 'proper injection techniques,' many medical professionals are now using it with peace of mind. Additionally, when V-olet Inj was launched, some individuals were using DCA products with cosmetic approval that were not intended for internal body injection. By emphasizing the importance of approved specialized pharmaceuticals even more, those products seem to have largely disappeared now. I believe we played a significant role in changing market perception as well. -With V-olet Inj's success, many competing products are being launched. There are products like Bellacholine, which was launched last year. What are V-olet Inj's unique advantages? =The biggest differentiator is that V-olet Inj has undergone Phase 1-3 clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance (PMS), which current competing products have not. This allowed us to confirm its efficacy and safety in real-world clinical settings. Since DCA is currently the only approved ingredient in the fat-dissolving market, it was important for us to have clinical data to support its more widespread use, similar to toxins or fillers, in Korea. We have results from clinical studies involving over 960 Koreans. Now, in 5th year since launch, we have accumulated tens of thousands of treatment cases, which is another advantage. -It seems there are many more products available now for obesity and body contouring. Considering the mechanistic characteristics of fat-destroying injectables, what differentiates them from other products?. =Body contouring has become much easier thanks to drugs like Wegovy and various EBD (Energy-Based Device) products available today. However, DCA, meaning V-olet Inj, is the only injectable that can precisely target and destroy fat. There are also fat-destroying devices, such as InMode, but it's challenging to predict which fat layer those devices will target. In contrast, V-olet Inj is injected directly into the middle layer of fat, so it can be said to destroy the core of the fat. Additionally, one might worry about skin sagging as fat disappears, but V-olet Inj promotes collagen synthesis, which also improves skin elasticity. Compared to appetite suppressants like GLP-1 drugs, if you've ever tried dieting, you know that even if you lose weight, areas like a double chin or arm fat don't easily go away. V-olet Inj's advantage lies in its ability to target such areas and smoothly sculpt the body precisely. -In addition to submental fat improvement, research on body procedures seems to be active both domestically and internationally. Do you have plans for indication expansion? =V-olet Inj's approved indication is for improving moderate-to-severe bulging or excessive submental fat in adults. However, based on DCA's mechanism of action in improving fat, we conducted case studies with clinical research on various body areas. The results of a study on arm fat (upper arm) improvement using DCA were published in March. We confirmed for the first time in Koreans the effect of improving fat thickness and circumference in the upper arms. Overseas, research using DCA injectables on various fat-containing areas (e.g., jowls, abdomen, flanks, thighs, accessory breasts [axillary fat], under the buttocks, above the knees, "buffalo hump" neck, under-eye fat, lipomas, etc.) is already actively reported. Internally, we are viewing the market demand and potential for indication expansion positively. Currently, we are starting with small-scale studies, such as case studies. Thanks to its fat-destroying mechanism, its expandability seems limitless. -Daewoong Pharmaceutical plays a pioneering role in the domestic DCA market; however, competition is likely to intensify further. As the leading company in the fat-destroying injectable market, what are Daewoong's future aspirations and plans? =As you mentioned, competition in the domestic DCA market will indeed become very fierce. As various competing products emerge, the DCA market itself is expected to grow, which I view as a positive development from a marketer's perspective. V-olet Inj demonstrated trustworthiness in Korea. To help the DCA market grow to the size of the KRW 100 billion toxin market in Korea, as a pioneer of DCA, we plan to continue research on usage methods to help medical professionals utilize V-olet Inj more effectively. Furthermore, through various activities to deliver correct awareness and knowledge about fat improvement procedures to the public, we aim to create a more valuable market.
- InterView
- 'Viatris will lead market with innovation and leadership'
- by Whang, byung-woo Jun 10, 2025 06:04am
- “Viatris Korea is pursuing growth through two pillars: a core brand-focused business and new pipelines. Based on the pillars, we expect to secure growth momentum once again on a global scale.” Viatris Korea is working to strengthen its position in the domestic market by introducing a global innovative pipeline and driving continuous growth with its existing key product portfolio. While striving to maintain its leadership in the chronic disease treatment market with products such as Lipitor, the company is also planning a two-track strategy to add innovation for future growth. Dailypharm met with Bill Schuster, Representative Director & Country Manager of Viatris Korea, who is entering his third year in office, to hear about the company's growth strategy and mid- to long-term plans. Bill Schuster marks third year as CEO: "Organizational culture is key to growth” Since Bill Schuster took office, Viatris Korea has actively pursued changes to improve its organizational culture and strengthen its market response. Bill Schuster, Representative Director & Country Manager of Viatris Korea"In his first year as CEO in 2023, he focused on fostering a voluntary and participatory organizational culture led by employees, forming a task force centered on junior and mid-level managers, and working to redefine the company’s core values and principles of conduct." Schuster described his leadership style as “transformational leadership.” He explained, “I have not only strived to provide direction for our members but also to empower them with motivation and autonomy to achieve our shared vision." He added, "After experiencing the Great East Japan Earthquake, I came to realize the importance of work-life balance. Since then, I have led by example as a leader, fostering a culture that values and promotes work-life balance."’ A notable aspect of this transformation is the hospital-centric “Go-to-Market” strategy, which strengthens market response around Schuster's leadership. “At Viatris, we have delineated roles by focusing on the hospital channel ourselves while assigning our partners to the clinic channel, thereby eliminating redundant sales structures across the two.” He added, “By strengthening key field-oriented functions, we go beyond being just a sales organization and seek to forge strategic partnerships.” As part of such strategy, the company has strengthened collaborations with Jeil Pharmaceutical in the cardiovascular disease treatment sector and with SK Chemical in the pain management treatment sector. He stated, “We have significantly expanded our hospital channel workforce and established a Key Account Management (KAM) system to provide tailored management for major hospitals and distribution channels. Additionally, we are identifying new opportunities with small and medium-sized hospitals through our Sales Account Management (SAM) system.” These efforts align with Viatris Korea's portfolio. While its major therapeutic agents, such as Lipitor, which ranks first in the single-agent market for dyslipidemia, and Norvasc, which ranks first among CCB (calcium channel blocker) class hypertension treatments, hold high market shares, the company is also facing challenges due to the emergence of new treatment options. In response, Schuster emphasized the expansion of the “base business centered on core brands.” He stated, “South Korea has one of the fastest aging populations in the world, so the demand for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and pain conditions is expected to continue to grow. In response, Viatris plans to carry out initiatives that raise disease awareness and improve treatment access.” This also includes strengthening market responsiveness through artificial intelligence (AI) and digital strategies. Schuster said, “We are preparing a system that leverages AI technology to precisely analyze marketing performance and optimize resource allocation.” He added, “A pilot project is currently underway, with full-scale implementation targeted for 2025.” He added, “We will leverage AI to analyze customer channel preferences and market trends and develop tailored communication strategies to deliver optimal information to both patients and healthcare professionals. In particular, we plan to actively adopt digital healthcare technologies to support more effective disease management for patients, especially in the areas of cardiovascular health and chronic pain.” Viatris Korea secures growth momentum with customized capabilities for new drug launches "In particular, Viatris Korea is laying the foundation for introducing global innovative drug pipelines into the domestic market, with the aim of establishing new growth engines for the future." Notably, the acute pain treatment 'Meloxicam (MR-107A-02)' and the low-dose contraceptive patch 'XULANE LO' have shown positive effects in global Phase III clinical trials, raising expectations. Specifically, Meloxicam is anticipated to arise as a non-opioid alternative and a new first-line treatment option for moderate to severe acute pain. XULANE LO, a low-dose estrogen patch requiring a once-weekly application, is also receiving positive evaluations for its market potential. The company plans to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by the second half of 2025. If Viatris Korea maintains its existing core business while introducing new drugs over the next few years, concerns about the sustainability of the company’s long-term growth will be resolved. Schuster emphasized, “While we already possess some of the necessary capabilities, we have determined that this is the time to enhance and expand our internal systems and personnel in preparation for future launches. Therefore, building the capabilities to execute new pipelines over the next few years will be a critical task.” Currently, Viatris Korea has all the core functions, including development, approval, and compliance, and is capable of handling processes such as bridging clinical trials and approval applications with its own capabilities. However, the company plans to nurture a dedicated organization internally to establish launch strategies, secure market recognition, and handle customer communication in preparation for the launch of new drugs. He added, “We aim to become a partner that goes beyond simply importing and selling drugs, and instead works to build a scientific and institutional foundation in Korea in the mid-to long- -term, we will not hesitate to make the necessary investments and collaborations to achieve this.” Finally, he added, “Viatris Korea is committed to sustainable growth in the domestic market and will actively introduce global innovations to contribute to the local healthcare environment. We will continue to fulfill our responsibility as a company that enables patients to lead healthier lives.”
- InterView
- "Livtencity offers new CMV trt for transplant patients"
- by Whang, byung-woo Jun 04, 2025 06:19am
- "Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is worse than a simple viral infection in patients with solid organ transplant (SOT), but existing treatments have limitations. Reimbursement of new medicines is meaningful in terms of extending treatment options." Livtencity (maribavir), which can be prescribed to post-transplant patients who have had limited treatment options, is receiving a favorable assessment. It can be used following initial treatment. Livtencity, as a second-line treatment, was approved for reimbursement in April 2024 for patients who experienced an inadequate response to conventional antiviral agents or discontinued treatment due to serious adverse events. Dr. Sang-Oh Lee, a professor at Seoul Asan Medical Center's Department of Infectious Diseases, who has the latest expertise in related fileds, emphasized that reimbursement approval of Livtencity elevated the flexibility of treatment strategy. "Introduction of second-line treatment for CMV is receiving favorable assessment" Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus for which approximately 95% of Korean adults already possess antibodies. While it typically causes almost no symptoms in individuals with normal immune systems, it can progress to a severe illness in post-transplant patients who must take immunosuppressants. Dr. Sang-Oh Lee, professor at Seoul Asan Medical CenterDr. Lee explained, "About 60% of solid organ transplant patients in Korea experience CMV infection, and approximately 13.7% of these progress to severe CMV disease." Dr. Lee added, "CMV disease is divided into CMV syndrome associated with systemic viral activation and localized infections affecting specific organs, with gastrointestinal involvement accounting for about 75% of these cases." According to Dr. Lee, the risk of CMV infection varies depending on the type of transplanted organ. The risk of CMV viremia is highest in lung transplant patients, at around 10%, followed by heart and liver transplant patients at approximately 7-8%, and kidney transplant patients at approximately 5%. Dr. Lee said, "When CMV DNA levels in a patient's blood rise above a certain threshold, even without symptoms, preemptive treatment is initiated. However, treatment sustainability often declined due to side effects of existing treatments, such as myelosuppression or nephrotoxicity." Existing CMV treatments like ganciclovir and valganciclovir, despite their potent antiviral effects, caused adverse reactions such as myelosuppression, posing clinical limitations for immunocompromised transplant patients. Furthermore, patients showing resistance or are refractory to these drugs had to use foscarnet or cidofovir, but these agents were limited in use due to severe nephrotoxicity concerns. Livtencity is a novel drug that emerged to overcome the limitations of existing treatments. As an antiviral agent with a novel mechanism that targets the UL97 protein kinase, it has a lower burden of myelosuppression and nephrotoxicity compared to existing therapies. Its oral administration significantly improved patient convenience and treatment sustainability. Dr. Lee stated, "Livtencity demonstrated superior efficacy in clinical studies in patient groups who developed resistance or refractoriness to previous treatments," and added, "Since its reimbursement approval last year, favorable responses have continued to be reported in clinical practice." Dr. Lee has directly prescribed Livtencity to about 10 patients since its introduction, observing substantial treatment effects, including a stable decrease in CMV DNA levels in most treated patients. Asan Medical Center in Seoul performs approximately 500 liver transplants and numerous lung transplants annually. The number of CMV disease cases among these patients is estimated to be around 40 per year. Livtencity is particularly regarded for demonstrating outstanding efficacy in various clinical situations, including liver and lung transplant patients, such as CMV hepatitis and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). "The efficacy of Livtencity treatment is adequate, but reimbursement criteria need to be improved" Notably, Dr. Lee particularly gave high marks for Livtencity's safety and treatment sustainability observed in clinical practice. Dr. Lee said, "Livtencity has a superior safety profile compared to existing antiviral drugs, showing high patient satisfaction in terms of treatment sustainability in clinical settings. Since its use, there have been no cases of severe adverse reactions warranting treatment discontinuation, and its treatment sustainability is overwhelmingly superior to existing drugs." However, Dr. Lee proposed that the current reimbursement criteria for Livtencity in Korea may need some improvement. Currently, Livtencity's reimbursement criteria are set for cases where 'treatment has failed after using existing antiviral drugs (ganciclovir, valganciclovir) for at least 2 weeks, or severe side effects have occurred, or resistance has been confirmed.' Dr. Lee views that while the current criteria are reasonable to a certain degree, they can be improved for actual clinical practice, as the reimbursement criteria are limited to solid organ transplant (SOT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patient populations. Dr. Lee emphasized, "Currently, Livtencity's reimbursement criteria are limited to cases where refractoriness is confirmed after at least 2 weeks of treatment with existing therapies," and added, "This is a somewhat long period for high-risk patients, and since CMV can be worsened in a short time, more flexible and rapid reimbursement application criteria are needed." Additionally, for transplant patients, Dr. Lee proposed that institutional improvements are necessary to extend reimbursement coverage to other severely immunocompromised patient groups, such as those with hematologic cancers, where CMV treatment is urgently needed. Finally, Dr. Lee concluded, "The introduction of Livtencity has brought a substantial change to the CMV infection treatment environment in Korea. However, more improvement of related systems and policies is essential so that even more flexible and patient-customized approaches are available in the future."
- InterView
- ‘SGLT2i+TZD promising for diabetics with fatty liver risk’
- by Kim, Jin-Gu May 26, 2025 05:55am
- A large-scale epidemiological study conducted on a Korean population has found that metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which commonly accompanies diabetes, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. MASLD is not merely a liver disease but a cause that exacerbates overall metabolic disorders, making it a focus of recent attention. As a result, proactive treatment strategies to address it early are gaining prominence. Professor Cheol-Young Park of the Endocrinology Department at Gangnam Samsung Hospital said, “Combining SGLT-2 inhibitors and TZD-class diabetes medications early on could be a promising treatment option for diabetes patients with MASLD. This combination therapy not only improves blood sugar control but also regulates lipid metabolism and insulin resistance, while also mitigating the side effects of each medication.” A follow-up study on 500,000 diabetes patients revealed that those with MASLD had a 1.2-fold increased risk of death. Professor Cheol-Young Park, along with Professor Kyung Soo Kim from Bundang Cha Hospital, Professor Sangmo Hong of Hanyang University Guri Hospital, and Professor Kyung-do Han of Soongsil University, conducted a large-scale epidemiological study to examine the correlation between MASLD, cardiovascular disease, and mortality in patients with Type 2 diabetes. MASLD is a condition previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It refers to the accumulation of fat in the liver in the presence of metabolic abnormalities (such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity), regardless of alcohol consumption. It is not merely a liver disease but is considered a manifestation of systemic metabolic issues and is associated with cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and certain cancers. Professor Cheol-Young Park’s team conducted a follow-up study on 500,000 patients with type 2 diabetes among 7.7 million participants in the National Health Insurance Service's health screening program in 2009. The results showed that patients with diabetes and MASLD had a 1.37 times higher risk of developing major cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. The risk of death from all causes also increased significantly by 1.21 times. This trend was consistently observed even in those with mild NAFLD (grade 1). In patients with NAFLD but without diabetes, the absolute risk of developing cardiovascular disease within 5 years was 1.23% to 1.42%. In contrast, patients with NAFLD and diabetes had a significantly higher absolute risk of developing cardiovascular disease within five years, ranging from 3.34% to 4.66%. The risk of death also showed a similar trend. Professor Cheol-Young Park explained, “This study shows that MASLD does not simply affect liver health, but also has a significant impact on overall cardiovascular outcomes. In particular, the results showing that patients with diabetes and NAFLD have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death highlight the importance of treating both conditions together.” “SGLT2i+TZD combination, a promising option for treating MASLD in patients with diabetes” Regarding these complex metabolic disorders, Professor Park proposed the SGLT-2 inhibitors and TZD drug combination as a promising treatment strategy. The two drugs have complementary effects in alleviating insulin resistance and reducing fat accumulation in the liver through different mechanisms. TZD class drugs promote the differentiation of subcutaneous adipocytes, redistribute fat from visceral depots, suppress hepatic glucose production, and enhance glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue, thereby improving insulin sensitivity. SGLT-2 inhibitors induce energy loss by excreting glucose through the kidneys, thereby indirectly promoting fat oxidation and reducing liver fat. Professor Park explained, “TZDs redistribute fat outside the liver to reduce fat accumulation within the liver, while SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce blood glucose levels and encourage the use of fat as an energy source. When used in combination, they regulate the metabolic environment through different pathways, producing a synergistic effect in improving MASLD.” Furthermore, Professor Park emphasized that the combination of the two drugs has the potential to offset each drug’s side effects. TZD-class drugs are associated with side effects such as weight gain and edema. In this context, the weight-reducing and diuretic effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors can partially offset these side effects. Additionally, by fundamentally improving insulin resistance, they reduce the burden on insulin-secreting cells (β-cells), thereby alleviating hyperinsulinemia and potentially contributing to reduced insulin dependence in the long term. Professor Park added, “Combination therapy is an integrated strategy that can regulate not only blood sugar levels but also lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, weight, and lipid status. It is necessary to consider this treatment approach early on for patients with both diabetes and MASLD. “MASLD, a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease… Early use of combination therapy required to improve prognosis” Professor Park explained that considering the high prevalence of MASLD in Korea, early combination therapy is important for patients with both diabetes and MASLD. He emphasized that since MASLD is not merely an indicator of liver health but also increases the risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease, an integrated management approach is required from early on. MASLD is deeply associated with various metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, visceral obesity, and hypertension. These metabolic abnormalities interact synergistically to negatively impact the cardiovascular system. For example, insulin resistance accelerates fat accumulation in the liver while also causing dyslipidemia through increased triglycerides, reduced HDL cholesterol, and changes in LDL cholesterol particle size. Visceral obesity increases systemic inflammation by secreting inflammatory cytokines from fat cells, while hypertension increases atherosclerosis and cardiac burden, making it a direct risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Professor Park stressed, “The factors do not exist independently. When one worsens, it has a cascading effect on the others. MASLD originates at the core of this metabolic imbalance and should be recognized not just as a simple liver disease but as the starting point of a systemic disease.” Professor Park noted, “For patients with MASLD accompanying diabetes, strategies that not only control blood sugar but also reduce liver fat accumulation and improve the overall metabolic environment should be used. The combination of SGLT-2 inhibitors and TZDs could be an effective approach that can simultaneously target these complex goals.”
- InterView
- Hemlibra shows long-term efficacy and safety in hemophilia
- by Kim, Jin-Gu May 16, 2025 06:19am
- “The hemophilia patients’ only desire is to lead a normal life like everyone else. Hemlibra (emicizumab) has been found to be effective in preventing bleeding and safe in long-term follow-up studies. Moreover, it demonstrates clear bleeding prevention effects even during high-intensity exercise, significantly helping patients lead normal lives.” Dr. Steven Pipe, Professor of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at the University of Michigan C. S. Mott Children's Hospital in the United States, said so while participating at the 'HAVEN Symposium' held on the 9th at the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Dr. Pipe visited Korea to present the results of long-term administration of Hemlibra in patients with hemophilia A. He led the 'HAVEN3' and 'HAVEN4’ trials on Hemlibra. HAVEN3 is a study involving 151 hemophilia A patients who received emicizumab at a dose of 1.5mg/kg weekly or 3mg/kg every two weeks. HAVEN4 is a study involving 40 patients with hemophilia A who received emicizumab 6 mg every four weeks. Five years of follow-up data on the 191 patients showed that the annual bleeding rate (ABR) was 2.0 during the initial treatment period (weeks 1–24). At the long-term treatment stage (217–240 weeks), the annual bleeding rate fell to 0.8 episodes. Joint bleeds, a common complication in hemophilia A patients, also decreased in the long-term follow-up. The annual joint bleeding rate (AJBR) at the 217–240-week mark was 0.9 episodes. The proportion of patients who did not experience any bleeding during Hemlibra treatment increased from 62.2% at weeks 1–24 to 78.8% at weeks 217–240. Only 1 patient discontinued treatment over the five-year period. This case was a mild adverse reaction, and no association with the drug was identified. Twelve patients experienced inadequate bleeding control, and these patients continued treatment with an increased weekly dose of 3 mg/kg. Dr. Pipe highlighted the bleeding prevention effect of Hemlibra during various sports and physical activities. Similar to healthy individuals, he explained that there is little concern about bleeding even with high-intensity physical activity. The long-term follow-up results also showed that the annual bleeding rate (ABR) during sports and physical activities remained low at 0.91. Dr. Pipe said, “What hemophilia patients want most is ‘zero bleeding.’ They want to live their daily lives without any bleeding. Especially, they want to engage in high-intensity physical activities, including intense exercise, without worrying about bleeding.” In this sense, Hemlibra showed long-term efficacy as a preventive therapy. For example, at our hospital, 80% of patients diagnosed with hemophilia in childhood are currently receiving Hemlibra, and the drug shows definite bleeding prevention effects even during high-intensity exercise.” He also explained that the fact that Hemlibra maintains a higher level of clotting factor concentration for a longer period compared to existing treatments contributes to improving the patients' quality of life. Dr. Pipe said, “With previous medications, it was difficult to maintain consistent concentrations throughout the day, so patients had to take additional doses before intense exercise, which was inconvenient. In contrast, Hemlibra maintains consistent concentration levels, allowing patients to live their daily lives without such inconveniences.” Dr. Pipe plans to expand research on the long-term effects of Hemlibra in infants. He is conducting a long-term observational study (HAVEN 7) on the joint damage prevention effects of Hemlibra prophylaxis in 55 infants under one year of age with severe hemophilia A who have not developed antibodies to Hemlibra. R. Pipe stated, “Based on the results so far, infants receiving Hemlibra also exhibit a low annual bleeding rate. Even when bleeding occurs, it typically presents with traumatic bleeding patterns similar to those observed in infants of the same age. This is why we anticipate that Hemlibra will continue to demonstrate high bleeding prevention efficacy in the long term.”
- InterView
- "High hopes for reimbursed Ilaris…a new treatment option"
- by Whang, byung-woo Feb 05, 2025 05:52am
- The Hereditary Periodic Fever (HPF) syndromes cause not just fever and pain but affect various aspects, such as patient's growth and development, psychological elements. The reimbursement coverage of a new treatment in nine years has increased patient satisfaction." Clinical practices have high hopes for changes to the treatment setting as Ilaris (canakinumab), a treatment for Hereditary Periodic Fever (HPF) syndromes, passed the reimbursement hurdle nine years after approval. Although doctors still face difficulties finding the appropriate dosage, analysis suggests that reimbursement will solve unmet needs for ultra-rare disease treatment where treatment options have been limited. Experts believe that systematic improvements are needed to overcome the limitations, such as genetic testing, in the long term. Dr. Soyoung Lee, Professor of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine at Hallym University Sacred Heart HospitalDaily Pharm met with Dr. Soyoung Lee, a Professor of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, with years of prescribing experience, and heard about changes to HPF syndrome treatment settings following reimbursement coverage of Ilaris. The HPF syndromes are rare autoinflammatory diseases that occur shortly after birth or in childhood. Unexplained and periodic episodes of full body fever and rashes characterize these diseases. The HPF syndromes are categorized into various disorders based on abnormal genes. Symptoms such as fever and rashes most commonly occur, but other symptoms vary by disorder. "In my opinion, it is more suitable to call this disorder periodic fever syndromes (PFS) rather than the HPF syndromes," Dr. Lee said. "In contrast to other autoimmune diseases, these disorders are categorized as autoinflammatory disorders. A single gene causes some of these disorders, whereas several genes are indicated to contribute to the disorder," Dr. Lee explained. In South Korea, common cases include Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndrome (CAPS), Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS), and Hyper IgD Syndrome (HIDS). These disorders are all single-gene disorders. According to Dr. Lee, the most common treatments for these disorders include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids to alleviate pain and fever. "In 2010, the introduction of the IL-1 inhibitor Anakinra allowed for the replacement of steroids, enabling most patients to discontinue unnecessary medications. However, since the injection had to be administered daily at a fixed time, patients faced significant challenges," Dr. Lee remarked. "Typically, the dosage of the medication must be increased depending on the severity of the disease/ Because of the limitation of dosage that can be administered at a single injection, patients often suffer serious pain, and the other problem is that the required dosage required two separate injections," Dr. Lee stated. In other words, Dr. Lee says that existing treatments had limitations in terms of long-term effects and patient quality of life despite the nature of HPF syndromes in affecting various aspects, such as patient's growth and development, psychological elements, and causing fever and pain. "Reimbursed Ilaris provides benefits in terms of treatment effects‧administration interval" Changes to the treatment setting have been apparent since August of last year, following reimbursement coverage of Ilaris for CAPS, TRAPS, and FMF." What changes have been made to the treatment setting with reimbursed Ilaris? Dr. Lee says only few cases can be compared because it is a rare disease, but reimbursed Ilaris provided significant benefits in symptom improvements and improved patient quality of life. "As patients switch to Ilaris based on insurance criteria, there have been no cases where patients gave up treatment despite the process being tough finding the appropriate dosage after starting with a low dosage," Dr. Lee said. "Since the administration interval is longer than the other treatments, patients can now be treated with more freedom." "Additionally, patients can get injections at the hospital, so they are now freed from the burden of being injected at home by non-experts," Dr. Lee added. "The half-life of Ilaris is about 26 days, which minimizes the burden of drug administration time. Consequently, Ilaris provides a crucial turning point for patients." While reimbursed Ilaris provides various benefits, the remaining issues are the dosage and managing side effects due to the longer administration interval. Depending on the type of HPF syndromes, Ilrais is given every 8 weeks or 4 weeks. Doctors are concerned about dosage adjustment or symptom management if symptoms occur during treatment. "The process of determining the appropriate dosage was not easy, but all five patients currently undergoing treatment have found their optimal dose and are continuing treatment stably," Dr. Lee said. "Although it has been just over four months since starting Ilaris, we now have more flexibility in adjusting the dosage for the next cycle while closely monitoring weight gain and symptoms." Adjusting treatment dosage remains a challenge…"We must consider a patient-customized treatment" Yet, another challenge is to help patients with HPF syndromes to receive reimbursement coverage. "Currently, Ilaris can only be used if a patient's genetic mutation is confirmed. However, genetic testing fails to provide a diagnosis in up to 40% of cases." Dr. Lee added, "According to foreign studies, despite advancements in genetic analysis technology, 20–30% of cases still rely solely on clinical diagnosis to initiate treatment, highlighting the need for further discussion on this issue." "Because the starting dosage is set too low, patients face challenges finding appropriate dosage. If the system is improved so that dosages can be flexibly determined under the doctor's supervision, patient-customized treatment will offer better treatment settings," Dr. Lee mentioned. Ultimately, Dr. Lee highlights the need for efforts to improve the diagnostic rate of the HPF syndromes, which is a rare disease, in the long term. "The number of patients with CAPS is recorded to be 2 plus 3 in 2022, but more undiagnosed patients likely exist," Dr. Lee said. "To provide more accurate and professional information, we hope academic organizations provide educational sessions for doctors interested in this field." Dr. Lee added, "Genetic testing is an important tool for diagnosing (very) rare diseases, but its usefulness assessment varies by how it is used. "In my opinion, it is more effective to conduct genetic testing only when doctors determine it is necessary, after thoroughly evaluating the patient's symptoms and diagnostic course."
- InterView
- Approval called for drug switching in atopic dermatitis
- by Whang, byung-woo Jan 24, 2025 05:51am
- Atopic dermatitis treatment settings are changing quickly. New treatment options are available as new drugs with fewer side effects and superior treatment effectiveness than existing therapies emerge. There is a growing interest in how atopic dermatitis can be treated rather than just treating it, as changes have been brought to the treatment paradigm. According to health experts, considering many factors contibute to the nature of atopic dermatitis, even if the same medication is used, the treatment effects may vary by patient. Dr. Yang Won Lee, Professor in the Department of Dermatology at Konkuk University Medical Center, who has the latest expertise in this field stresses, the importance of treatment choice based on potential treatment effects and side effects and the need for improvement to the system. "New drugs for atopic dermatitis have shifted the treatment paradigm" Dr. Lee says the most significant change he has experienced following the introduction of new drugs for atopic dermatitis is the treatment effects and patient awareness. Dr. Yang Won Lee, Professor in the Department of Dermatology at Konkuk University Medical Center"In the past, patients were reluctant to receive therapy or even avoid getting one because of the notion that atopic dermatitis treatment is not efficacious and long-term steroid therapy may result in side effects. However, the launch of biological agents and targeted therapies such as JAK inhibitors have changed the care settings," Dr. Lee says. New drugs for atopic dermatitis are good news because treatment effects vary greatly depending on the patient's sensitivity. "Atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial disease where it is not affected by just a single factor but caused by various contributing factors, such as genetic factors, skin barrier issues, and dysfunctional immune responses," Dr. Lee stated. "Due to varying patient sensitivity, even if the same medication is used, patients may experience varying treatment effects." For instance, it means that even if biological agents or JAK inhibitors of the same class are used, patient treatment can differ depending on the mechanism. More treatment options became available this year and will likely change the treatment setting. On January 9, Lily Korea's Ebglyss (ingredient name: lebrikizumab), used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, was launched. Ebglyss was launched six months after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in August 2024. It is a new biologic treatment that selectively blocks interleukin (IL)-13. The efficacy and safety profile of Ebglyss have been confirmed in the Phase 3 clinical trials. Once a patient meets the clinical response after 16 weeks treatment, the drug can be administered every 4 weeks with a maintenance dose (250 mg). Dr. Lee focused on fewer side effects associated with Ebglyss compared to conventional therapies. "While long-term use of cyclosporine or steroids can lead to various side effects, Ebglyss, a biological treatment, is relatively free from such concerns in terms of side effects. It has the advantage of long-term prescriptions and greater efficacy than existing treatments," Dr. Lee says. The basis of approval for Ebglyss was ADvocate-1 and ADvocate-2 Phase 3 studies. According to the results, the most common adverse reactions are conjunctivitis (6.9%), injection site reactions (2.6%), allergic conjunctivitis (1.8%), and dry eye (1.4%). Although dupilumab, a representative treatment for atopic dermatitis, is effective, some patients may experience side effects, including worsening conjunctivitis or facial and neck dermatitis. Therefore, therapies like Ebglyss are seen as potential alternatives. "Compared to dupilumab, Ebglyss shows a relatively lower frequency and severity of side effects such as conjunctivitis or facial and neck dermatitis," Dr. Lee said. "Additionally, if clinical response is achieved, Ebglyss can be administered monthly after 16 weeks. If the efficacy and side effects are comparable, drug adherence can be considered to reduce patient burden." Switching drugs for atopic dermatitis treatment has limitations…"We must provide broader range of treatment options to provide patient-customized treatments" However, there are challenges to overcome to achieve this. The remaining issue is a 'drug switching' between treatments. Last year, the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) submitted a statement to the health authority illustrating that drug switching should be allowed in the field of atopic dermatitis. The government is reviewing this matter, but it is expected to take time. The reimbursement criteria for special cases of atopic dermatitis patients switching treatments are complicated. For example, if patients transition from a biological therapy to a JAK inhibitor, they must meet complicated eligibility requirements from the beginning. Similarly, the same applies when switching from a JAK inhibitor to a biological therapy. "Patients often feel discomfort from the side effects of their current treatments, but due to the reimbursement requirements, which mandate waiting periods of three to four months, they often give up on switching therapies," Dr. Lee explained. "Meeting these conditions is burdensome, leaving patients in a situation where they must continue treatments despite experiencing side effects." "From the patient's perspective, having a broader range of treatment options is essential, and from the doctor's perspective, it is crucial to have multiple tools to combat a disease like atopic dermatitis. Therefore, the drug switching is vital," Dr. Lee emphasized. "If drug switching becomes more accessible, doctors will have a wider range of options for treatment, and patients can look forward to achieving better therapeutic outcomes." Dr. Lee particularly mentioned that if drug switching for atopic dermatitis is approved, the treatment options among drug types and the number of limitations must be discussed. "Patients who do not respond to existing treatments should be able to switch medications immediately. They should be able to choose from the same drug type, such as a biological agent or JAK inhibitor," Dr. Lee says. "In my opinion, not limiting the number of possible drug switching will broaden the range of treatments." "Drug switching is permitted for psoriasis, which is the same inflammatory skin disease. However, unlike psoriasis, atopic dermatitis is significantly limited. Like psoriasis, the treatment setting for atopic dermatitis should improve quickly," Dr. Lee said. Ultimately, Dr. Lee advised actively treating atopic dermatitis with a wider range of treatment options. "In the past, patients treated for atopic dermatitis often experienced several side effects or did not fully benefit from their treatment. However, new drugs provide opportunities for patients. Because many opportunities are open for patients with severe disease who need treatment, we hope patients will participate in getting treatment," Dr. Lee said.
- InterView
- "Reimb granted to drug switching between JAK inhibitors"
- by Son, Hyung Min Dec 26, 2024 05:50am
- Dr. Seung-Jae Hong, a Professor in the Department of Rheumatology at Kyung Hee University Medical Center "Until now, drug switching between JAK inhibitors has not been reimbursed, so there have been unmet patient needs for rheumatoid arthritis patients who do not benefit from conventional biological agents. As reimbursement for drug switching will be granted starting in December, patients will be less burdened by switching from biological agents to JAK inhibitors. Also, patients will no longer resort to treatments they do not benefit from. The reimbursement approval will significantly change the treatment landscape for rheumatoid arthritis." Dr. Seung-Jae Hong, a Professor in the Department of Rheumatology at Kyung Hee University Medical Center, remarked on changes to the treatment landscape for rheumatoid arthritis during a recent meeting with Daily Pharm. Rheumatoid arthritis treatments are one of the fields that accomplished the most advances in the past 20 years. Treatment options for patients have broadened after the introduction of steroids, anti-rheumatic drugs, biological agents, and Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Since drug switching was not approved for reimbursement, patients required to switch from biological agents to JAK inhibitors had to revert to biological agents if the switch was ineffective. As patients and doctors demanded drug switching, the government granted approval of insurance reimbursement for drug switching between JAK inhibitors; starting in December, patients will be less burdened by switching from biological agents to JAP inhibitors. "At the early stage, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to suppress inflammation and reduce pain. Steroids can then be temporarily used if inflammation is not controlled. However, such a treatment regimen can reduce the alleviation of symptoms but does not lower disease activation. As a result, treatments using disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate (MTX), may be necessary," Dr. Hong said. "If sufficient treatment effects are not observed within several months, targeted treatments such as biological agents or JAK inhibitors can be used. Such targeted treatment works by suppressing substances that induce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis or targeting the signaling pathways of inflammatory substances. The targeted treatments can reduce side effects, while high treatment effects can be expected. This is why switching medications is necessary for treating rheumatoid arthritis," Dr. Hong said. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease caused by immune cells attacking the joints, which are part of our own body. At the early stage of the disease, inflammation occurs in the tissue lining of joints, causing pain, swelling, and deformities in surrounding bones and cartilage. Inflammation primarily affects small joints such as the fingers, wrists, toes, and ankles but can also involve larger joints like the knees. As a chronic disease that progresses over months or years, persistent inflammation of the tissue lining of joints can lead to cartilage damage, causing joint destruction, deformation, and functional disability. Symptoms such as fatigue, low-grade fever, and generalized musculoskeletal pain are often accompanied. However, among patients treated with biological agents, only 56.5% achieve remission or a low disease activity state within the first year of treatment. Furthermore, 43.5% of rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with existing therapies fail to reach remission. Many patients reaching remission still have severe pain, indicating a significant unmet need for medications that can effectively improve both remission rates and pain management. "Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes deformities in finger joints. Patients with such deformities often find it difficult to grasp and self-administer injectables. In one case, we prescribed an oral JAK inhibitor to a patient, but since the medication was not effective enough, we needed to switch back to an injectable. However, the patient refused and chose to continue with the oral medication instead," Dr. Hongexplained. "Oral medications are a good option for patients who fear injections and are also beneficial for those who frequently travel or go on business trips. While there are differences among medications, clinical research data indicates that oral therapies demonstrate high 'remission' rates, defined as a state with minimal symptoms, and are effective in improving morning stiffness, pain, and fatigue, offering significant benefits to patients," Dr. Hong added. Establishing patient-centered treatment landscape…"Supportive policies are needed" With drug switching between JAK inhibitors now granted reimbursement, effective treatments like Rinvoq may be quickly adopted in clinical practice. Dr. Hong remarks that doctors previously reserved highly effective therapies before drug switching approval, but due to changes in insurance reimbursement policy, this approach is no longer necessary. "Several argued that Rinvoq should be used as a second-line treatment because of its significant efficacy, but this was when drug switching was not possible, and only one JAK inhibitor was available. Now that drug switching is approved among multiple medications, there’s no reason to use a specific medication for later treatment. When medication changes are needed due to ineffectiveness, doctors prioritize choosing the most effective treatment first," Dr. Hong stated. Rinvoq, whether used as a monotherapy or combined with existing DMARDs, has demonstrated superior clinical remission and low disease activity rates compared to placebo, MTX, or the biologic adalimumab (product name: Humira). Additionally, Rinvoq's SELECT-BEYOND study, targeting patients with inadequate responses to biologic therapies, confirmed that patients maintained physical function while improving symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and morning stiffness in patient-reported outcomes (PRO) at Week 12. Dr. Hong shared that it is important to utilize available treatments, as new drugs are no longer being introduced. An education course may be necessary to enhance patient compliance. "Untreated rheumatoid arthritis can lead to disability, and the government may have to provide a lifelong support for patients with disability. By preventing disabilities, significant social costs that the government has to be responsible for patient support can be reduced. This is why doctors emphasize early diagnosis and treatment," Dr. Hong said. "Doctors have to care for patients, but having patients manage their diseases is also important. Education allows patients to enhance disease-management skills." However, education costs are not covered for rheumatoid arthritis. The government must provide education cost coverage to reduce social costs," Dr. Hong stated. "The pain mechanism and joint-destruction mechanism differ for rheumatoid arthritis, but patients simply associate the disease with joint pains. Patients who are young children or elderlies may not understand well, so an education session must be conducted for both patients and caregivers," Dr. Hong emphasized.
- InterView
- ‘New start at a law firm…will become a trusted expert’
- by Kim, Jin-Gu Dec 13, 2024 05:52am
- Expert Advisors Jung-Eun Kim (left) and Sol Kim (right) recently joined Shin & Kim The role of law firms has greatly expanded in the pharmaceutical bio and healthcare sectors recently. Whereas law firms used to provide piecemeal legal services in the past, law firms have now been providing comprehensive services over a long period of time, covering the whole course of a drug’s journey from pre-approval to reimbursement. As such, many talents in the pharma and biotech industry have been heading to law firms. This is the case with Sol Kim(35) and Jung-Eun Kim (34), who joined Shin & Kim's Healthcare team this year. “I want to become a trusted expert for the clients,” they said. Expert advisors from pharmaceutical companies and HIRA joint Shin&Kim Healthcare Team Sol Kim and Jung-Eun Kim Kim joined Shin & Kim's Healthcare Team in June and September of this year, respectively. Sol Kim was previously in charge of insurance drug pricing at the Korean subsidiaries of multinational pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer Korea, AstraZeneca Korea, and BMS Korea. Before joining the firm, Jung-Eun Kim worked for over 6 years at the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, where she was responsible for evaluating drug reimbursement adequacy. The two pointed to the scope of their work as the biggest difference between their new jobs at the law firm. Whereas in their previous jobs, they were able to delve deeply into a relatively narrow scope of work, they said, their work at law firms requires them to be creative across a much wider range of areas. “The scope of collaboration is much larger at the firm, so you can be creative without being limited to a specific area,” says Sol Kim. ”In the past, when working in government affairs, I used to wonder about the government’s perspective. Here, there are many lawyers, advisors, and expert advisors from government and public organizations, which is very helpful.” For Jung-Eun Kim, a former HIRA member, the change is even greater. “When I was in HIRA, I only looked at the drugs I was in charge of. Here, I experience everything that happens before a drug enters the insurance landscape. I didn't realize how much work goes into the process, and it has broadened my perspective.” Deciding to join a law firm took a lot of thought...“The value of working for the patients remains constant” Both advisors had many concerns before joining the law firm. They explained how they contemplated the role of law firms in the pharma-bio-healthcare sector, why they wanted to join a law firm, and what they could do at a law firm. “No matter where you work, you work for patients,” was the conclusion made by both advisors. In addition, having the opportunity to be more proactively involved in pharmaceutical affairs in a much broader scope at a law firm was attractive. “I thought a lot about what I could do in a law firm,” said Sol Kim. ”After thinking about it, I concluded that it doesn't matter where you work, in drug pricing or others, as you’re still working for patients, and I think there's a lot more you can do in a law firm as Korea’s reimbursement regulations are becoming more and more demanding.” Jung-Eun Kim also said, “At HIRA, I was in charge of objectively looking at drug prices based on pharmacoeconomic evaluation results. Rather than just imposing price cuts, I had been reviewing the appropriate price. The same is true here. As the drugs come into our country the exchange rate changes. The same applies here, in that we want to make sure that these drugs come into Korea and are available to patients at the right price.” “Will become an ‘expert’ who trusts clients...will grow together with Shin & Kim's Healthcare Team” Both members emphasized their desire to grow with Shin & Kim’s Healthcare Team. With the addition of the 2 members, Shin & Kim's Healthcare Team has grown to over 30 people. The team is led by Sung Tae Kim, a former lawyer at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and includes a number of people who have worked at the Ministry of Health Welfare, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, and pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Jung-Eun Kim said, “Not only HIRA, but MOHW is also in charge of drug pricing based on the enforcement and implementation rules stipulated by law. This means that interpreting the law is a very important point. It is very helpful to have lawyers in the same space. In addition, the other experts and advisors provide different perspectives.” “I joined here as an expert advisor,” said Jung-Eun Kim, ”so I want to be true to my position and serve as an expert that clients can trust.” “I think the role of law firms is becoming more important as regulations related to drug prices are becoming more and more stringent,” said Sol Kim. ”As a former pharmaceutical industry member, I aim to become an expert who can better understand the needs of pharmaceutical companies and act as a bridge between pharmaceutical companies and law firms.”
