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- 2025-12-17 23:58:48
- Policy
- Minister Jeong backs INN prescribing for shortage drugs
- by Lee, Jeong-Hwan Nov 03, 2025 06:08am
- Minister of Health and Welfare Eun-kyeong Jeong expressed support for introducing international nonproprietary name (INN) prescribing and expanding substitution dispensing by pharmacists for medicines facing supply instability, as they are national policy tasks. However, she stressed the need to build social consensus given strong opposition from the medical community. Minister Jeong also expressed her intent to establish a direction through research services on how to monitor out-of-stock drugs and set criteria and definitions to resolve the unstable supply of pharmaceuticals. During the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee audit on the 30th, Minister Jeong responded so to Rep. Jong-tae Jang Democratic Party of Korea) on his inquiries. Rep. Jang had proposed a bill mandating limited INN prescribing for pharmaceuticals with unstable supply. Minister Jeong appealed to the validity of limited INN prescribing, citing factors such as the excessively low domestic substitution rate compared to advanced countries overseas. Rep Jang’s view is that legislating INN prescribing and promoting substitution can simultaneously achieve three goals: resolving the unstable supply of medicines, reducing the National Health Insurance Service's drug expenditure burden, and strengthening patients' choice of medicines. Rep. Jang explained, “In the U.S., nearly all states legally allow pharmacists to substitute with equivalent generic drugs. Some states have even introduced automatic substitution. They also adopt a system where the National Health Insurance prioritizes generic drugs for reimbursement and imposes additional coinsurance rates when original brand drugs are prescribed. As a result, generic prescriptions account for 91% of prescriptions.” He added, “In Japan, pharmacists can freely substitute drugs unless specifically prohibited by a ‘do not substitute’ label. Since last year, they've even introduced a surcharge for requesting brand-name drugs when an original prescription is specified. Pharmacies and medical institutions receive incentives based on their generic drug prescription rates, resulting in an 82% generic prescription rate.” Rep. Jang stated, “The domestic situation, with generic substitution at only 1.5%, is woefully low compared to the US at 90% and Japan and the UK at 80%. The Lee Jae-myung administration's core pledges are resolving essential drug shortages, promoting generic substitution, optimizing drug expenditure efficiency, and solving the rebate issue. The amendment to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act mandating INN prescriptions is a proven policy to achieve this. What does the Minister think about this?“ Minister Jeong replied, “It is included in the national agenda to review INN prescribing and utilize substitution for drugs with unstable supply. We will consider introducing INN prescribing for essential medicines with unstable supply first.” She added, “Given the significant opposition and disagreement in the medical community, we will proceed through social consensus and dialogue. We also need to discuss how to monitor and define drugs with unstable supply, so we will conduct a short-term research project and discuss the results with MFDS.”
- Company
- "Kisqali's adjuvant therapy, results from the NATALEE study"
- by Hwang, byoung woo Nov 03, 2025 06:07am
- The 5-year follow-up results of the NATALEE study, unveiled at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO Congress 2025), are drawing significant attention. The data suggest the potential for further widening of the long-term survival curves across a broad patient population, including lower-risk groups such as node-negative patients. This evidence is evaluated as expanding the potential for 'complete remission access' in early breast cancer treatment. Im Seock-Ah of Seoul National University Hospital's Division of Hematology-Medical Oncology assessed that "Patients who are node-negative (N0) or have 1-3 positive nodes often relapse at 5th-7th year," and said, "The preventive effect in this late-relapse patient group will further widen the long-term survival gap." "3-year dosing design, clear evidence for inhibiting early recurrence" Im Seock-Ah of Seoul National University HospitalHormone Receptor-positive (HR+) / HER2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer is known to account for approximately 70% of all breast cancers. Furthermore, it is reported that one-third of stage 2 patients and over half of stage 3 patients experience recurrence even after the standard Endocrine Therapy (ET). The NATALEE study is a Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the long-term recurrence prevention effect of Kisqali (ribociclib, 400mg, 3 weeks on/1 week off) combination therapy compared to non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI) monotherapy in 5,101 patients with high-risk stage 2-3 HR+/HER2- early breast cancer. Regarding Kisqali's adjuvant therapy design, Professor Im explained, "The peak of recurrence is most pronounced between 2 and 3 years post-surgery. Continuing treatment for three years to cover this period has clear clinical evidence." She stated, "We have pharmacodynamic data showing that target inhibition is possible even at the 400mg dose, and the suppression of early recurrence is the key factor that widens the gap between the future iDFS and OS curves." The current Hazard Ratio (HR) in the NATALEE study is around 0.8, already indicating a positive outcome. Professor Im assessed that the study is following the same trend as the monarchE study of Verzenio (abemaciclib), which demonstrated improvement in Overall Survival (OS) in its 7-year follow-up analysis. Professor Im emphasized, "As the follow-up of the NATALEE study continues, OS improvement will clearly become visible within 3-4 years." She stressed, "Even an absolute benefit of 2-3% in adjuvant therapy is clinically significant, and the large-scale design of breast cancer studies is intended to secure this statistical power." "Reducing non-reimbursement burden... high economic acceptance" Professor Im also mentioned that patient access to Kisqali in clinical practice is relatively high, although it is currently non-reimbursed. She said, "Novartis is trying to improve price accessibility, and some patients can receive assistance from private insurance," and added, "The perception of it being a 'high-cost new drug' has decreased since it has been used for over seven years in metastatic breast cancer." Professor Im believes that patients view the cost not as spending millions of KRW to live a few more months with metastatic cancer, but as investing a significantly smaller amount to 'live a healthy life forever.' This perspective results in a relatively high rate of patients choosing the drug in clinical practice. However, the patient burden due to the non-reimbursed status still exists. Professor Im also shared her view that simply differentiating between overlapping patient populations when future reimbursement is applied would not be desirable. She emphasized, "Since there are patients who need to switch to Kisqali due to side effects from abemaciclib, or vice versa, the system should allow for flexible patient choice based on individual circumstances." She stressed, "Restrictions like 'you can't use this because an alternative drug exists' ultimately limit patient freedom. The system should be more open based on scientific evidence." Finally, Professor Im concluded by stressing the importance of 'precision medicine' as the future direction for breast cancer treatment, alongside discussions on treatment access. She stated, "Although breast cancer treatment is nearing a cure, there is a need to precisely differentiate the biological differences between the patient group that rapidly progresses early on and the long-term survival group." Professor Im also pointed out, "Genomic testing and biomarker analysis are the answers, but since they are not covered by insurance, the patient burden reaches 80%." He added, "Genuine long-term survival is only possible when medical professionals' scientific judgment is trusted and the system adopts a more flexible approach."
- Opinion
- [Reporter’s View] The dark side of flashy health campaigns
- by Son, Hyung Min Oct 31, 2025 06:12am
- A breast cancer awareness campaign recently hosted by a certain magazine has sparked controversy. While claiming to promote disease awareness, the atmosphere on site told a different story. Amidst the dazzling lights, music, and flowing drinks, the term “breast cancer” was nowhere to be found. This leaves one wondering what meaning the event truly held for patients. Of course, cancer patients don’t have to be solemn at all times. Those fighting illness have every right to laugh and enjoy themselves. Cancer no longer equates solely to a brush with death. Thanks to early diagnosis and advances in new drugs, many patients return to their normal daily lives after treatment. In that sense, bright and uplifting messages are certainly needed. Moving beyond perceptions that emphasize only despair, the very attempt to speak of hope and recovery holds value. However, the problem arises when excessive brightness erases the disease's true nature. While survival rates for major solid cancers, including breast cancer, have significantly improved over the past decade due to the introduction of various new drugs, cancer remains a disease that fundamentally overturns a person's entire life. Patients endure complex treatment regimens involving chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and hormone therapy, suffering various side effects like vomiting, nausea, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, serious adverse reactions such as interstitial lung disease or skin-peeling rashes can occur. Yet a casual belief is spreading that “cancer is easily cured these days.” Survival statistics may have improved, but patients’ quality of life and psychological suffering remain heavy burdens. Even after treatment ends, fear of recurrence, anxiety over physical changes, and the challenges of returning to society persist. Some awareness campaigns mirror the rosy social trend. They focus on imagery and commercial appeal rather than patients' realities, treating the disease as an event to be consumed. True awareness isn't about sugar-coating someone’s suffering. It must start with society genuinely seeing the suffering as it is and collectively understanding the fears and anxieties patients endure. What matters is the daily life of the patient who suffers from the illness and the hearts of the family members by their side. Without stepping into those shoes, genuine awareness cannot exist. The term “raising awareness” only gains meaning when patients remain at its core. What is needed more than a glamorous party is listening to the patient's voice. The reason positivity is needed is not to cover despair, but to face reality while holding onto hope. Ignorance about disease begins with indifference. True awareness begins with empathy. And empathy is only possible when it stems from a genuine desire to stand by the patient's side.
- Company
- JW Pharm's in-licensed drug ' Tavalisse' can be prescribed
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Oct 31, 2025 06:12am
- JW Pharmaceutical's new drug under contract, 'Tavalisse,' is now available for prescription at general hospitals. According to industry sources, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) treatment Tavalisse (fostamatinib) has passed the drug committees (DC) of 'Big 5' tertiary general hospitals, including Samsung Medical Center, Sinchon Severance Hospital, and medical institutes, including Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, and Chungbuk University Hospital. After receiving insurance reimbursement approval in July, this drug is quickly expanding its prescription areas. Tavalisse is the first Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (SYK) inhibitor approved in Korea. It has a mechanism inhibiting platelet destruction. It works by blocking the activation of Fc gamma (γ) receptors, which regulate the immune response, thereby suppressing excessive immune reactions and preventing thrombocytopenia. This drug was developed by the U.S. pharmaceutical company Rigel Pharmaceuticals and obtained U.S. FDA approval in 2018. Tavalisse was designated as an orphan drug in the United States (2015), Japan (2020), and Korea (2021). In 2018, Japan's Kissei Pharmaceutical secured the development and commercialization rights for Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan from Rigel Pharmaceuticals. Consequently, JW Pharmaceutical signed a license-in agreement with Kissei Pharmaceutical in 2021 for domestic development and sales rights. According to the Korean Society of Hematology's ITP Clinical Practice Guidelines, corticosteroids and immunoglobulins are recommended as first-line treatments. If ITP persists long-term, splenectomy or thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) are used as second-line treatments. However, some patients do not achieve sufficient efficacy with existing treatments, necessitating the development of a new treatment option. Tavalisse can serve as an alternative for these patients. Meanwhile, Tavalisse is reimbursable for adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia who are refractory to corticosteroids and immunoglobulins. The reimbursement criteria apply to patients with a platelet count leq 20,000/㎕ or with a platelet count of 20,000 to 30,000/㎕ who also have clinically significant bleeding (such as central nervous system disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, or ocular bleeding).
- Company
- Lotte Biologics·SK Pharmteco jointly target global ADC mkt
- by Cha, Jihyun Oct 31, 2025 06:12am
- Letter of Intent signing ceremony between Lotte Biologics and SK Pharmteco (Source: Lotte Biologics) Lotte Biologics (CEO James Park) and SK Pharmteco (CEO Joerg Ahlgrimm) announced on the 30th that they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for strategic business collaboration to strengthen their competitiveness in the global Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) market. The signing ceremony took place at the Lotte Biologics booth at ‘CPHI Worldwide 2025’, the world's largest pharmaceutical and biotech industry held in Frankfurt, Germany. Executives from both companies, including James Park, CEO of Lotte Biologics; Yoo-Yeol Shin, Head of Global Strategy; Joerg Ahlgrimm, CEO of SK Pharmteco; and Andrew Penny, CCO. Through the collaboration, the two companies plan to jointly provide an integrated, one-stop CDMO service based on various ADC-specialized solutions to potential customers in the global market. Lotte Biologics will leverage its cGMP manufacturing capabilities and global quality competitiveness at the Syracuse Bio Campus in the U.S. to provide ADC-specific CDMO services from API manufacturing to conjugation. SK Pharmteco will be responsible for the chemical synthesis processes, including linkers and payloads. By optimizing and combining each company’s respective expertise, the companies aim to establish a full-cycle CDMO system, deliver customized integrated services, expand order intake through joint marketing, and secure global clients through joint marketing. Furthermore, they aim to address the clients’ overall chemical, manufacturing, and control (CMC) requirements and present an integrated technology and operational platform that minimizes gaps between development and manufacturing. Lotte Biologics expects to provide differentiated value to customers based on its credibility and quality competitiveness as a global bio CDMO. This is underpinned by its antibody conjugation production infrastructure at its Syracuse, USA facility, global client service experience, and track record of flawless FDA inspections. Lotte Biologics further explained that this agreement, leveraging the synergies of the production infrastructures in the U.S. and Europe, will also enable a strategic response to the ongoing US-driven supply chain restructuring and rising bio-reshoring demands. James Park, CEO of Lotte Biologics, said, “This collaboration represents a significant achievement as the pharmaceutical-biotech affiliates of Korea's leading companies join forces on the global stage for the first time. We will strive to secure a competitive advantage in next-generation modalities such as ADCs and demonstrate the potential of K-Bio on the global stage.” Joerg Ahlgrimm, CEO of SK Pharmteco, said, “This strategic partnership will accelerate the development of next-generation therapy, enabling both companies to deliver greater value and bring innovative new drugs to patients around the world faster.”
- Policy
- Reimb expanded for Opdivo, Yervoy…set for Vyloy, Padcev
- by Jung, Heung-Jun Oct 31, 2025 06:11am
- BMS Korea’s Yervoy (ipilimumab) and Ono Pharmaceutical Korea’s Opdivo (nivolumab) passed their first hurdle toward expanding reimbursement in Korea. Meanwhile, Janssen Korea’s Tecvayli (teclistamab), Pfizer Korea’s Elrexfio (elranatamab), and Astellas Korea’s Padcev (enfortumab vedotin) and Vyloy (zolbetuximab) had their reimbursement standards established, clearing the first hurdle toward reimbursement listing. The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) held its 8th Cancer Disease Deliberation Committee meeting for 2025 on the 29th to deliberate on reimbursement criteria for anticancer drugs. Among these, Astellas Pharma Korea saw a double win, as reimbursement criteria were set simultaneously for two of its products. In the case of Vyloy, the National Assembly had requested expediting its reimbursement decision process. In a written inquiry during the Ministry of Health and Welfare's National Assembly audit. This time, Vyloy’s reimbursement criteria were established for ‘First-line treatment for patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who are CLDN18.2-positive and HER2-negative’ For Padcev, reimbursement criteria were set for both combination therapy and monotherapy, as ‘combination therapy with pembrolizumab as first-line treatment for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma’ and ‘monotherapy for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have previously received treatment with a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapy.’ In addition, Pfizer Korea’s Elrexfio (elranatamab) and Janssen Korea’s Tecvayli (teclistamab) also had their reimbursement criteria established, clearing their first hurdle for listing. For Opdivo, which sought to expand the scope of reimbursement, criteria were set for its use in combination therapy as first-line treatment for metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The reimbursement criteria have also been established for the Opdivo and Yervoy combination, but only for specific patient populations. It was granted reimbursement for ‘first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma,’ but not for hepatocellular carcinoma or non-small cell lung cancer.
- Company
- "Severe COVID-19 cases continue to rise...infection control"
- by Son, Hyung Min Oct 30, 2025 06:11am
- Joon Young Song, Professor of Infectious Diseases at Korea University Guro HospitalMore than two years after the COVID-19 pandemic transitioned to an endemic phase, the number of severe cases, particularly among high-risk groups, continues to occur steadily. 'The shadow of infection' remains in clinical practice. While the number of confirmed cases is not surging as before, hospitalizations and severe cases are persisting, especially among vulnerable populations. Joon Young Song, Professor of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital, said, "Many high-risk patients hospitalized with severe symptoms like pneumonia are confirmed with COVID-19." He added, "These patients face risks of prolonged hospitalization, deterioration of physical function, and death from severe infection." Professor Song also said, "Most patients hospitalized for pneumonia are elderly or immunocompromised, both high-risk groups. Since recovery is slow and the possibility of complications is high, prevention through vaccination is essential." According to Professor Song, age is the most significant risk factor for COVID-19, with the risk of progression to a severe case increasing significantly with age in those 65 and older. Immunocompromised individuals are at a very high risk of severe infection. An analysis of vaccine efficacy and disease burden, conducted in the 'Host-based Influenza Morbidity & Mortality Study' involving eight medical institutions, including Korea University Guro Hospital, showed a high risk of COVID-19 infection and severe disease among immunocompromised patients, such as cancer patients and chronic kidney disease patients. Dialysis patients are also classified as high-risk. Since hospital dialysis rooms are confined spaces where multiple patients receive treatment, an infection can rapidly spread into an outbreak, with most cases carrying a high risk of progression to severe infection. Experts are increasingly viewing COVID-19 as a seasonal respiratory illness, actively recommending vaccination and raising awareness of the disease. Professor Song said, "In recent years, COVID-19 has shown a pattern of recurrent outbreaks twice a year, during summer and winter," and stressed, "The severe risk must be lowered through regular vaccination, just like with the flu." However, public awareness of the importance of vaccination has decreased as the endemic transition progresses. According to Professor Song, even patients who absolutely need the vaccine, such as cancer patients, often hesitate due to concerns like 'Will I get a fever?' or 'Will it interfere with my anti-cancer treatment?' if their physician does not absolutely recommend it. Professor Song emphasized that if a cancer patient contracts COVID-19 without being vaccinated, there is a high probability that their anti-cancer treatment must be suspended or that the infection will progress to a severe illness, such as pneumonia. Professor Song assessed, "The preventive effect against severe infection remains over 70% and is maintained for about 10 months after vaccination. For high-risk groups, such as the older adults aged 65 and over or those with underlying conditions like heart failure or lung disease, the priority is reducing hospitalization and death resulting from severe infection, pneumonia, acute respiratory illness, and the worsening of underlying diseases, rather than just preventing the infection itself." He also emphasized, "It is crucial for medical professionals to fully explain the necessity and safety of vaccination to patients and actively recommend it." "Safety of vaccination against COVID-19·flu at the same time, and the need to boost coverage" The government began the National Immunization Program (NIP) for both flu and COVID-19 vaccines on October 15. Simultaneous vaccination of the two is possible. This year's vaccine strain is LP.8.1 strain, a variant that began circulating last year. Recently, sub-variants that have evolved from LP.8.1 strain, such as NB.1.8.1 strain and XFG strain, have been increasing. Experts assess that, since these variants are sublineages of the Omicron lineage, the LP.8.1 variant vaccine provides sufficient protection. Immunogenicity evaluation has confirmed a high level of cross-immunity against these sub-variants with the LP.8.1 vaccine. Professor Song said, "As COVID-19 repeats its annual outbreaks, it is significant that the government has officially decided to support vaccination for the age groups and patient populations who absolutely require it." Pfizer received approval for its 'Comirnaty LP.8.1' vaccine targeting the LP.8.1 variant in August. Notably, Pfizervaccine comes in a pre-filled syringe (PFS) formulation. While multi-dose vials may have slight dosage errors, PFS offers the advantage of administering the correct, predetermined dose in a single-use syringe. PFS is also considered safer in terms of infection control. Professor Song commented, "The latest COVID-19 vaccines have confirmed sufficient preventive efficacy. The currently circulating variant viruses do not have large mutational differences, so the vaccines introduced domestically can be expected to provide sufficient protection against the latest variants." He added, "Like the flu vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine requires regular administration. It is difficult to say which of the two diseases is more severe definitively, but both COVID-19 and influenza pose a high disease burden for those aged 65 and older." However, the COVID-19 vaccine initially had a lower vaccination rate than the flu vaccine, due to a perception that it was difficult to tolerate and caused many side effects. While the influenza vaccination rate for those aged 65 and older currently reaches about 85%, the COVID-19 vaccination rate was 45% at the end of last year and 47.9% as of April this year. Therefore, recommending concurrent vaccination of both is necessary to boost COVID-19 vaccination rates. Professor Song explained, "The events after COVID-19 vaccine administration are a condition resulting from immune boosting. However, from the third dose onward, the frequency and intensity of general adverse events, such as fever and fatigue, have decreased. The incidence of myocarditis, which was a concern among young people, has also decreased significantly. We believe that these concerns will gradually improve as COVID-19 vaccines are administered repeatedly." He also expressed that the safety of concurrent vaccination is not an issue. He said, "Concurrent vaccination has not increased the frequency of adverse events, and no severe cases have been reported. Various studies have all confirmed that simultaneous vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccine and the influenza vaccine is safe." Professor Song added, "Simultaneous vaccination plays an important role in increasing vaccination rates. Administering both vaccines during a single visit prevents patients from missing their vaccination window. In fact, a significant number of patients who received the COVID-19 vaccine did so simultaneously with the influenza vaccine." Finally, Professor Song said, "Academic societies are cooperating with the KDCA to continue communicating the necessity of the COVID-19 vaccine through various media and are continuing activities like campaigns." He stressed, "Misinformation or distorted reports related to vaccines, once spread, are often perceived as facts by the public and are difficult to correct. Therefore, actively sharing accurate information and continuously educating and promoting the safety and necessity of vaccines is important."
- Policy
- K-API·listed essential medicine to get preferential price
- by Lee, Jeong-Hwan Oct 30, 2025 06:11am
- Minister Jeong Eun Kyung promised Rep. Baek Jong-heon to implement the The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has decided to expand eligibility for the 68% preferential drug price for National Essential Medicines that use domestic active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). The MOHW aims to foster the domestic industry by incentivizing the use of domestically sourced API. The MOHW is shifting its initial stance—which applied the 68% preferential drug price only to essential medicines that received marketing authorization after the policy's implementation in March of this year—to granting the 68% preferential price to already listed products. Notably, the MOHW will also add the measure of domestic API self-sufficiency to its ongoing research on advanced policies for drugs with unstable supply. Furthermore, it plans to review the need for a preferential drug price for combination drugs using domestic API at a later stage. This is a follow-up measure by the MOHW after Rep. Baek Jong-heon (People Power Party) criticized Minister Jeong Eun Kyung during a parliamentary inspection this year, pointing out a policy failure: not a single pharmaceutical company had applied for or benefited from the 68% preferential prices of essential medicines. This announcement is from the 'Roadmap for Fostering Domestic Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients' submitted by the MOHW to Rep. Baek Jong-heon's office on October 29. According to the documents submitted to the representative's office, the MOHW will expand the eligibility for the 68% domestic API preferential drug price, currently applied only to newly listed National Essential Medicines, to include 'already listed essential medicines.' To establish this, the MOHW stated that it initiated a survey on the status of domestic API-using drugs held by domestic pharmaceutical companies on the 20th, through organizations such as the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association and the Korea Biomedicine Industry Association. Rep. Baek explained that, based on the survey results, essential medicines that were already listed and had obtained National Health Insurance drug prices before the implementation of the preferential policy in March are expected to receive a retroactive application of the 68% price hike. The MOHW also decided to include strategies for API self-sufficiency in the ongoing research service to analyze trends and stabilize the supply of drugs with unstable supply (from September to November 2025). Upon completion of this research, the ministry will consider commissioning additional research to develop an API self-sufficiency roadmap. The MOHW plans to increase the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) budget by KRW 100 million next year for this purpose. The MOHW stated, "Next year's project to strengthen API self-sufficiency will address the excessive reliance on specific countries for imported APIs, such as China (35%) and India (15%)," and stressed, "We are also pursuing the expansion of the 68% preferential drug price for National Essential Medicines using domestic API to include already listed essential medicines. We are currently confirming the status and gathering opinions through the pharmaceutical and biotech organizations."
- Company
- 'Januvia generics hit 23% market share in 2 years'
- by Kim, Jin-Gu Oct 30, 2025 06:11am
- Generic versions of the DPP-4 inhibitor class diabetes treatment ‘Januvia (sitagliptin)’ series expanded their market share to 23% just two years after launch. However, analysis indicates their market penetration pace is slower than that of previous cases such as Tenelia (teneligliptin) and Galvus (vildagliptin). Performance among generic manufacturers varied significantly. While most generics recorded quarterly prescription sales below KRW 100 million, Kyongbo Pharmaceutical and Hanmi Pharmaceutical achieved results exceeding KRW 1 billion, strengthening their presence. Januvia generics hit 23% share in 2 years — market penetration slower According to the pharmaceutical market research institution UBIST on the 29th, total outpatient prescriptions for sitagliptin monotherapy and sitagliptin/metformin combinations in Q3 this year reached KRW 28.3 billion, down 6% from KRW 30.2 billion in the same quarter last year. While the sales of original products declined, generics grew. Sales of the original Januvia, Janumet, and Janumet XR fell 14%, from KRW 25.1 billion in Q3 2023 to KRW 21.7 billion this year. Specifically, Januvia dropped from KRW 5.8 billion to KRW 4.5 billion, and sales of Janumet/Janumet XR combined declined from KRW 19.3 billion to KRW 17.2 billion. Since the launch of the generics, the originals have seen a steady downward trend. Just before patent expiry in Q2 2023, total prescriptions for the Januvia series stood at KRW 37.5 billion, but after generics entered in Q4 2023, the figure fell to KRW 26.6 billion, then dropped further 18% by Q3 this year. Meanwhile, generic products saw their combined prescription sales increase by 30% over the past year, rising from KRW 5.1 billion to KRW 6.6 billion. Sales of Januvia generics increased from KRW 1.6 billion to KRW 1.9 billion, while Janumet and Janumet XR generics rose from KRW 3.5 billion to KRW 4.7 billion. Januvia generics were released in September 2023. Following the patent expiration of the long-standing market leader of the KRW 600 billion annual DPP-4 inhibitor market, many generic companies rushed to join in the competition. A total of 89 companies received approval for generics, and 60 of these companies launched products. The overall market share of generics expanded from 17% to 23% within a year. However, the pace of the market penetration is somewhat slower compared to other DPP-4 inhibitor generics like Tenelia and Galvus. Galvus and Galvusmet generics recorded a 42% market share in their first year. In its second year, it further expanded its share to 47%, reaching a level similar to the original. Tenelia and Tenelia M generics surpassed the original with a 54% market share in their first year. This rose to 58% in their second year. Sales of Hanmi·Kyongbo soar... Most other companies record quarterly prescription sales under KRW 300 million Generic companies showed polarized results. Only two companies recorded quarterly prescription sales exceeding KRW 1 billion, while most others fell short of even KRW 100 million. Kyongbo Pharmaceutical reported KRW 1.1 billion in Q3 sales for its combination generics Janustinmet and Janustin XR, nearly doubling from KRW 600 million in the same quarter last year. Cumulative prescriptions for the two products have reached KRW 4.9 billion. Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s Sita and Sitamet XR posted KRW 1 billion, up 25% year-over-year, bringing cumulative prescriptions to KRW 5.8 billion since launch. In contrast, most generics are underperforming. Of the 60 companies that launched products, 41 (68%) posted quarterly sales below KRW 100 million, and 15 companies (25%) recorded less than KRW 300 million. The average Q3 prescription per company stood at approximately KRW 110 million. The reason Januvia generics are struggling to expand their influence is that the DPP-4 inhibitor class diabetes treatment market is already saturated. In this space, Januvia competes with original products such as Zemiglo (gemigliptin), Trajenta (linagliptin), Tenelia (teneligliptin), Suganon (evogliptin), Galvus (vildagliptin), Onglyza (saxagliptin), Nesina (alogliptin), and Guardlet (alogliptin/metformin). Among these, Galvus, Tenelia, and Trajenta have already faced generic competition upon their patent expiry. Furthermore, the DPP-4 inhibitor market has seen a decline in overall prescription volume since the emergence of SGLT-2 inhibitor class diabetes treatments like Forxiga and Jardiance. In this environment, the flood of Januvia and Janumet generics has led to fierce competition and lower-than-expected sales performance.
- Company
- Wegovy prescribed to adolescents for obesity
- by Son, Hyung Min Oct 30, 2025 06:09am
- Novo Nordisk held an event on the 28th at the Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun for its obesity treatment drug Wegovy, which has settled as a leading therapy for adult obesity, has expanded its reach into adolescent obesity. Following approvals in the US and Europe, Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy can now be prescribed to patients aged 12 and older in Korea. With this, calls from the medical community on earlier intervention for obesity are gaining traction. Experts describe this approval as “not merely an expansion of indication, but an institutional turning point recognizing adolescent obesity as a chronic disease.” Adolexcent obesity moves out of the treatment blind spot Novo Nordisk held a press conference on the 28th to mark the expanded adolescent indication for its obesity treatment Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg), sharing key clinical results and future treatment strategies. Wegovy is a once-weekly GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist approved last year in Korea for treating adult obesity. With the new indication, it can now be used for adolescent patients aged 12 and above in Korea, emerging as a new treatment option for obesity during the growth years. According to Novo Nordisk, semaglutide 2.4mg is structurally similar to human GLP-1. It regulates overall metabolism not only through weight loss but also by improving blood glucose and lipid levels. Ju Ok Lim, Head of Medical Affairs at Novo Nordisk, said, “Semaglutide 2.4mg demonstrated consistent weight loss effects and safety not only in adults but also in adolescents. The indication expansion will serve as an opportunity to address the treatment gap for adolescent obesity.” Until now, obesity treatments available for children and adolescents aged 12 and older in Korea have been extremely limited. Representative options include the fat absorption inhibitor ‘orlistat’ and the once-daily GLP-1 class injectable ‘Saxenda (liraglutide)’. Latest adult-targeted medications like ‘Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate)’ and ‘Mounjaro (tirzepatide)’ are not yet approved for adolescent use. The approval of Wegovy expands access to weekly therapy-based treatment approaches. Julie Broe Honore, Head of clinical development, medical and regulatory affairs at Novo Nordisk, said, “Adolescent obesity is no longer an individual problem but a public health issue. This expansion of Wegovy's indication marks the first step toward preventing adult metabolic diseases through early intervention.” STEP TEENS study…16% weight reduction & improved cardiovascular risk factors This expansion of Wegovy's indication is based on results from the Phase III STEP TEENS clinical trial conducted in adolescents. The study involved 201 adolescents aged 12-18 who were obese or overweight and had weight-related conditions, conducted over 68 weeks. The average age was 15.4 years, 62% were female, and the racial distribution was 79% White, 8% Black, and 2% Asian. Clinical results showed the Wegovy group achieved an average BMI (Body Mass Index) reduction of 16.1%, demonstrating a significant difference compared to the placebo group, which increased by 0.6%. Approximately 72.5% of patients achieved at least a 5% weight loss, nearly four times higher than the placebo group (17.7%), with an average weight loss of 15.3 kg. Notably, 37.4% of patients achieved a weight loss of 20% or more, demonstrating efficacy in adolescents comparable to that seen in adults. Improvements were observed not only in cardiovascular risk factors like waist circumference, blood pressure, and lipid levels, but also in quality of life (QoL) indicators. Eun-gu Kang, Professor of Pediatrics at Korea University Ansan HospitalThe main adverse reactions reported were gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but most were mild and did not affect growth or pubertal development. Eun-gu Kang, Professor of Pediatrics at Korea University Ansan Hospital, commented, “Beyond weight reduction, the study confirmed metabolic benefits such as LDL cholesterol reduction and improvements in blood pressure and waist circumference, suggesting positive cardiovascular implications.” He further noted, “However, as adolescents are still in the process of growth, long-term follow-up and accumulation of safety data are necessary.” Adolescent obesity rate increases 1.7 times over 10 years Experts unanimously agreed that this approval holds significance in terms of ‘securing treatment accessibility’. According to the ‘2024 Adolescent Health Behavior Survey’ conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Ministry of Education, the obesity rate among middle and high school students rose from 7.5% in 2015 to 12.5% last year, a 1.7-fold increase over 10 years. The overweight/obesity rate for male students is 43.0%, and for female students, 24.6%, the highest among the four East Asian countries, including China, Japan, and Taiwan. The main concern is comorbidities. Around 80% of obese adolescents remain obese into adulthood and often develop one or more metabolic disorders, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Yong-hee Hong, Professor of Pediatrics at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon HospitalThis is why experts point out that adolescent obesity should be viewed not as a mere ‘cosmetic issue’ but as a disease requiring early intervention. Yong-hee Hong, Professor of Pediatrics at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, emphasized “Obesity is clearly a disease requiring treatment, yet it is often still perceived as a cosmetic issue. This perception must change so that patients who actually need medication can be brought into the healthcare system.” Young-sung Suh, Professor of Family Medicine at Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital and President of the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity, stated, “Obesity is not a matter of willpower but a complex metabolic disorder. At the society level, we will focus on enhancing treatment accessibility while ensuring safe medication use and preventing misuse.” While some raise concerns about muscle loss with GLP-1 agonists, experts see significant clinical benefits due to their fat-focused weight reduction. Lim said, “Some muscle loss may occur with weight reduction, but overall, the health benefits from fat loss are far greater. We will strengthen education and management to enable healthy weight loss alongside the metabolic improvement.” Kang added, “While muscle loss in patients during growth periods requires caution, GLP-1 drugs often yield positive outcomes in body composition changes. Controlling fat mass and maintaining nutritional balance are more important than just body weight numbers.”
