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- 2026-04-15 11:06:04
- Policy
- Drug price management office takes care of all drug prices
- by Lee, Hye-Kyung Mar 26, 2021 05:37am
- “Drug Price Management Office of the NHIS is in charge of practical work to apply the results of research services for full-cycle management of pharmaceuticals to the field. It reviews and tries to realize the improvement or reform of the system related to pharmaceuticals. " Kang Cheong-hee, the executive director of the NHIS’ benefit related dept., commented on the direction of the drug price management office, which was newly established on January 1 of this year, at a briefing at the Professional Reporters Council on the 23rd. The need for full-cycle management of medicines has emerged as social issues such as the supply shutdown of Lipiodol in 2018, the impurities of Valsartan in 2019, and the selective benefit of Choline alfoscerate in 2020 have been raised. Accordingly, the NHIS has established a Drug Price Management Office that oversees the Drug Price Planning Department, New Drug Management Department, Usage Management Department, Generic Management Department, and Drug Life Cycle Management Department (TF). Director Kang said, "According to the plan to strengthen negotiation management following the introduction of a comprehensive evaluation system for reimbursement drugs, stable supply and drug cost management through full-cycle management of drugs was necessary." "We will establish a new payment plan for ultra-high-priced drugs such as Kymriah, settle a generic negotiation system, and establish a negotiation strategy that takes into account the characteristics of each drug, such as advancement of contract management and monitoring." Full-cycle management of pharmaceuticals means systematic management of the entire cycle from product approval to the registration, distribution and supply, and follow-up management. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety monitors the safety and effectiveness of the re-examination result, and strengthens contracts for retrieval of drugs subject to clinical re-evaluation and management. A management plan will be prepared. Currently, a research service is underway to prepare a post-evaluation plan for drugs exempted from economic evaluation. In addition, the Drug Price Management Office ▲ conducts research services to screen excellent drugs and reviews measures to improve self-sufficiency of domestically produced drugs through consultations with experts and related organizations so that high-quality drugs can be supplied to the public in a cheap and stable manner, ▲prepares improvement plans through investigation of overseas systems and operation cases, and advice from external experts for rational use of cost-effective drugs and financial expenditure management, and ▲develops a financial demand prediction model based on the analysis of the drug expenditure structure, analyzes the financial expenditure according to the characteristics of diseases (efficacies) and drugs (patent expiration, etc.) to prepare an efficient drug expenditure plan in the distribution and supply stages, purchase and use stages. Also, plans were made for follow-up management. Director Kang said, "The prerequisite for drug management at the NHIS is to ensure that the public can consume good drugs inexpensively and safely, and the Drug Price Management Office aims to improve the efficiency of drug expenditures and improve national health rights by improving the overall drug price system." Accordingly, the negotiation procedure, which was applied only to existing new drugs, has been made mandatory for the registration of drugs such as generics since October last year, and a negotiation procedure has been introduced for all registered drugs, and mandatory contracts are being signed such as supply and quality management of all benefit drugs. As for the overall status of drug price negotiations, 1,937 items were negotiated out of a total of 1,969 items that were negotiated until December of last year since the introduction of the negotiation system, of which 1798 items were agreed, and the average agreement rate reached 92.8%. It has negotiated for the first time since December last year for 230 items from 130 companies subject to clinical re-evaluation, excluding 108 items from 72 pharmaceutical companies that have been voluntarily withdrawn and negotiated. And, it is negotiating for 122 Choline alfoscerate products from 58 companies. Director Kang said, "When taking measures such as withdrawal of permission due to clinical reevaluation, it is inevitable to take it back. And, we plan to maintain stable supply and drug costs through full-cycle management of drugs, such as strengthening the bargaining power for the benefit of excellent therapeutic and economic drugs, and elaborating contract management to prevent supply and quality problems."
- Company
- Samchundang to start oral insulin clinical trial this year
- by Kim, Jin-Gu Mar 26, 2021 05:37am
- Samchundang Pharm announced its plan to start clinical trial on 'oral insulin' within this year. Also the South Korean company explained that four vaccines were added to the pipeline of the 'S-Pass' platform, a technology converting injection into oral drug. In the case of Eylea (aflibercept) biosimilar, the company expects to complete a global Phase III clinical trial in April next year. With the trial data, the South Korean company is to initiate marketing in the U.S. and Japan from 2023. On Mar. 25, Samchundang Pharm convened an investor relations event for institutional investors and individual stockholders, and briefed about the S-Pass platform and the progress in Eylea biosimilar clinical trial. Samchundang Pharm predicts the global clinical trials for oral insulin will begin this year. The company is developing oral drugs such as insulin, vaccine, and TNF inhibitor using a formulation conversion technology platform named S-Pass. Among these, the company is pushing the oral insulin the strongest. Samchundang Pharm explained that its oral insulin under investigation showed almost the same level of efficacy and safety as injections. Based on the outcome, the company is to kick off clinical trials. The trials would be conducted in the U.S. and China scheduled to finish in 2024. Moreover, Samchundang Pharm announced that it has expanded the S-Pass platform pipelines. In addition to oral insulin, the company is developing GLP-1 diabetes treatment Victoza, TNF inhibitor Enbrel, and growth hormone drug Zinotropin. On top of them, the company added four types of vaccines—influenza, COVID-19, cervical cancer and pneumococcus—on the pipeline. The company also reported the development status of Eylea biosimilar, undergoing global Phase III clinical trials at the moment. Investigated under the name 'SCD411,' the Eylea biosimilar is expected to complete the global Phase III clinical trial in April next year. The goal is to apply for a market authorization to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by December of that year when the Phase III clinical trial is completed in April of next year. He explained that it plans to start marketing the drug in the U.S. and Japan from 2023. Samchundang Pharm started its first clinical administration in 15 countries including the U.S. in August last year. 155 clinical institutions worldwide and 560 patients are participating in the trial. It has already obtained related patents in the U.S., Europe and Japan. Samchundang Pharm explained that the local partners have been selected for Eylea biosimilars global sales. In Japan, it has already signed an exclusive sales and supply contract with SENjU. In the U.S., Europe, and China, the partners have been selected. And it reported that the terms of the contract are being discussed. It would be highly likely that the profit distribution would be 50-50 in Japan, the U.S., Europe, and China. Eylea is a macular degeneration treatment developed by the U.S.-based Regeneron. The blockbuster drug has made 8.5 trillion won worldwide as of 2019. Given that the Eylea patent expiration is approaching but would still maintain high growth for the time being, many pharmaceutical companies home and abroad are jumping in to the biosimilar development. Besides Samchundang Pharm, Celltrion, Samsung Bioepis, and Alteogen are conducting clinical trials in Eylea biosimilars.
- Policy
- Lipilouzet, listed as the highest price for the same formula
- by Kim, Jung-Ju Mar 26, 2021 05:37am
- Lipilouzet, a combination drug of Chong Kun Dang's Atorvastatin Calcium + Ezetimibe, will be listed as the highest price for the same formulation of all combinations. Pfizer Korea's Xeljanz XR Tab 11mg (Tofacitinib Citrate) does not have the same formulation, so it is listed at the same price as the target product. The MOHW is promoting the revision of the drug reimbursement list as of April 1. First, it is known that a total of 7 drugs will be listed at the same price as the highest price from next month. The government calculates the highest price and the same price among the upper limit for the same product if the applied product satisfies all the standard requirements if it is listed with 19 products or less. The price of Prete Eye Drops by Korea Global Pharm is ￦5,138, Clione Eye Drops by Hana is ￦1,140, Cecora Syrup is ￦14, Cecora Syrup 15mL is ￦188, Ramset Prefilled Inj is ￦22,630, and Mucosta SR 150mg by Otsuka Korea is ￦170 and Nexpharm's Sebonin Inj at ￦13,745. Chong Kun Dang’s Lipilouzet has a total of 3 items by content. The insurance drug price is set equal to the highest price among the upper limits of the registered same drug if the applied product meets all the standard requirements. Lipilouzet 10mg is expected to be listed at ￦1,037, Lipilouzet 20mg at ￦1,315 and Lipilouzet 40mg at ￦1,415, respectively. Three drugs are listed at 85% of the highest price for the same drug. In addition to the applied product, when there are no more than 19 products listed, the government calculates and registers it as 85% of the highest price among the upper limit for the same product if the applied product meets only one of the standard requirements. As for the items, Korea Global Pharm's Levohi Eye Drop 1.5% is expected to be set at ￦6,246, and Dongkwang's Dongkwang Pitavastatin 4mg and Dongkook's Pitaron 4mg are estimated at ￦715, respectively. Pfizer Korea's Xeljanz XR Tab 11mg is classified as a drug that does not have the same formulation as the target product and is given an insurance price. The government sets the insurance drug price in the same way as the upper limit of the development target product for a product that is approved as a drug for the new use and dosage of data submitted when there is no same formulation as the target product for development in the drug reimbursement list. It is expected to be listed next month at ￦22,170.
- InterView
- “Amgen knows how to do it right in Korea”
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Mar 25, 2021 05:59am
- Amgen knows the game in the industry. Besides the title of the ‘Number One Global Bio Company,’ Amgen Korea knows how to be versatile in South Korea. Since opening the South Korean office in 2015, Amgen listed all six products—antiarthritis Prolia (denosumab) and Evenity (romosozumab), skeletal-related events preventing drug Xgeva (denosumab), high cholesterol treatment Repatha (evolocumab), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment Blincyto (blinatumomab) and multiple myeoloma treatment Kyprolis (carfilzomib)—for the National Health Insurance (NHI) reimbursement. Considering the NHI system, listing each product was not the easiest job. However, Amgen Korea’s determination and concentration drove the negotiation with the government to the conclusion. Currently, all six products are leading the respective markets. Surely their products are ‘good,’ but also Amgen Korea can play the game the right way. Daily Pharm interviewed General Manager Noh Sang-kyung, who has been overseeing the Korean office from the start to date, for his insight and know-how. -Seeking for coverage on every product could not have been easy. Each product developed by pharmaceutical companies has its own unique quality and strengths. And as listing a drug for coverage in South Korea requires to raise awareness of the unmet medical needs, it is crucial, for the reimbursement negotiation process, to provide data to prove how much of benefit the treatment can give to patients. The ‘Value Access’ division staffs in charge of drug pricing in the company analyze and compile a vast amount of data to survey the unmet medical needs in South Korean clinical scene, and support the company to convince the government to fully understand and relate with the said needs through the provided data. -Amgen’s global pipeline seems to be actively working on biosimilars. Do you plan to release the biosimilar products in South Korea as well? About two years ago, we had a relevant discussion, and Amgen Korea has decided to not launch any biosimilar for now. As a leading biotechnology company emphasizing the value of ‘science,’ Amgen’s has a goal to provide innovative treatment in the areas with unmet medical needs for patients. The further option could be considered in the future, but there is no immediate plan. -Amgen is expected to receive the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval on currently investigating KRAS treatment sotorasib. Do you think the approval process in South Korea would be swift? South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) makes the decision according to their review, so I cannot give you detailed schedule. But as the health authority is well aware of the highly unmet medical needs in KRAS targeted therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, the company aims to do its best to accelerate the process. -As mentioned above, all six products have been listed. Now seems to be the time to think of expanding the coverage. Chronic disease patients may not have immediate risk of urgent health issue, even if they do not get treated right now. But if they are left untreated, the condition could cause severe health issue. Unfortunately in South Korea, I personally think the introducing the new paradigm in managing osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and other chronic diseases is far over due. Only in this country, the patients with osteoporosis have to suspend treatment due to the one-year limit on the coverage. -While negotiating with the headquarters regarding the drug pricing, have you ever felt the chance of so-called ‘Korea Passing?’ I have not felt the threat, yet. But I do feel that the drug pricing discussion with the headquarters would get tougher in the future. Already China and Canada have officially stated they would include South Korea as one of pricing reference countries, and the U.S. also said it would refer to all OECD member countries including South Korea for the drug pricing. Calculating the drug pricing in South Korea against GDP, it is considered the lowest among the world. So if the pricing here eventually affects the pricing in the U.S., we may face some difficulties in the future. -In November last year, Amgen Korea also formed a labor union. How do you plan to handle negotiation with the labor union? When a labor union is created in a company, both parties need some time to build the relationship together. I think the union was formed due to the uncertainty in employment amid COVID-19, where the sales activities were restricted and the risk of infectious disease was wearing them down too long. Personally, the forming of the labor union ultimately means the employees want to talk to the management. The labor union mostly shares common objectives with the management. So the company is attentively listening to their opinions and frequently open conversations. -Recently, Amgen Global announced a downsizing plan. How is it affecting Amgen Korea? The U.S. headquarters announced a downsizing plan. But the company has only started the business in APAC region five to six years ago, and it still has strong determination to expand the investment in the region. Clearly, the current employees do not have to stress about the downsizing.
- Policy
- Reduced drug price by expanding the scope of Abraxane
- by Kim, Jung-Ju Mar 25, 2021 05:58am
- Celgene's anticancer drug Abraxane (Paclitaxel) is expected to cut the drug price by 3.6% next month as the scope of use is expanded. Janssen Korea's prostate cancer treatment Zytiga 500mg (Abiraterone Acetate) is subject to a 5% cut rate due to an additional indication, and advance drug price cuts are being promoted. Takeda Pharmaceutical Korea's lymphoma treatment Adcetris (Brentuximab Vedotin) and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treatment Alunbrig (Brigatinib) dropped 1.4% and 1.5%, respectively. The MOHW is promoting the revision of the drug reimbursement list as of April 1. ◆Preliminary drug price reduction due to expansion of the scope of use = The government will lower the drug price in advance, taking into account the expected additional billing amount and the rate of increase in billing amount for drugs that expand the range of use by adding indications. In the case of the estimated additional charge of ￦7.5 billion or more and less than ￦10 billion, the amount will be reduced from 3.6% to 5%, depending on the increase rate of the claim. A total of two items to be promoted for this advance drug price cut are Celgene's anticancer drug Abraxane and Janssen Korea's prostate cancer drug Zytiga 500mg. First, Abraxane has been previously approved by the government and has been used as Paclitaxel+Carboplatin+RT for esophageal cancer prior chemotherapy, although limited. It will be converted to next month's benefit, and the drug price has been cut in advance in consideration of an increase in the amount charged. The price is expected to be set at ￦260,960, down 3.6% from the current ￦27,705. In the case of Zytiga 500mg, Docetaxel + ADT combination therapy and Zytiga + Prednisolone + ADT combination therapy are also recognized as benefits for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, and advance drug price reduction is promoted. However, the patient's copayment is a selective benefit for 30/100 for Zytiga. The price is expected to be reduced by 5% from the current ￦20,090 to ￦19,086. ◆Voluntary price reduction by companies = The government adjusts the insurance drug price by calculating the item with that amount when a company applies for a reduction at a price lower than the upper limit of the listed drugs. There are a total of six items scheduled for voluntary price reduction. Takeda Korea’s Adcetris drops by 1.4% and Alunbrig (Brigatinib) 30mg/90mg/180mg products drop by 1.5%. Intro Bio Pharma's Icept 5mg (Donepezil HCl) will be reduced by 71.8% and Icept (Donepezil HCl) 10mg will be reduced by 64.6%.
- Policy
- MOHW announces list of premium pricing benefit decision
- by Kim, Jung-Ju Mar 25, 2021 05:58am
- The South Korean health authority is to authorize 30-percent reimbursed pricing reduction in every dose of Eisai Korea’s Symbenda injection (bendamustine hydrochloride). After a year, the injection’s pricing would be brought down again by 23.5 percent due to the expired weighted pricing benefit. Novartis Korea’s Afinitor (everolimus) is to maintain the weighted pricing benefit on each dose for two years, and they would be also reduced by 23.5 percent after the benefit expiration. South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) is to revise and enforce the List of Reimbursed Drugs and Upper Limit Pricing with the said details as of Apr. 1. ◆Weighted pricing benefit expires: For a first generic, the South Korean government grants pricing of 59.5 percent of the original for a year from the date of listing. The pricing goes up to 68 percent for generics by an Innovative Pharmaceutical Company, however, when the benefit ends the pricing goes back to the original pricing (benefit expiration). As for a latecomer generic listed within a year the first generic is listed, the same premium pricing would be granted for a year from the point of the first generic listing. But if the number of generic supplying companies is three or under, the weighted pricing would be maintained until another company launches the generic. From coming June 1, total four items are to lose the premium pricing benefit. The pricing for every dose of Yungjin Zopiclone tablet (eszopiclone), 1mg, 2 mg and 3 mg, would be dropped by 4.1 percent, 5.4 percent and 6 percent, respectively. The pricing for Korea United Pharm’s Atmeg Combigel soft capsule (atorvastatin calcium hydrate) would be reduced by 21.2 percent from Apr. 1, 2022. ◆Weighted pricing benefit maintained or expired: Total five items would get to keep their premium pricing benefit. Regardless of a year of pricing benefit ending, the government lets the drugs to maintain the premium if the number of generic suppliers is three or lower. Every dose of Novartis Korea’s Afinitor tablet, Tai Guk Pharm’s Hyrosone cream (hydrocortisone) and Inist Bio Pharmaceutical’s Hydrocortisone ointment (hydrocortisone) are to maintain their pricing benefit. Their premium pricing benefit would expire two years later as of Apr. 1, 2023. The initial weighted pricing would remain unchanged for two additional years, until the fourth same-substance generic supplier comes along. All doses of Afinitor tablet would respectively get 23.5-percent pricing cut, whereas Hyrosone cream and Hydrocortisone ointment would get 5.6-percent and 23.5-percent pricing cut, respectively. ◆Authorized pricing adjustment and benefit expiration: The government authorized the pricing reduction on two items. The government-authorized pricing reduction is applied to first-in-class drugs and products with same administration route, substance and formula, when a generic is listed. Although, a first-in-class drug’s pricing is brought down to 53.55 percent when the first generic is listed, the premium pricing benefit at 70 percent of the initial pricing is granted for a year. Eisai Korea’s Symbenda injection is expected get authorized pricing reduction of 30 percent on both 25 mg and 0.1 g. And after a year, as of Mar. 1, 2022, the pricing would be reduced by 23.5 percent again as the premium pricing benefit is to end by then.
- Company
- The patent dispute for the combination drug Ducarb expanded
- by Kim, Jin-Gu Mar 25, 2021 05:58am
- From left, Dukarb, Tuvero & Kanarb The patent challenges of 34 domestic companies for Boryung's Dukarb are following one after another. It is analyzed that the expiration of the substance patent of Fimasartan is approaching two years in the future, and it is aiming for the early release of generics for combination drugs including Fimasartan. According to the pharmaceutical industry on the 19th, there are a total of 34 companies that have applied for a trial to confirm the scope of passive rights to Dukarb's complex composition patents until this day. Companies that have additionally challenged for patents are ▲Navipharm ▲Dongkoo ▲Shin Poong ▲Kims Pharma ▲HLB ▲Futecs ▲Daehan New Pharm ▲Daewoong Bio ▲NBK ▲Youngil ▲Global pharm ▲Korea Prime ▲Theragenbio ▲Ilsung ▲Yuyu ▲SCD Pharm ▲Korean Drug Co.,Ltd ▲Sungyi ▲Wooridul ▲Binex ▲Kuhnil Bio ▲Nexpharm ▲Mothers ▲Young Poong ▲Ahn-gook ▲Eden Pharma ▲JW Shinyak ▲Samjin ▲Youyoung ▲Aprogen ▲Aju ▲Ilhwa ▲DongKook ▲Whanin ▲Union Korea ▲Hana Pharm ▲CTC Bio ▲Hanwha ▲CMG ▲Guju ▲GL Pharma ▲Huons ▲Medica Korea. These companies have obtained the 'first appeal' requirement to obtain generic exclusivity. There are two remaining requirements. The patent challenge to Dukarb is analyzed because material patent of Fimasartan will be expired soon. Boryung launched Kanarb as a new drug for hypertension in March 2011. Ten years have passed since Kanarb was launched, and the expiration of the substance patent is two years ahead. Kanab Family In the case of the composition patent dispute that proceeded earlier, the challenge of generic companies has been successful. Following Kanarb (₩49.2 billion), Dukarb's outpatient Rx amount last year was ₩35.1 billion. This was followed by Lacor (Fimasartan+HCTZ) ₩7.4 billion, Dukaro (Fimasartan+Amlodipine+Rosuvastatin) ₩6.4 billion, Tuvero (Fimasartan + Rosuvastatin) ₩4.8 billion , and Akarb ((Fimasartan+Atorvastatin) ₩1.2 billion. Dukaro and Akarb have had high prescription sales since their launch in February and September of last year, respectively. It is known that some companies are considering a patent challenge for Dukaro and Akarb.
- Opinion
- [Editor’s View] One year after the pandemic
- by Chon, Seung-Hyun Mar 25, 2021 05:58am
- A year has passed since COVID-19 hit the world. About this time last year, when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic of COVID-19, the KOSPI index dropped to the 1400 line. But suddenly, the KOSPI index recovered to 3000. On March 19 of last year, the KRX healthcare index, composed of major pharmaceutical and bio companies, fell to 2,187.22 and rose to 4,569.86 in one year. Over the past year, vaccines and treatments have become the most powerful weapons to overcome the unexpected infectious disease crisis. Many domestic pharmaceutical bio companies have announced the development of vaccines and treatments. After one year of the pandemic, pharmaceutical bio companies also developed COVID-19-related drugs. However, domestic companies are not able to produce very satisfactory results. Last month, Celltrion received a conditional marketing authorization (CMA) for the first domestically developed COVID-19 treatment, but it is difficult to predict how effective it will be at the actual prescription site. Many domestic companies are accelerating clinical trials by proclaiming the development of COVID-19 treatments, but there are cases in which the superior clinical trial results are not obtained one after another. COVID-19 treatment approval has also been denied. Covid-19 vaccination has begun around the world, but domestic companies' vaccine development is still ongoing. Over the past year, the stock prices of companies delivering news of vaccine and treatment development have soared. They even used the pandemic crisis as a stock price. Press releases were pouring out, as if a great achievement was imminent, but no news was heard afterwards. In the context of ending COVID-19 through collective immunity around the world, it is time to verify the results of the development of corona drugs by domestic companies. The later the development of COVID-19 drug is, the less valuable the drug is. Companies developing COVID-19 treatments or vaccines can be verified with data whether their promises to patients or investors over the past year have been properly fulfilled, and can be judged by commercial outcomes through government approval. The efforts of most pharmaceutical bio companies to conquer COVID-19 should not be dismissed. It is unavoidable even if it failed by mobilizing all of its R&D capabilities with a large amount of money. This means that the failure to develop new drugs should not be blamed. In 2019, as many domestic bio companies failed clinical trials for new drugs in succession, there were some doubts that the clinical data were intentionally distorted and released. The time is approaching when the promises of pharmaceutical bio companies to conquer COVID-19must also be verified over the past year. Even if companies have failed to achieve their goals, they should inform them honestly in terms that the people can understand. It is time to verify the COVID-19 R&D as well.
- Company
- ↑Sales of local subsidiaries in Japan & Southeast Asia
- by Kim, Jin-Gu Mar 24, 2021 07:28am
- While the earnings of subsidiaries in China and North America, which were relatively affected by COVID-19, decreased significantly, the performance of local subsidiaries in Japan and Southeast Asia increased relatively. ◆↓20% sales of Beijing Hanmi / ↓13%, Ilyang / ↓12%, China According to the Financial Supervisory Service on the 23rd, the total sales of 24 local subsidiaries in China last year was ₩453.9 billion won. It decreased by 13% from ↓519.7 billion in 2019. During the same period, net income decreased by 17% from ₩58.8 billion to ₩48.8 billion. It is an analysis that it was directly affected by COVID-19 crisis. China has implemented a strong control policy in the early days of COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, the earnings of most Chinese subsidiaries in the first half of the year fell sharply. From left: Beijing Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Yangju Ilyang Pharmaceutical, Green Cross Biological Products Co., Ltd. Beijing Hanmi Pharmaceutical, a Chinese subsidiary of Hanmi Pharmaceutical, had sales of ₩254.4 billion in 2019, but fell 20% to ₩203.5 billion last year. It was ₩92.8 billion in the first half and ₩110.7 billion in the second half. In the case of 2019, the results were equal at ₩126.7 billion and ₩127.8 billion, respectively, in the first and second half of the year. In the case of Ilyang Pharmaceutical, the total sales of Yangzhou Ilyang Pharm and Tonghua Ilyang Health Products decreased by 13% from ₩140 billion to ₩132.3 billion. Similarly, it is observed that it was sluggish in the first half. However, their net profit was found to have improved from ₩18.6 billion to ₩19.8 billion. GC Pharma's Green Cross China and Anhui Gerinker Pharmaceutical Sales Co., Ltd. decreased 12% from ₩64.9 billion to ₩57.1 billion over the same period. Net income decreased by 18% from ₩6.3 billion to ₩5.2 billion. Kwangdong Pharmaceutical has established a total of 4 corporations in Yanbian, Yeondae, and Suzhou. The total sales of the four corporations decreased by 9% from ₩39.6 billion to ₩36 billion. Kwangdong Pharmaceutical also disposed of Kwangdong Industrial Co., Ltd. located in Yanbian last year. ◆GC Pharma's sales decline by 7% until immediately before the sale of its North American subsidiary It is analyzed that the North American subsidiaries centered on GC Pharma's GCNA (GC North America) were also affected by COVID-19. GC Pharma sold its North American subsidiary to Grifols, a Spanish blood plasma-based product company, in last October. For this reason, as of the end of last year in the business report, the sales of the North American subsidiary were recorded as '0'. However, until 3Q, overall sales and net profit for the year are expected to decline compared to the previous year. Green Cross' total sales of its North American subsidiaries in the third quarter of last year were ₩39.9 billion, down 7% from ₩42.6 billion in 2019. Net loss for the period increased from ₩31.6 billion to ₩41.4 billion. Huons newly established a local subsidiary,Huons USA last year. The sales in the first year of establishment were ₩7.8 billion. ◆Daewoong's Japanese and Southeast Asian subsidiaries increased their performance despite COVID-19 outbreak In Japan, Daewoong Pharmaceutical and Handok respectively established local subsidiaries. Daewoong Pharmaceutical's Japanese subsidiary increased its sales from ₩13.8 billion in 2019 to ₩19.5 billion last year. Handok's Japanese subsidiary decreased its sales from ₩7.6 billion to ₩6.8 billion over the same period. In Southeast Asia, it is confirmed that Daewoong Pharmaceutical, Chong Kun Dang, JW Pharma, and Celltrion have established 14 local subsidiaries. Their total sales increased 54% from ₩23.1 billion in 2019 to ₩35.5 billion last year. In particular, Daewoong Pharmaceutical made ₩20.1 billion in sales in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. It increased by 7% compared to ₩18.7 billion in 2019. Daewoong Pharmaceutical's local subsidiaries in Southeast Asia suffered a net loss of ₩3.4 billion in 2019, but it recorded a net profit of 3.2 billion won last year.
- Company
- Pneumococcal vaccine Prevenar 13 lowers COVID-19 risk
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Mar 24, 2021 05:46am
- A study found a pneumococcal vaccine Prevenar 13 could lower the risk related to COVID-19. The Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) has recently presented the study result of the effect of Prevenar 13 (PCV13) on elderly patients’ COVID-19 infection progress. The study was published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. The study has shown that in a cohort of U.S. adults aged 65 and older, PCV13 vaccination has been correlated with a decline in COVID-19 diagnosis, hospitalization, and post-hospital mortality. As of March 2020, 3,677 out of 531,033 adults 65 years of age and older, who joined KPSC and were vaccinated by PCV13, were diagnosed with COVID-19, whereas 1,075 were hospitalized, and 334 died. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of COVID-19 diagnosis, hospitalization, and mortality, which are related to PCV13 vaccination record, was 0.65, respectively. Sara Y. Tartof, PhD, MPH Research Director of KPSC said, "Kaiser Permanent members who received PCV13 vaccine had a lower rate of COVID-19 infection, and the prognosis for diagnosed patients was better." However, in South Korea, the adult vaccination rate of the PCV18 vaccine is declining amid COVID-19. According to the 2020 national vaccination rate (January through November 2020), the vaccination rate for pneumococcal vaccinations over 65 years of age (born 1955) in 2019 was close to 66.4 percent, but the vaccination rate in 2020 (born 1956) was close to 44.3 percent. And the vaccination rate in all major cities like Seoul (35.3 percent in 2020 vs. 57.2 percent in 2019), Busan (47.9 percent in 2020 vs. 53.7 percent in 2019) and Gwangju (44.1 percent in 2020 vs. 73.1 percent in 2019) dropped. Using the ‘Guideline for Practicing Social Distancing in Daily Life, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) is now emphasizing that the elderly aged 65 and over must receive necessary vaccinations, such as pneumococcal vaccine. The management guideline of the National Immunization Program (NIP) 2020 says one dose of a 23-valent pneumococcal protein polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is required for elderly people aged 65 and over as a principle, but for patients with underlying condition 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) could be prioritized, depending on the condition’s severity and status. Meanwhile, a study of 257 patients confirmed with COVID-19 reported that pneumococcal pneumonia was the most common bacterial infection. A common complication of respiratory viral diseases such as COVID-19 is a secondary bacterial infection, and most viral infections (influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, human metapneumovirus and etc.) can cause secondary complications due to bacterial infections (pneumococcal, haemophilus influenza, staphylococcus aureus and etc.). A survey on pneumococcal pneumonia patients in South Korea showed one out of three patients were infected with pneumococcal pneumonia after diagnosed with respiratory viral infection.
