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- 2026-04-17 00:26:15
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- K-Bio in ASCO 2020: Seeking the optimal combination
- by Choi sun May 27, 2020 06:07am
- From May 29, ten of Korean pharmaceutical and bio companies are to participate in the virtually held American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting (ASCO) 2020. GC Pharma, SillaJen, Genexine and many other Korean companies are planning to present various clinical study outcomes related to anticancer treatments. # The ASCO annual meeting invites approximately 40,000 oncology specialists around the world every year, but this year the event is to be convened online. The biggest theme of this year is seeking the optimal combination for anticancer therapy. Many of studies to be presented are focusing on improving the treatment utility better than the existing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted therapy through combination therapy. ASCO has chosen GC Pharma’s abstract reporting the interim findings of phase 1b/2a study on the novel targeted therapy ‘GC1118,’ in joint development with Mogam Institute for Biomedical Research, to be presented at the annual meeting. GC1118 is a novel monoclonal antibody targeting overexpressed EGFR. By binding with EGFR that triggers proliferation of tumor cell and metastasis, the targeted therapy inhibits proliferating cancer while promoting killing of tumor cells by activating lymphocytes. The phase 1b/2a study is testing the combination of GC1118 and other chemotherapies including irinotecan and FOLFIRI, which its interim findings are selected for poster presentation. On May 29, SillaJen is to publish an abstract as well. The Korean company’s study is testing combination therapy between SillaJen’s oncolytic virus Pexa-Vec and the U.S.-based company Regeneron’s immune checkpoint inhibitor Libtayo. The report could provide promising first human testing evidence raising anticipation on commercialization. NK Max developing targeted therapy ‘SNK01’ is unveiling three abstracts related to the anticancer treatment—interim report of phase 1/2a clinical study in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) conducted in Korea, interim report of phase 1 study in solid tumor conducted in the U.S., and study testing NK cell activity as a biomarker for Keytruda. The SNK01 plus Keytruda combination marked overall response rate (ORR) at 66 percent and confirmed improved effect against Keytruda monotherapy. The nine study subjects were divided into three in Keytruda monotherapy group and six in SNK01 plus Keytruda combination group. The ORR, showing the pharmaceutical treatment effect, reached 66 percent, in which four out of six patients demonstrated outstanding effect of lessening the tumor level. The three out of four that had positive treatment effect confirmed partial remission with 50 percent reduction in tumor cell and the other one resulted in partial remission with 30 percent reduction in tumor cell. Specifically, combining Keytruda seems to have improved adverse event issues, as well as treatment effect, of the immune checkpoint inhibitor. #Genexine is preparing to showcase interim outcome of phase 1b/2 clinical study testing the hyleukin-7 plus immune checkpoint inhibitor Keytruda (pembrolizumab) combination therapy in patients with advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). It was a first clinical study to test hyleukin-7 combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Also, MedPacto is to reveal phase 1 clinical data testing a transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) inhibitor vactosertib plus leukemia treatment imatinib to treat patients with Desmoid tumor. Testing the early anti-tumor activity of vactosertib combined with imatinib, the therapy reached ORR of 28.6 percent (two out of seven patients), which was significantly higher than the previously reported one-year response rate of imatinib monotherapy (11 to 13 percent). The combination therapy also demonstrated improved six-month progression free survival (PFS) at 100 percent, which was exceptionally higher than the imatinib monotherapy at 65 to 80 percent. Pharmabcine is announcing interim outcome of phase 1b study on neovascularization inhibitor olinvacimab combined with Keytruda treating patients with glioblastoma. Moreover, Yuhan has three abstracts to be presented at the ASCO annual conference regarding clinical studies with NSCLC treatment Lazertinib. The first abstract is to report phase 1/2 clinical trial testing anti-tumor effect and safety of administering 240 mg Lazertinib once-daily as a second-line therapy, and the second abstract is to report a subgroup analysis on 64 NSCLC patients with T790 mutation confirmed to have brain metastases receiving 20 mg to 320 mg of Lazertinib. The last abstract analyzes clinical genetics of resistance against Lazertinib. Cancer cells develop resistance against targeted therapy by inducing new genetic mutation. The study delves into types of resistant mutation against Lazertinib with 47 patients whose stage of cancer has advanced after receiving Lazertinib.
- Company
- KRPIA-MOHW meeting rescheduled on May 28
- by Eo, Yun-Ho May 27, 2020 06:05am
- Korean Research-based Pharmaceutical Industry Association (KRPIA) and Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) have rescheduled their meeting canceled last week due to a confirmed case of COVID-19. According to a pharmaceutical industry source, a meeting between MOHW Pharmaceutical Benefits Division and KRPIA Market Access (MA) and Government Affair (GA) representatives is to be convened on coming Thursday. The new Director of Pharmaceutical Benefits Division, Yang Yoon Seok, would officially meet with KRPIA representatives for the first time. Also, Senior Deputy Director Lee Seon-joo and Deputy Director Choi Kyung-ho would accompany Director Yang at the meeting to listen to the industry’s opinion and discuss prospective approach on the drug pricing policy. KRPIA representatives are expected to address their perspective on the government’s plan to revise the drug pricing system. The industry source reported the regulation on the National Health Insurance (NHI) healthcare reimbursement would be the focus of the talk. The industry organization would likely to raise voice regarding the government setting down detailed principles and prioritizing the order of pharmaceutical reimbursement listing to take account of the NHI finance status. In particular, the organization would question the government officials about the ‘detailed principles,’ specific standard of prioritization, and exempting the negotiation period from the currently aimed duration of 150 days. Moreover, the industry organization would ask the government officials to provide information on specified negotiation and its procedure for projected claim amount of drugs, and prospective listing procedure and required listing period for negotiation-exempted drug with pricing lower than weighted average price. On May 21, KRPIA started working from home as a confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported from the Twin City Namsan building, where its office is located. The organization resumed their regular work from May 25.
- Opinion
- [Reporter’s view] We must prepare for the post impurity era
- by Kim, Jin-Gu May 27, 2020 06:04am
- The situation wasn't the worst. Unlike Ranitidine, not all Metformin sales have been stopped. It is expected that the confusion of patients and the potential damage of pharmaceutical companies will not be greater than in the case of the Valsartan·Ranitidine crisis. The MFDS decided to stop selling 31 of the 288 finished Metformin products in Korea on the 25th. The reason was the same as in the previous situation. N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was detected above the provisional management criteria. As a result, the case of impurities, starting from Valsartan and Ranitidine to Metformin, has been closed. At present, there are no other ingredients that raise concerns about impurities. However, it is not the end, it’s the beginning. Impurities have become a new disease and standard for drug safety management. The time has come for us to manage unexpected impurities in advance. It must be a contradictory situation. It is contradictory to anticipate and manage unexpected impurities in advance. However, this contradictory situation is the reality faced by the pharmaceutical bio industry. The paradigm of drug safety management has changed completely. The MFDS has been obliged to submit proof of safety for carcinogenic impurities, metal impurities, etc. when pharmaceutical companies apply for drug approval from September. It is only possible to preemptively check for harmful substances that can occur on its own and to prove safety. There are many problems that have not been solved. First, it is a standard for impurity management. Currently, NDMA·NDEA are all impurities that have been established as management standards. However, NDMA·NDEA are only some of the many impurities. The possibility of Nitrosamine-based impurities such as NMBA, DIPNA, and EIPNA cannot be excluded. If the range is extended to impurities other than Nitrosamines, theoretically, impurity problems close to infinity occur. These impurities should be cataloged, and separate control standards should be prepared for each impurity. The MFDS has announced that this work will be done in cooperation with regulatory authorities in each country. However, as COVID-19 suddenly became world-wide, it was postponed. The issue of responsibility derived from this is another problem. The regulatory authorities and the pharmaceutical industry may not be able to predict in advance, but the damage caused by the pharmaceutical industry should be more concerned. Discussions with the regulatory authorities and the pharmaceutical industry should begin to rationalize responsibility. At present, the Metformin situation is thought to be over. However, the new era of drug safety management has just begun. You can't have the same confusion every time. We look forward to setting new standards for the new era as soon as possible.
- Policy
- PVA lowers Entresto and Synovian pricing
- by Kim, Jung-Ju May 27, 2020 06:04am
- The prices of Novartis Korea’s Entresto film-coated tablet (sacubitril plus valsartan plus sodium salt hydrate complex) and LG Chem’s Synovian injection (BDDE bridged sodium hyaluronate gel) have been negotiated to be lowered by 7 percent and 2.7 percent, respectively, due to their increased use. Daewoong Pharmaceutical, Ildong Pharmaceutical and Amgen Korea voluntarily requested to lower the prices of their Gliasta soft capsule (choline alfoscerate), Pirespa (pirfenidone) 200 mg tablet and Blincyto (Blinatumomab) 35μg injection, respectively. Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has recently finalized the revised ‘List of Reimbursed Drugs and Maximum Reimbursed Price’ with the changes mentioned above. The new list would come in effect from June 1. First, Novartis Korea has negotiated with National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) over Entresto film-coated tablet according to the Type Ga (가) of the price-volume agreement (PVA) system. The Type Ga applies on an item listed with pricing negotiation, when the claimed amount has exceeded the amount projected from the point of negotiation by 30 percent. The item’s claimed amount is calculated from the claims made under the same supplier, administration method, active ingredient and form of the item. The tablet’s reimbursed price would be reduced by 7 percent from 2,200 won to 2,046 won. The dose varies from 50 mg to 100 mg and 200 mg, but the same price is applied to all. LG Chem’s Synovian injection, for instance, was negotiated for pricing reduction under Type Na (나). An item that has been listed for over four years without pricing adjustment by Type Ga PVA, but the total claim amount has surpassed the projected amount at the point of listing by 30 percent. For such items, NHIS negotiate with the supplier depending if the claimed amount has surpassed 60 percent more than the previous year’s amount, or the increased amount has surpassed over 10 percent and adds up to over 5 billion won. The injection’s price, effective from next month, would be brought by 2.7 percent from 67,200 won to 65,400 won. Pricing of total six items would be reduced due to preliminary price reduction based on additional indications. The government preemptively lowers price of an item with extended indication by taking account of additional claim projection and increase rate. The six items include Pfizer Pharmaceutical Korea’s Benefix (Recombinant Blood Coagulation Factor Ⅸ) injection in five doses and AstraZeneca Korea’s Faslodex (fulvestrant) injection. The price of Benefix injection in 250 I.U, 500 I.U and 3000 I.U would be lowered from 789 won to 777 won, and the injection in 1000 I.U and 2000 I.U would be lowered from 788 won to 776 won, all by 1.5 percent. Faslodex injection’s price would be lowered by 5 percent from 567,595 won to 539,215 won. Three items have voluntarily requested for pricing reduction. The government adjusts the maximum price as requested, when a drug manufacturer, CMO or importer requests for the pricing lower than the listed maximum price. Daewoong Pharmaceutical’s Gliasta soft capsule (choline alfoscerate) pricing would be bought down by 0.4 percent from 508 won to 506 won, and Ildong Pharmaceutical’s Pirespa (pirfenidone) 200 mg tablet pricing would be lowered by 0.3 percent from 3,304 won to 3,294 won. Amgen Korea’s Blincyto (Blinatumomab) 35μg injection pricing would be reduced by 5.2 percent from 2,346,000 won to 2,223,503 won, effective from next month.
- Policy
- Benefit of COVID-19 medications completed in just one day
- by Lee, Hye-Kyung May 27, 2020 06:04am
- In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection, the HIRA is the one which is drawing attention. The DUR system was used to help medical institutions check immigration visit information from around the world, and it shortened the review period for drug benefit standards that took more than 80 days on average to one day, promptly resolving the benefits of COVID-19 treatment. Medicines that are approved for treatment of COVID-19 beyond the scope of the permits include Interferon (including pegylated interferon), Kaletra (Lopinavir/Ritonavir), Hydroxychloroquine, Ribavirin, Immunoglobulin G, Oseltamivir ,Zanamivir, etc. Based on the latest medical experience and expert recommendations, the HIRA decided to review the health insurance standards for COVID-19 related therapies in the shortest period (1 day) and review the reimbursement standards for these drugs one year later. In addition, the HIRA is in charge of managing the distribution and usage status, such as monitoring the current status of treatments and providing them to medical institutions and pharmacies. In addition to pharmaceuticals, the support of the HIRA for the treatment of COVID-19 includes the dispatch of 181 specialists, rapid application of diagnostic tests (average from 30 to 60 days → shortened to 2 days), quarantine treatment· emergency medical services·National Security Hospital·fee for phone consultations. The government also provided support for the development of government guidelines (announcements), development and provision of patient guidelines for living treatment centers, financial support for medical institutions, and policy materials. In particular, the mask purchase confirmation system, which enables the sale of day-of-day masks to check public information on the purchase history of masks and lead fair distribution by using a medical institution business portal connected to pharmacies, was evaluated to have played a major role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. In this regard, Kim explained that the mask purchase confirmation system is a marvelous program in the world, and the HIRA has been using the existing information and communication channels to make it easier and fairer for people to buy masks. Earlier in the occurrence of COVID-19, the HIRA announced the visitor information from all over the world by monitoring foreign immigrants and using the DUR · ITS system connected to medical institutions. and helped them establish the movements of the confirmed patients and connect them to 1339. The HIRA's efforts were introduced in the 'OECD Health Care Quality and Outcome Working Group', chaired by Sun Min Kim, president of the HIRA. The HIRA currently releases COVID-19 confirmed patients’ data to authoritative academia and government agencies around the world (applied to 1,232 people in 55 countries), provides the basis for diagnosis and patient treatment by physicians, and makes policy decisions such as prevention through case analysis. President Seon Min Kim said that he had been busy responding to COVID-19 since taking office, and emphasized that the HIRA has worked extensively to prevent early detection, treatment, and spread of COVID-19. He said that while suffering a global disaster called COVID-19, everyone is paying attention to how good the Korean health system is.
- Policy
- Ultomiris, a successor to Soliris, was approved in Korea
- by Lee, Tak-Sun May 27, 2020 06:04am
- Handok acquired a domestic item license for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) treatment 'Ultomiris'. Ultomiris is a product that was expected as a successor to Soliris, and is a drug developed by Alexion, like Soliris. In particular, it has attracted attention in that it has increased convenience by significantly reducing the number of doses than Soliris. On the 21st, the MFDS approved a license for Ultomiris (Ravulizumab) by Handok as a treatment for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in adults on the 21st. Ultomiris is a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2018 and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in July 2018. In Korea, a phase III clinical trial has been conducted in 8 patients. PHN disease is a rare, life-threatening blood disease characterized by the destruction of red blood cells by complement system, which is part of the immune system. In particular, 4 out of 10 people die within 5 years if not treated after diagnosis. It is known that there are about 200 patients in Korea. Soliris (Eculizumab, Handok), which was released in Korea in 2012, is the only treatment for PHN, and patients treated with Solis showed a 5-year survival rate improved to 95.5%. However, the price is expensive. In Korea, the insurance price is applied to ₩5.13 million per bottle. Accordingly, the total annual sales of the administered patients amount to at least tens of billions won. As of IQVIA, Soliris sales last year were ₩43.8 billion. The industry believes that the expected sales will be high if 'Ultomiris', a follow-on drug with improved administration frequency, is also released. Ultomiris is a drug that can be administered as a maintenance dose once every 8 weeks from 2 weeks after the initial dose. On the other hand, Soliris should be administered a maintenance dose every two weeks. It is expected that patients suffering from injections will be reduced as Ultomiris significantly reduces the number of doses than Soliris. Since it is a very expensive drug, it is expected to focus on negotiating a price with the government after the approval.
- Policy
- Chloroquine was approved for export due to COVID-19
- by Lee, Tak-Sun May 26, 2020 06:06am
- #iUnder the influence of COVID-19, the approval of Chloroquine for export used as a therapeutic agent has been followed. It seems that domestic pharmaceutical companies are targeting overseas exports and making items due to the worldwide pandemic phenomenon. According to the MFDS on the 25th, permission to Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine for export reached 12 items in five companies this year. Starting with Korea Prime Pharm, on the 4th, CTC Bio, Korea United Pharm, Ahngook Pharm, and Unimed have obtained export licenses. They seem to have been granted permission for the purpose of developing and exporting formulations by importing raw materials from overseas. An industry official said, "The MFDS' export permits simply by the documentation." Countries that require Chloroquine will be licensed for export, and later approved by local countries. " In Korea, 27 items have already been approved, so there is no problem with the supply and demand of Chloroquine. However, companies believe that there is a high likelihood of a treatment gap in a sudden infectious disease abroad, especially in developing countries. Chloroquine has been used since the early days of COVID-19 along with Kaletra ( Lopinavir + Ritonavir), an AIDS treatment, and is in high demand as it is encouraged in some countries. Although this agent is used for the treatment and prevention of malaria, it is used as the primary treatment for COVID-19 in the medical field. In Korea, the Central Clinical Committee recommends Chloroquine as a standard treatment through literature review, and thus Hydroxychloroquine is used. However, there is a controversial situation about the actual effect. Trump believes Hydroxychloroquine could be a "game-changer" against the coronavirus, there are reports that the death rate has increased. On the other hand, other studies have shown that there are few side effects and there is an actual effect of preventing COVID-19. Nevertheless, it is an analysis that demand from overseas countries is increasing. PMG Pharm decided to export about 2 million dollars worth of Hydroxychloroquine to South America. CTC Bio, which has been granted permission for export, said, "The global demand has surged, so there are a lot of needs in existing countries as well as in overseas customers." It is known that domestic pharmaceutical companies are considering exporting not only Chloroquine, but also generic for Kaletra. Kaletra, in particular, has opened up opportunities for generic companies as Abbvie, the original developer, abandoned the patent. It is said that some domestic companies are currently pursuing export licenses while importing raw materials from India and developing formulations.
- COVID-19 treatment guideline recommends hydroxychloroquine
- by Lee, in-bok May 26, 2020 06:06am
- Korean Association of Internal Medicine (KAIM) and its member academia have co-published a prescription guideline for treating patients with COVID-19. The guideline recommends hydroxychloroquine as the first preference, but does not recommend interferon or ribavirin monotherapy. The guideline also recommends Kaletra monotherapy, but it advises remdesivir and Avigan should be prescribed only for clinical purposes. Prescription guideline for patients with COVID-19 lists out all major treatment options On May 19, KAIM and related ten specialist academia including Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Disease unveiled a practice guideline on COVID-19 infection compiled for the members to refer recommendations fitting to the Korean healthcare scene. # The practice guideline talks about treatment options focusing on drug prescription for the patients with COVID-19. The pharmaceutical treatment guideline recommends 800 mg loading dose of hydroxychloroquine and maintaining the treatment with 400 mg dose afterwards. Twice-daily administration of Kaletra is recommended, and syrup form of the drug is suggested for pediatric patients. Type I interferon recently mentioned as potential option is not recommended to be used as a monotherapy for patients with COVID-19. In case type I interferon is needed inevitably, combined therapy with Kaletra should be considered. And among various types, IFN-β1b is advised as the most effective interferon. Moreover, the use of ribavirin is not suggested as a frontline treatment due to too many reports of adverse events. Only when hydroxychloroquine cannot be used as frontline treatment, ribavirin could be used in combination with Kaletra, but not as itself alone. Meanwhile, the guideline states remdesivir and Avigan, respectively registered as official treatment against COVID-19 in the U.S. and Japan should be prescribed strictly for clinical study purposes. Recommendations covering steroidal and other treatment option including convalescent plasma Besides the most talked about COVID-19 treatment options mentioned above, strategies of using other frequently used drugs are laid out as well. # First, the general use of steroidal drugs is ruled out. But urgent cases of asthma attack or severe septic shock in need of vasopressor are listed as exceptions to consider using the steroidal drugs. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was also ruled out as a typical treatment against COVID-19. But again, in case of septic shock the responsible doctor is advised to make the call. The guideline discourages the use of influenza treatment zanamivir. The flu drug is exceptionally recommended when a patient is strongly suspected of having both COVID-19 and influenza. General use of antibiotics on confirmed case of COVID-19 is also not advised. However, when a patient is strongly suspected of bacterial infection along with COVID-19, the use of antibiotics is exceptionally advised. The guideline left the door open for the plasma therapy. Although it could be mentioned as a treatment option that can help with prognosis and progress of the disease, the guideline points out that the option lacks evidence from a large-scale study. Also, the guideline orders the prescriber to prioritize the selection of convalescent plasma donor, as the antibody level in the plasma could vary depending on the severity of disease the donor had or the time of plasma collection. KAIM official said, “So far, COVID-19 treatment did not have a set standard of care using antiviral drug except for supportive therapy,” and “we advise the responsible healthcare provider’s prescription based on their judgment should be the standard, but the guideline would be constantly updated with latest evidences found.”
- Policy
- Will Vyleesi known as Viagra for women be released?
- by Lee, Tak-Sun May 26, 2020 06:05am
- A product known as Viagra for Women conducts clinical trials in Korea. It is Vyleesi (Bremelanotide, injection type) introduced by Kwangdong Pharmaceutical. The MFDS approved a clinical trial phase III bridging study plan by Kwangdong Pharmaceutical on the 22nd. Bridging study is a test to prove whether new drugs developed in foreign countries have the same effect on Korean people. Vyleesi conducted a phase III clinical trial in 1,267 premenopausal women who were diagnosed with underactive sexual desire disorder in the United States after being approved by the US FDA in June last year. At the time, the clinical results showed an effect in improving sexual desire and reducing pain associated with low sexual desire. The clinical trial will verify whether this effect is the same for domestic patients. The domestic patient population is 146, and is limited to pre-menopausal women with or without hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). The clinical trial will be conducted at Korea University Hospital in Seongbuk-gu. In 2017, Kwangdong Pharmaceutical signed a license agreement with Palatin Technologies, an American developer of Vyleesi, and obtained a sales right in Korea. The drug is a disposable pen-type subcutaneous injection, which is self-administered medication. The company has passed the bridge study and aims to release it in Korea around 2022. An official from the company said, "We expect Vyleesi to greatly contribute to improving the quality of life for women."
- Company
- Prevenar13 by Pfizer sales increased 50%
- by An, Kyung-Jin May 26, 2020 06:05am
- Prevenar13 Pfizer's pneumococcal vaccine 'Prevenar 13' had a high sales. It is evaluated that reflex profits appeared as anticipation for the effect of preventing pneumonia increased due to prolongation of COVID-19 outbreak. According to the drug research agency IQVIA on the 21st, 'Prevenar 13' sales in the first quarter increased 52.2% to ₩17.6 billion, compared to ₩11.6 billiona year earlier. After the fourth quarter of last year, the quarterly sales exceeded ₩17 billion for the second consecutive quarter. Privenar 13 peaked in sales in the fourth quarter, when demand for vaccination increased, and repeated the pattern of decreasing in the first quarter. However, in the first quarter of this year, sales increased rather than the fourth quarter of last year. This is the first time that Privenar 13's sales in the first quarter increased from the fourth quarter of the previous year. In contrast, sales of pneumococcal vaccine Synflorix pfs, which is prescribed to children, fell 37.6% YoY, and sales of pneumococcal vaccine Prodiax 23 for adults increased 4.3% YoY. Trend of quarterly sales of major pneumococcal vaccines (Unit: ₩1 million, Source: IQVIA) 'Prevenar 13' is a 13-valent protein conjugate vaccine (PCV13) that prevents infection against 13 pneumococcal serotypes (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 23F). Pfizer was granted 'Prevenar' (PCV7) in 2010 to prevent pneumococcal disease caused by 7 pneumococcal serotypes (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, 23F) in 2010. Six years of serotypes (1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F, and 19A) have been added to 'Prevenar 13'. It is a product that can be inoculated at any age over 6 weeks of age. Chong Kun Dang is in charge of distribution nationwide for adults, and for infants and toddlers, Korea vaccine is in distribution. It seems that the situation in COVID-19 had some influence on 'Prevenar' setting a new record in the first quarter. Although prevenar does not prevent COVID-19 caused pneumonia, Some experts argue that it can help weaken the symptoms of pneumonia. It is an analysis that the demand for inoculation in adults has increased. At the time of the first quarter of April, Pfizer's head office announced, "As the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the number of patients visiting hospitals, most vaccination rates have decreased. On the other hand, sales of some medicines used for the purpose of preventing infection or treating symptoms of COVID-19 have increased, including 'Prevenar 13', sterilized injection products, and anti-infective agents. Currently, no vaccine is available to prevent COVID-19. As a result, overseas academia is actively recommending that high-risk groups vulnerable to COVID-19 follow the national immunization guidelines such as pneumococcal vaccine. The American Heart Association (ACC) recommended that patients with cardiovascular disease be considered for the simultaneous inoculation of pneumococcal vaccines and influenza vaccines to prevent secondary bacterial infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines to provide flu vaccines and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines to workers in long-term care institutions such as rehabilitation centers. The reason for long-term care is that the elderly and high-risk patients are relatively vulnerable to infection.
