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- 2026-04-17 03:16:40
- Company
- Xarelto-Eliquis follow Lixiana dominating NOAC market
- by Kim, Jin-Gu Apr 27, 2020 06:11am
- Lixiana has reaffirmed its dominance in the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) market. Eliquis has gotten close to taking over the second place from Xarelto with ever more intense competition in the market,. First released in last June, generic products of Eliquis are expanding their pies. Currently, 12 products are released and their total prescription volume takes about 11.1 percent of Eliquis’. ◆Lixiana tops again, Xarelto and Eliquis head-to-head over the second place According to pharmaceutical market research firm UBIST on Apr. 22, Lixiana has generated 15.8 billion won from prescription in the first quarter. The figure was up by 15.1 percent than last year’s first quarter at 13.7 billion won. After taking over the top place in January last year, the drug has been leading the market for last 15 months straight. Although it followed into the market after the first-in-class, Lixiana’s prescription volume skyrocketed with a boost from a co-marketing deal with Daewoong Pharmaceutical. And the long-term stock-out period of Xarelto, caused by the maintenance work at Bayer’s German manufacturing facility, has probably affected Lixiana’s successful run. Quarterly prescription volume trend in major NOAC products (Unit: KRW 100 million) Source: UBIST On the other hand, Xarelto and Eliquis were battling over the second place. Both drugs actually made 12.3 billion won from prescription in the first quarter. But at the end, Xarelto made 12,283,260,000 won and Eliquis made 12,280,810,000 won, ranking them on the second and the third, respectively, with the difference of 2.45 million won. Their prescription volumes compared to last year’s first quarter were increased by 2.3 percent and 6.8 percent, respectively. Xarelto had to give up its top spot to Lixiana in January 2019, and now its second place is threatened by Eliquis. From last November to past February, Eliquis topped over Xarelto in prescription volume. ◆Apixaban generic’s prescription volume grows over 2.7 times in six months The apixaban generics would eventually affect the fierce competition between Eliquis and Xarelto. Since June last year, generic version of Eliquis like Chong Kun Dang’s Liquisia, Yuhan’s Yuhan Apixaban, Samjin Pharm’s Elxaban, Hanmi Pharamceutical’s Apixban, Aju Pharm’s Eliban and YooYoung Pharmaceutical’s Yupix have entered the NOAC market. In the first quarter, Liquisia has generated the most at 394.56 million won and Yuhan Apixaban, Elxaban, Apixban, Eliban and Yupix followed with 226.64 million won, 222.0 million won, 145.14 million won, 131.06 million won and 114.67 million won, respectively. The generic prescription volume has not been so overpowering to threat the originals, yet. The total volume took up 11.1 percent of the original’s, generating approximately 1.4 billion won. But the volume has increased steeply by 2.7 times since the last third quarter making 400 million won, while the original Eliquis’ volume growth has been sluggish. Considering other generics jumping into the NOAC market, the apixaban generic pie would grow even further. So far, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has approved of 42 apixaban generics. Quarterly Apixaban generic prescription volume in last one year (Unit: KRW 1 million) Source: UBIST ◆Eliquis pricing reduction postponed yet again Another variable in the market is pricing reduction in Eliquis. According to the court’s decision, the government-authorized Eliquis pricing reduction has been suspended temporarily. In January, the Seoul High Court has ordered the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) to temporarily halt the pricing reduction execution on Eliquis. The court ruled the pricing reduction should be postponed until the current proceeding of litigation is concluded. Initially, Eliquis’ pricing was supposed to be reduced by 30 percent from July last year after the generics’ launch in June. But the enforcement of the new pricing was halted as Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) has filed for an administrative litigation. Although the first trial was rejected as the court ruled in favor of the ministry and the pricing reduction, the ministry’s action was halted again as BMS filed for an appeal. The appeal is expected to be concluded in the latter half of the year. If the court rules favorable for MOHW again, Eliquis’ pricing would be reduced by 30 percent and its prescription sales would drop, accordingly.
- Company
- “Considering treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis”
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Apr 27, 2020 06:10am
- Professor Nam Seoung Wan In the autoimmune disease area, where tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) inhibitor is leading the prescription market, various options of oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have been released so far. Guidelines on treating ankylosing spondylitis and spondylarthritis in Korea and other countries have a tendency to emphasize starting the first-line treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients showing symptoms. And for patients not sufficiently benefiting from NSAIDs, the treatment guidelines recommend using biologics like TNF alpha inhibitor, considering the patient’s disease activity. And in 2016, a guideline by Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society/ European League Against Rheumatism (ASAS-EULAR) recommended using TFN alpha inhibitor for first-line biologics with the most amount of clinical data accumulated, but also recommended switching to other TNF alpha inhibitor or interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitor options when showing no response to the initial option. Moreover, American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network (SPARTAN) updated their guidelines last year and made a notable recommendation of using oral JAK inhibitor Xeljanz (tofacitinib) with an ongoing Phase III clinical study, besides using biologics like TNF alpha inhibitor (injection) and IL-17 inhibitor. Also, instead of using Cosentyx (secukinumab) that received approval first, the updated recommendations mentioned of using Taltz (ixekixumab) and TNF alpha’s biosimilars approved for use in Korea recently. Professor Nam Seoung Wan of Rheumatology Department at Wonju Severance Christian Hospital explained “Other than tofacitinib, various JAK inhibitors like upadacitinib have been tried on treating patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Compared to other biologics, JAK inhibitors have a great advantage in medication convenience with oral administration.” However, the professor stated the treatment’s limitation is its underperforming response rate at week 12 compared to existing TNF alpha inhibitor and IL-17 inhibitor options, regardless of its better effect confirmed in head-to-head Phase II study. Professor Nam stressed, “Continuous search for more treatment options in diverse biologics are encouraging for patient treatment, because each biologics have different effects on various symptoms apparent in many organs including ankylosing spondylitis, and also they bring out respective adverse reaction like risk in tuberculosis relapse.” However, the professor claimed the prescribers should be well aware of issues regarding tolerance development when using biologics for a long term. Professor Nam said, “Repetitive use of biologics could possibly diminish the effect of the drug gradually due to patient’s immune response on the drugs like developing an antibody on specific medicine. As for rheumatoid arthritis, there was a report claiming such tolerance is less likely to be developed when combining TNF alpha inhibitor and methotrexate (MTX). But there has not been any clinical evidence reported on the benefit of using MTX combination therapy on ankylosing spondylitis.” The professor added, “However, a number of treatment strategy could be considered depending on the patient’s clinical state, as various biologic treatment options have been recently introduced to treat patients with ankylosing spondylitis. And each biologics show different rate of antibody development and reaction depending on the patients.”
- Policy
- 19 new drugs & 1 new medical device were approved
- by Lee, Tak-Sun Apr 27, 2020 06:10am
- In the first quarter, 19 new drugs and 1 newly developed medical device were approved. The MFDS (Minister Eui-kyung Lee) made the announcement on the 23rd, when it released a list of new medical products that were first approved in Korea, such as new drugs and newly developed medical devices, in the first quarter of 2020. Previously, the status of new medical products could not be checked at a glance, but it will be announced quarterly so that anyone can easily check the current status of new medical products in the future,. Looking at the details, a total of 22 new medical products were approved in the first quarter, including 19 new drugs, 1 domestically developed vaccine, and 1 newly developed medical device. In the case of new drugs, the number of items increased compared to 13 items approved in the first quarter of last year, and various drugs, such as antihypertensive drugs, anticancer drugs, rheumatoid arthritis drugs, and ulcerative colitis drugs, have been approved. 'Xospata', which is used for acute myeloid leukemia, has been approved as an orphan drug, and 'Varycella shot', which was developed in Korea, is expected to contribute to the stable supply of chickenpox vaccine, which was dependent on imports. In addition, INFUSE ™ Bone Graft, a medical device used for intervertebral fusion, was designated as a newly developed medical device. This is a product that induces new bone production by soaking the genetically modified bone-forming protein in a collagen sponge and transplanting it into the intervertebral body. An official from the MFDS said that it would strengthen the right for the public to know by periodically distributing useful information, such as items of high social concern, to the public periodically in relation to the approval information for new medical products.
- Policy
- It has been successful in expanding the coverage of new drug
- by Lee, Jeong-Hwan Apr 27, 2020 06:09am
- It was evaluated that the government has achieved success in strengthening generic management, such as strengthening guarantees like new drugs for anticancer and rare diseases last year, and announcing plans to revise the generic drug pricing system. In the case of Ranitidine, a gastrointestinal drug containing carcinogenic substance NDMA, it was also diagnosed that DUR information system prevented further damage such as pre-blocking prescriptions and dispensing and shortening recovery procedures. The MOHW said in a report on the results of the self-evaluation of major policies in 2019. According to the report on the 22nd, the MOHW first gave a rating of 'slightly insufficient' for policy to advance drug distribution structure, 'regular' for strengthening insurance drug coverage and appropriate management policy for drug costs, and 'moderate' for policy strengthening pharmaceutical, medical device, and cosmetics industry competitiveness. ◆Advancement of drug distribution structure = Specifically, in the case of the policy of advancing drug distribution structure, it was mentioned that DUR information system and drug distribution information system were used to block prescribing and dispensing Ranitidine prescriptions and to shorten the recovery process. It was considered that the improvement and supplementation needs to actively collect patient and consumer opinions and develop performance indicators that will specifically include the results of the advancement of the drug distribution structure. In particular, it is said that performance indicators are needed to evaluate the advancement of the distribution structure of safety-related drugs. The intention is that there are no indicators that can actually represent the advancement of the distribution structure of safe medicines. In addition, the MOHW also considered that the rebate structure of pharmacies and hospitals was needed as a way to investigate the reality of the development of a dedicated pharmacy into hospital admission fees and cash rebates. It is not only to limit rebates between wholesalers and hospitals, but also to establish a rebate investigation method for the number of prescriptions between hospitals and pharmacies. ◆Enhancement of insurance drug coverage and appropriate management of drug costs = The MOHW evaluated that it has achieved enhanced security, such as new drugs for anticancer and rare diseases, which have high social demands and high medical expenses. Strengthening generic management by announcing plans to reorganize the generic drug pricing system was also a major achievement. However, the MOHW said there was a need to further increase the goal for policy enhancement and reducing drug costs. The MOHW says that a reduction in the proportion of drug costs may be a natural decrease as the overall rate of increase in health care increases, so it sets more aggressive goals. The MOHW said that in order to properly manage the drug cost, it is necessary to take various measures, such as managing generic drug prices, improving the irrational distribution structure of hospitals, and managing rational drug use. The ratio of drug costs was decided by the contents suggested by the evaluators, but it was necessary to raise the target. In terms of suitability for on-site monitoring and response to changes in the situation, the rapid response to NDMA detection was highly appreciated. It was diagnosed that the new drug listing guarantees were strengthened and the goals were achieved. ◆Strengthening competitiveness in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry = the MOHW cited strengthening competitiveness as enacting the 'Medical Device Industry Fostering and Innovative Medical Device Support Act', nurturing professional manpower, and opening AI new drug development support centers. However, it is said that it is necessary to strengthen the qualitative performance indicators based on the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. The MOHW said that the pharmaceutical and medical device industry is a higher value-added business and has high future-oriented importance. It was said that the expert networking was also excellent, so that the opinion gathering was appropriate when carrying out the policy. Furthermore, although the achievement index of the policy to strengthen the competitiveness of the pharmaceutical and medical device industry was achieved, it was evaluated that it was evaluated that it was not the promotion effect of last year alone. In addition, the overseas market expansion and the national recognition of the nation's technological power were raised, and the HOHW's leadership in the medical device industry across the government was highly appreciated.
- Company
- Keytruda to finally get Cancer Committee nod after 2years?
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Apr 24, 2020 06:27am
- After waiting for two long years, MSD is committed to receive the Korean health authority’s approval on Keytruda’s coverage expansion this time. According to pharmaceutical industry sources, the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) Cancer Deliberation Committee’s deliberation on Keytruda (pembrolizumab) has been scheduled on Apr. 29 after it has been delayed twice due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Although the deliberation would review Keytruda’s reimbursement expansion on the added indication as a first-line treatment (monotherapy and combination therapy) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), MSD has reportedly submitted related economic evaluation data. For a reimbursement expansion case, the committee assesses financial impact but it does not ask for a submission of economic evaluation data. In March 2017, Keytruda monotherapy has been approved as a first-line treatment in patients with NSCLC. And the MSD Korea has submitted an application for reimbursement approval on the monotherapy indication in September 2017 and continued to talk with the government for over two years. Regardless of the effort, the talks fell through in September last year. And in October last year, MSD Korea has reapplied for reimbursement expansion on Keytruda’s five indications including pembrolizumab monotherapy and combination therapy as first-line treatment in NSCLC, monotherapy as second or later-line treatment in bladder cancer, and monotherapy for third or later-line treatment in or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma. So far at the broken off talks with the government, key issues like conditionally limiting the reimbursement to ‘patients showing response to the treatment,’ and ‘the trade-off (a government initiative to recognize the value of new drug while compensating the cost with reduced pricing of off-patent drugs)’ were addressed. MSD’s desperation is also apparent on the negotiating table due to the long wait. Prior to the coming deliberation, MSD has reportedly expressed its intention to accept the government’s proposal on sharing financial burden of expanded reimbursement by lowering drug pricing. The global company official stated, “Over the span of two years, the company has been negotiating and narrowing the gap with the government over expanding Keytruda’s reimbursement, and we think the two parties have been engaged enough to have better understanding of each other. Based on the experience, the company is making sure to receive the expanded reimbursement this time.” The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline has added pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy combination therapy as a Category 1 first-line treatment in all patients with metastatic NSCLC, which is also listed as preferred. The pembrolizumab monotherapy is also listed as preferred for first-line therapy in patients with positive PD-L1 expression over 50 percent.
- Policy
- Chong Kun Dang’s Esoduo, registered additional patents
- by Lee, Tak-Sun Apr 24, 2020 06:26am
- Chong Kun Dang’s anti-ulcer agent Esoduo (Esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate), has added an additional patent. Basically, if the original drug patent is listed on the MFDS’ patent list, late candidates must succeed in the patent challenge to ensure early release. Items that are commercially available without patent challenge may be subject to prohibition. On the 22nd, Chong Kun Dang registered a new composition patent (stable pharmaceutical composition including Esomeprazole and Sod. hydrogen carbonate) for Esoduo in the MFDS patent list. This patent expires on January 29, 2038, like the previously listed formulation patents (pharmaceutical formulations including Esomeprazole and Sod. hydrogen carbonate). As soon as it was registered on November 1, last year, Daewon Pharm, CTC Bio, Ajou, and Shinil filed a judgment to confirm the passive scope of rights to evade patents. Among them, Daewon has already been approved for bioequivalence test for generic commercialization in April of last year, and Ajou has been approved for development in October of that year. Chong Kun Dang's addition of this patent is interpreted as a measure to further strengthen the defense. This is because if latecomers want to release the generic drug early before the patent term expires, it must succeed in the patent challenge. Otherwise, if Chong Kun Dang enforces the launch, it may be prohibited from selling by a patent holder for a certain period (9 months) by the patent-linkage system . Conversely, it can be a burden for patent infringement lawsuits. Esoduo is a new drug to improve GERD released in July 2018. It is the first compound in the country to combine the PPI-based component Esomeprazole and Sod. hydrogen carbonate, which rapidly raises the hydrogen ion index (pH) in the stomach to protect the Esomeprazole component that is weak to stomach acid and takes a long time to act and protect the drug from stomach acid. After the drug is absorbed from the upper duodenum, the efficacy of the drug quickly appears. Last year, the outpatient prescription amounted to ₩9.8 billion, which is the target of late starters as it recorded sales close to blockbusters in two years after launch. In the future, attention is being paid to Chong Kun Dang, which is defending in advance, and latecomers who are promoting the early launch of generic drugs.
- Company
- The KPBMA promotes of co-development of COVID-19 treatments
- by Lee, Seok-Jun Apr 24, 2020 06:26am
- The KPBMA promotes joint development of COVID-19 treatment. This is the first 'co-investment and joint development' method among member companies. The KPBMA held a board of directors meeting on the 21st to discuss this. Participants decided to aggregate their competencies at the industrial level, not individual companies, based on the prospects of domestic and foreign experts that another COVID-19 outbreak would occur frequently. In addition, they considered ways to establish joint ventures with co-investments by companies and to establish private and public joint funds such as the European IMI (Innovative Medicines Organization). In the future, if the KPBMA materializes joint investment and joint development plans through consultation with related experts, the industry will actively participate. An association official said that the joint R&D situation among member companies for developing new drugs is more mature than ever before, and they agreed that it is necessary to change the concept of sharing profits if profits arise and sharing risks if they fail for new drugs. Chairman Hee-mok Won emphasized, "In order to overcome a crisis that can be repeated in the future, such as COVID-19, a revolutionary idea change is needed. The cross-border energy with joint research and development efforts of the industry and full support from the government must be brought together."
- Policy
- Betmiga's first generic, Hemlibra registered next month
- by Kim, Jung-Ju Apr 24, 2020 06:26am
- 2 items including Mirabeg 50mg, which are the first generic drugs for overactive bladder, and Hemlibra 30mg for hemophilia treatment (Emicizumab) by JW Pharmaceutical are confirmed to be registered next month, and are added to the drug benefit standard. In addition, oral administration of Clopidogrel is acceptable for children with Kawasaki disease who have exceeded the permit. The MOHW announced an administrative amendment on the 20th of the notice regarding ‘the Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Listing Standard and Method’ and entered the opinion inquiry until the 24th. As for the revised contents, two items, such as Mirabeg 50mg, which is an overactive bladder treatment drug, will be registered next month, the standards for insurance benefits is to be applied from the 4th of next month. Also, on the first day of next month, Hemlibra 30mg (Emicizumab), which is scheduled to be registered in patients with severe type A hemophilia with the factor 8 antibody, is recognized for up to 24 weeks. In principle, this drug is administered in-hospital at a medical institution that meets the requirements for an immunotolerance regime for safe administration. The subject to be administered is a severe hemophilia A patient with an 8th factor antibody (coagulant activity is less than 1%). ▲Over 12 years of age, weight over 40kg ▲Antibody titer has a history of 5BU (Bethesda unit)/mL or more ▲In case of bleeding in 6 or more times in the last 24 weeks, a bypass factor was administered or immunotolerance therapy failed should all be satisfied. Children with Kawasaki disease exceeding the permitted range of use will be admitted to take Clopidogrel which are Pregrel, Provic, Clovid, and Clopin. The subjects to be administered are children under 18 years of age diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. Monotherapy is applied when there are side effects or contraindications to Aspirin, and in the case of a second-line therapy (Aspirin + Clopidogrel), warfarin cannot be administered as a patient with coronary aneurysm with a diameter of more than 5 mm and less than 8 mm with a risk of thrombosis ( Hypersensitivity or contraindications to warfarin, failure to adjust the International Normalized Ratio (INR), etc.). The third-therapy regimen (Aspirin + anticoagulant + Clopidogrel) is for patients with a large aneurysm greater than 8 mm in diameter with a history of coronary thrombosis within the last 6 months. The age-related permission for Protopic ointment 0.1%, 0.03%, etc. (Tacrolimus) have been changed from 2 years old to 2 years old in full. Considering the anemia standard of iron injections such as Venoferrum and the characteristics of pregnant women, the standard of hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation is relaxed to expand the standard for insurance coverage.. Hemoglobin levels change from the current 8g/dl to 10g/dL (but 11g / dL for pregnant women). Considering the anemia standard of iron injections such as Venoferrum and the characteristics of pregnant women, the criteria for hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation are relaxed to expand the standard for insurance coverage. Hemoglobin levels change from the current 8g/dl to 10g/dL (but 11g/dL for pregnant women). Liquid iron preparations, such as Hemocom, also expand the benefits by relaxing the standards of hemoglobin levels, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation as primary drugs in accordance with the expansion of the iron injection system. It is specified in the individual notice so that it is not administered at the same time or concurrently with sodium hyaluronate preparations accordance with the reimbursement standard (positive reimbursement) for the treatment material for injection in the knee joint, such as chondroid In addition, as two items of Fattiodol injection to be used for carotid artery embolization of liver cancer are scheduled to be listed from next month, the supplement is recognized by adding 'etc.' to the names of ethyl esters of the iodised fatty acids of poppyseed oil injections such as Lipiodol Ultra Liquid, and the reimbursement is recognized. As eight items, including Movizolo 1 mg are scheduled to be listed, the benefit is recognized by adding 'etc.' to the name of the oral product of Prucalopride succinate.
- Company
- Amid COVID-19, March drug export hits record high
- by Kim, Jin-Gu Apr 24, 2020 06:26am
- A monthly export volume of Korean pharmaceuticals has reached a record high in last March. Sources view the COVID-19 outbreak has not affected the pharmaceutical production and export significantly. According to the import and export statistics data published by Korea Customs Service (KCS), Korea has exported USD 538.09 million (approximately 660.2 billion won) worth of pharmaceuticals in March. The Korean-made pharmaceutical export volume has gone up by 51.3 percent, compared to March 2019 at 356.52 million dollars (approximately 437.1 billion won). Also, the volume increased by 51.3 percent as well only in a month from February (355.57 million dollars) to March 2020. Korean pharmaceutical volume in March 2020 has marked the record high (Unit: USD 1,000) Source: KSS In the same period, the import volume has also reached the highest in the history at 688.78 million dollars (approximately 845.1 billion won). Compared to the year before, the volume was increased by 27.5 percent from 540.36 million dollars (approximately 663.0 billion won). The huge surge in export volume has noticeably improved the pharmaceutical trade balance. In March, Korea has made trade deficit of 120.69 million dollars. Compared to the two months last year, the deficit figure was reduced by 18.0 percent. However, the overall export volume in Korea has gone down by 0.7 percent from 47.03 billion dollars to 46.69 billion dollars in the same period. This is why the pharmaceutical export volume has emerged as the highlight of the month. The COVID-19 outbreak does not seem to have directly affected production or export of pharmaceuticals in Korea. ◆Export to Germany and Japan soars, when export to the U.S. and China drops Sorting by country, the export to Germany and Japan has significantly increased. On the other hand, the export to the U.S. and China has diminished. In March alone, the exports to Germany have generated 164.42 million dollars. The figure has tripled from 48.19 million dollars in the year before. More specifically, the exports to Germany exceeded last December’s record high volume at 112 million dollars. The exports to Japan soared by 53.5 percent in March at 28.33 million dollars, compared to 18.45 million dollars last year. Meanwhile, the volume exported to the U.S. has been decreased by 16.3 percent than the previous year at 64.11 million dollars. And the export volume to China in the same month has plunged by 26.0 percent from 24.44 million dollars last year to 18.58 million dollars this year. Trend in export volume with major pharmaceutical trading countries (Unit: USD 1,000) Source: KSS) The pharmaceutical ingredient distribution issues in China and India that the industry insiders were concerned about does not seem to have surfaced in the export statistics. On the contrary, the Chinese and Indian-made pharmaceutical import volumes have rather increased than the year before. 90 percent of pharmaceutical active ingredients are currently imported from China and India. Korea has been importing pharmaceuticals from China, which the volume has grown by 33.8 percent from 7.52 million dollars in March last year to 10.06 million dollars in March this year. Comparing the figure in March to February at 7.53 million dollars, the volume has gone up by 33.5 percent. The pharmaceutical import from India has reached 5.64 million dollars in March. Compared to the year before at 4.91 million dollars, the volume was increased by 14.9 percent, but compared to Febraury at 1.95 million dollars, the March figure has skyrocketed by 189.5 percent.
- Company
- General hospitals to prescribe obesity drug Qsymia
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Apr 23, 2020 06:27am
- Gaining popularity in the obesity treatment market, Qsymia has entered its prescription code in Korean general hospitals. According to pharmaceutical industry, Qsymia (phentermine hydrochloride plus topiramate), co-marketed by Alvogen Korea and Chong Kun Dang, has been recently passed by Drug Committees at the Big Fives including Severance Hospital and Seoul Asan Medical Center and other major institutes like Korea University Anam Hospital and Ajou University Hospital. Qsymia is available in four doses (3.75 mg/ 23 mg, 7.5 mg/ 46 mg, 11.25 mg/ 69mg, and 15mg/ 92mg) at a price of 4,000 won. The daily costs of Belviq, Contrav and Qsymia are about the same in Korea and the U.S. A clinical study on the drug has found Qsymia, compared to other FDA-approved long-term prescribed obesity treatments, demonstrated the most effective weight loss benefit and confirmed safety profile better than Saxenda and Contrav. The study conducted a retrospective meta-analysis on five weight loss medications, which analyzed 28 randomized clinical trials with 29,018 participants. Qsymia showed the highest efficacy in losing more than 5 percent of a person’s body weight, which Saxenda, Contrav, Belviq and Xenical followed after in the order. 54 percent, 34 percent, 30 percent, 25 percent and 20 percent of participants who were administered with Qsymia, Saxenda, Contrav, Belviq and Xenical, respectively, lost more than 10 percent of their body weight. Saxenda and Contrav had the highest risk of adverse reaction, while Belviq had the lowest. Qsymia’s risk in adverse reaction was about in the middle between Saxenda and Belviq. According to data published by UBIST, 310 million won and 614 million won worth of Qsymia were prescribed in last January and February, respectively. The drug’s prescription volume in February followed after Saxenda (875 million won), Dietamin (847 million won) and Hutermin (780 million won) in the market.
