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- Opinion
- [Reporter’s View] Consideration in legislating telemedicine
- by Lee, Jeong-Hwan Apr 30, 2025 06:07am
- Following the presidential election on June 3, which will determine the next president and new administration, one of the most urgent healthcare policies that would need to be addressed is ‘non-face-to-face treatment,’ or telemedicine. Currently, two bills to formalize telemedicine, which is currently under pilot programs, are pending in the National Assembly. Both bills were proposed by members of the People Power Party (Rep Bo-yoon Choi and Jaejun Woo).&160; The Democratic Party of Korea is also preparing to introduce a bill to formalize telemedicine. Amid this situation, platforms that mediate telemedicine services have urged the National Assembly and the government to legalize telemedicine by fully permitting its use for all patients and to establish a system for delivering prescription medications to patients. They argued that implementing the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's unrestricted pilot program, which was launched with the goal of activating and fostering the telemedicine industry, as is, would minimize patient inconvenience and allow platforms currently operating as intermediaries to maintain and expand their revenue models. From the perspective of platforms that generate revenue by mediating telemedicine and prescription between medical institutions, patients, and pharmacies, calling for the institutionalization of telemedicine under a “negative approach” that maximizes the scope of its application is understandable. However, this conflicts with the fundamental principle of South Korea's healthcare system, which prioritizes in-person diagnosis and prescription, which is why the agenda requires careful consideration. Since telemedicine was permitted in Korea in February 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the platform industry has developed rapidly over the past 5 years. It is also a true that these platforms contributed to the stable implementation of telemedicine and preventing national and social panic caused by the spread of new infectious diseases. Nevertheless, the full legalization of telemedicine without clarifying distinctions between initial and follow-up visits or specifying the scope of application raises sufficient concerns that it could undermine or distort the domestic system built on the principles of in-person diagnosis and prescription. Furthermore, it is necessary for the executive and legislative authorities to carefully consider whether it is truly a top priority to dismantle regulations and legalize telemedicine so that all patients can receive telemedicine without any barriers, even in metropolitan areas such as Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, where medical institutions are abundant. In simpler terms, it is essential to closely examine the potential side effects that may arise if an environment is created where patients with minor illnesses can easily obtain prescription medications through telemedicine simply because they find it inconvenient to visit a hospital.&160;&160; The Ministry of Health and Welfare has already confirmed that non-face-to-face medical consultations have affected the overprescription of obesity drugs such as Saxenda during the pilot project, and has implemented supplementary administrative measures such as revising the list of prohibited drugs. Currently, the medical community and pharmacists are raising questions about the necessity of allowing telemedicine for conditions like hair loss or acne, which are relatively non-urgent and have low severity, as well as the need for medication prescriptions in such cases. Without properly understanding this reality, simply transferring the current unrestricted telemedicine system into legislation based on the fact that South Korea has implemented telemedicine for over 5 years could accelerate distortions in the medical delivery system or increase the risk of abnormal diagnostic and prescription practices. While radical reforms may sometimes be necessary to modernize outdated systems, such reforms inevitably come with corresponding side effects. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea's healthcare system had not faced significant issues, except for shortages in essential and regional medical care. Therefore, the legislative direction for the institutionalization of telemedicine to be discussed by the National Assembly after the 21st presidential election should focus on effectively resolving the collapse of essential and regional medical care, rather than promoting the telemedicine industry or developing platform business models. South Korea's healthcare system has been established and developed over the past 25 years since the separation of medical and pharmaceutical services in 2000, under the slogan “Diagnosis by doctors, dispensing by pharmacists.” If telemedicine policies are legalized solely based on the global and nationwide shock and damage caused by the novel infectious disease pandemic over the past few years, there is a risk that a system that disregards the domestic healthcare delivery system and pharmacy ecosystem may replace the current system that has been established since the separation of medical and pharmaceutical services. Given that the outcome of the June 3 presidential election will determine whether the current administration remains in power or changes, the specific direction of the telemedicine systemization will also be influenced by the results of the presidential election and subsequent legislative reviews in the National Assembly. The new president and government should prioritize making a social consensus on institutionalizing telemedicine in a manner that maintains and restores a safe and unbiased healthcare system, rather than focusing on telemedicine for the industry revitalization.
- Company
- K-pharma unveils results on TPD to ADC at AACR
- by Son, Hyung Min Apr 30, 2025 06:07am
- The Korean pharmaceutical and biotech industry has shown achievements in developing anticancer drugs equipped with novel mechanisms. They demonstrated potential in areas that have rapidly risen as R&D trends, such as targeted protein degraders, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and bispecific antibodies. According to industry sources on the 29th, the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting (AACR 2025) began on the 25th and will run for five days in Chicago, USA. The AACR is classified as one of the world’s top three oncology conferences, along with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). The annual meeting primarily features early&8208;stage clinical results for anticancer drug candidates, such as preclinical and phase 1 data. Dong-A ST·Therapex demonstrated achievements in preclinical trials involving TPD Companies such as Dong-A ST, Therapex, Pin Therapeutics, and Nibec unveiled their development results for targeted protein degraders (TPDs) at this meeting. While conventional small&8208;molecule therapies inhibit protein function, TPD drugs are designed to fundamentally degrade and remove disease-causing proteins, offering superior therapeutic efficacy and eliminating resistance issues. TPD drugs's advantage lies in their ability to target over 80 % of disease-causing proteins that cannot be modulated by conventional small&8208;molecule compounds. Dong-A ST unveiled preclinical results for its EGFR-targeted protein degrader 'SC2073' at this meeting. Currently available EGFR-positive lung cancer treatments include first-generation Iressa (gefitinib, AstraZeneca) and Tarceva (erlotinib, Roche), second-generation Giotrif (afatinib, Boehringer Ingelheim) and Vizimpro (dacomitinib, Pfizer), and third-generation Leclaza (lazertinib, Yuhan) and Tagrisso (osimertinib, AstraZeneca). However, resistance often develops even with highly effective targeted therapies. The C797S mutation is a key resistance mechanism in EGFR-positive treatment. Moreover, treatment options remain limited after resistance to targeted therapies emerges. For patients with resistance to targeted therapies, options such as platinum-based chemotherapy, docetaxel, or immuno-oncology agents are available, but response rates show no significant improvement. SC2073 acts on an allosteric binding site of EGFR and selectively degrades only the mutant EGFR forms that are resistant to existing non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapies. It does not affect normal EGFR, thereby minimizing associated side effects. Therapex unveiled data on its degrader antibody&8211;drug conjugate (DAC) 'TRX-214-1002,' which links a GSPT1 molecular glue to a CD33 antibody, at AACR 2025. DACs are expected to offer higher safety than ADCs because they employ TPDs, small molecules that degrade proteins. ADCs are novel anticancer drugs that connect an antibody, which binds to specific antigens on the surface of cancer cells, with a cytotoxic drug linked by a linker. ADCs use antibodies' selectivity for their targets and the drug's cytotoxic activity to selectively target cancer cells, thereby increasing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. While Roche's Kadcyla, the first-generation ADC, is only approved for breast cancer, second-generation ADCs are approved for various indications. Enhertu and Trodelvy have been shown to be effective in various solid cancer areas, such as breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and colorectal cancer. Despite its high intracellular target specificity and ability to induce decreased protein expression, TPD has low in vivo utilization. Developers are conducting clinical trials to use TPD and ADC for precise target identification. Therapex is developing TRX-214-1002 as a treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that is refractory to existing therapies or has low drug responsiveness. In July of last year, it received support from the Korea Drug Development Fund (KDDF) to advance its development. TRX-214-1002 attaches a GSPT1 payload to the same antibody used in the ADC therapeutic 'Mylotarg.' Preclinical results showed that TRX-214-1002 demonstrated improved outcomes in AML treatment compared with conventional ADC therapies. Pin Therapeutics has unveiled the preclinical research results for 'PIN-5018' for the first time. PIN-5018 is a molecular glue degrader targeting CK1α (Casein Kinase 1 alpha), operating via a mechanism that blocks cancer cell survival pathways. Pin Therapeutics has unveiled the preclinical research results for 'PIN-5018' for the first time. PIN-5018 is a molecular glue degrader targeting CK1α (Casein Kinase 1 alpha), operating via a mechanism that blocks cancer cell survival pathways. CK1α is a serine/threonine kinase that plays essential roles in cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, immune responses, and other vital functions. PIN-5018 works by suppressing cancer cell growth and survival through induction of the degradation of this protein. PIN-5018 is being developed specifically for MSS (Microsatellite Stable) colorectal cancer, which has a low response rate to immuno-oncology drugs. MSS-type colorectal cancer accounts for approximately 80&8211;85% of all colorectal cancers. Still, it is classified as an area of high unmet need because current response rates to immuno-oncology drugs or targeted therapies are low, and the duration of response is short. Pin Therapeutics reported that PIN-5018 demonstrated superior antitumor efficacy compared to existing first-line therapies in preclinical studies and showed positive potential as a monotherapy and in combination regimens. Yuhan·Celltrion·Aptamer Sciences presented preclinical results for ADCs and bispecific antibodies Yuhan and ABL Bio presented preclinical data on 'YH32364' (ABL104) in a poster session at this AACR meeting. YH32364 is designed as a bispecific antibody that simultaneously targets EGFR and 4-1BB. EGFR is a well-known biomarker expressed in major solid tumors, including non&8211;small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer. By simultaneously targeting EGFR and T-cell activating 4-1BB, Yuhan aims to maximize the antitumor effect of this immuno-oncology candidate. Yuhan reported that in a preclinical efficacy trial, YH32364 showed stronger superior effects in EGFR-expressing tumors compared to cetuximab. It was demonstrated that the candidate drug retained long-term anti-tumor effects through immunological memory. Furthermore, it was confirmed that YH32364 activated 4-1BB signaling in EGFR-expressing tumors, leading to the recruitment of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and altering the tumor microenvironment. Cetuximab is an anticancer agent that targets the EGFR receptor and is used to treat various cancers, including colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer, and lung cancer. It is particularly well known to be effective in colorectal cancer patients with KRAS gene mutations. Yuhan stated that YH32364 works by activating immune cells through EGFR-specific 4-1BB signaling in tumors. The company hopes YH32364 will be more effective in a wide variety of EGFR-expressing solid cancers than anti-EGFR mAb. Celltrion presented preclinical results for its multi-specific antibody-based anticancer drug candidate, 'CT-P72.' CT-P72 is a multi-specific antibody immunotherapy co-developed by Celltrion and Abpro, a biotechnology company based in the United States. This therapy is designed as a T-cell engager (TCE), which connects cancer cells that express HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2) with T cells, a type of immune cell, to help eliminate the cancer cells. T-cell engagers are a bispecific antibody-based modality that physically links cancer cells and immune cells to treat cancer. This mechanism can harness the human immune system to attack cancer, enabling more precise targeting of cancer cells and eliciting a potent immune response. CT-P72 is designed to simultaneously target HER2 and the immune cell surface protein CD3 to activate T cells and attack cancer cells while minimizing toxicity to normal cells. In particular, it demonstrated high tumor inhibition by selectively acting on cancer cells in HER2-overexpressing tumor models. Moreover, CT-P72 consistently maintained its antitumor efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo studies, and in primate toxicity tests, it exhibited 180-fold superior safety compared to a reference compound. Aptamer Sciences presented pre-clinical results of its new ADC candidate product, 'AST-203.' AST-203 targets the protein TROP2, which is predominantly expressed in breast, pancreatic, gastric, and lung cancers. This drug candidate binds selectively to TROP2-positive tumors, penetrates the cells, and releases the microtubule inhibitor MMAE to induce cancer cell death. AST-203 is made by conjugating TROP2-targeting antibody with 'MMAE,' a microtubule disruption agent, with linker 'VC-PAB.' TROP2 is an intracellular calcium signal transducer involved in cell proliferation and survival. Among TROP2-targeting drugs, the commercialized products are Gilead's ADC Trodelvy and Daiichi Sankyo/AstraZeneca's Datroway. Both products are approved for breast cancer indications only. Because TROP2 is mainly found in breast cancer, NSCLC, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer, later entrants are conducting clinical trials targeting these major solid tumors. Aptamer Sciences is exploring ways to overcome the limitations of existing ADC therapies using its proprietary ADC platform technology, 'Aptamer.' Aptamers are one-tenth the size of antibodies, allowing deeper penetration into tumor tissue and rapid delivery to target cells for therapeutic effect. In preclinical studies, Aptamer Sciences confirmed the potential of AST-203 in tumor spheroid models (three-dimensional aggregates of cultured cells). According to the company, AST-203 demonstrated a 6.7-fold higher tumor penetration rate than Trodelvy.
- Company
- ‘Policy support required for hidradenitis suppurativa’
- by Whang, byung-woo Apr 30, 2025 06:06am
- “Hidradenitis suppurativa is difficult to cure and requires long-term treatment. As it is a rare disease, I think it is desirable to increase access to treatments with clear treatment benefits by providing both reimbursement and special calculation for this disease, which has a small number of patients.” Hidradenitis suppurativa is a disease whose exact cause or pathogenesis has not yet been fully identified, and it is a rare disease with a prevalence rate of less than 1% in South Korea. The number of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa in South Korea is estimated to be approximately 10,000 as of 2022, which only includes those who have been clearly diagnosed after experiencing recurrent lesions and formation of tracts beneath the skin. Although TNF-α inhibitors are a reimbursable treatment option, options are limited when considering treatment failure and side effects. At an interview with Dailypharm, Joo Yeon Ko, Professor of Dermatology at Hanyang University Medical Center emphasized the need to improve access by expanding treatment options for hidradenitis suppurativa. Hidradenitis suppurativa causes abscesses to form in various areas around the sebaceous glands beneath the skin. Unlike typical abscesses, the lesions are connected to each other, forming channels known as “tracts.” It is broadly classified into ▲active, where inflammation persists, and ▲inactive, where no further inflammation occurs; however, it is difficult to clearly distinguish between the active and inactive states. Professor Ko explained, “Even in the same patient, the condition can be highly active at one time and stable at another, so the medication and treatment methods used may vary depending on the individual's condition. In the case of active disease, the patient experiences severe pain due to inflammation in areas such as the armpits, and the goal of treatment is to reduce the frequency of the inflammation.” He continued, “Mild-to-moderate patients rarely visit university hospitals, and mild patients with symptoms in one or two areas are mainly treated at private clinics. It is important to identify the potential for progression to severe disease in mild patients, as a higher recurrence rate is associated with a higher risk of progression.” Limited treatment options for suppurative hidradenitis, IL-17 emerges but faces hurdles for use The basic treatment for suppurative hidradenitis is I&D (incision and drainage), which involves incising the area where the patient feels pain to remove the internal inflammation. In addition, antibiotics are administered for about 3 months to reduce inflammation, and if there is a high risk of recurrence, sebum inhibitors used to treat acne are also used. However, in severe cases, these treatments are not sufficient to control the inflammation, and biological agents are used. Currently, Humira (adalimumab), a TNF-α inhibitor, is covered by insurance. In addition, although not yet covered by insurance, the interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitor Cosentyx (secukinumab) was approved in Korea in 2015, approximately 8 years after the approval of Humira. Professor Ko said, “TNF-α inhibitors covered by insurance have the advantage of broadly blocking inflammation, but they also have the limitation of blocking the inflammatory response that is necessary for our bodies. IL-17 inhibitors have a more targeted mechanism than TNF-α inhibitors and show similar therapeutic effects and superior safety.” According to overseas and domestic guidelines, both TNF-α inhibitors and IL-17 inhibitors are currently recommended as first-line treatment options. If sufficient therapeutic effects are not achieved with oral medications, one of the two approved biological agents can be selected. Regarding this, Professor Ko explained, “Although TNF-α inhibitors have been covered by insurance in Korea for over 5 years, not many patients actually use them on-site. TNF-α inhibitors have a broad anti-inflammatory mechanism, which raises concerns about side effects, and when we explain this to patients, they are reluctant to use them.” In actual treatment, patients who received IL-17 inhibitors (Cosentyx) showed a significant improvement in quality of life after continuing treatment for one and a half years, said Professor Ko. Previously, patients had severe symptoms requiring surgery and were unable to move their arms properly, but after treatment, their symptoms improved significantly, and the use of antibiotics and other medications decreased to 25% of the previous level. Professor Ko stated, “In global clinical trials, approximately 60% of patients achieved HiSCR 50 with Cosentyx. This means that 60% of patients experienced a 50% or greater improvement in symptoms. While a 50% improvement may seem modest, it actually represents a significant improvement.” He added, “Hidradenitis suppurativa is a disease that develops at a young age and requires long-term management, so controlling it with medications that have few side effects is the best approach. In this regard, I believe Cosentyx is a good option at this point.” “Hidradenitis suppurativa, a rare and intractable disease pustular psoriasis…unrestricted special reimbursement calculation support is needed” However, there are restrictions on the use of the IL-17 inhibitor Cosentyx. Unlike Humira, which is covered by reimbursement, Cosentyx is not yet covered. In fact, Novartis Korea applied for reimbursement expansion for Cosentyx for hidradenitis suppurativa in November last year, but the discussions are at a standstill. Professor Ko said, “IL-17 inhibitors have already been used extensively in psoriasis, so there is a tendency to prefer Cosentyx, but it is difficult to use it actively because it is not covered by insurance. Currently, if TNF-α inhibitors are used and sufficient effects are not seen, the cost of using Cosentyx thereafter is extremely high.” Professor Ko emphasized that while it may be worth considering distinguishing treatment sequence within biological agents based on practical factors like drug prices, from a medical perspective, it is important to prioritize options that have fewer side effects. He said, “If TNF-α inhibitors are used in the first line and are not effective, using Cosentyx as a the next treatment option can be an alternative, but this cannot be considered the ideal approach from a medical standpoint. In the long term, it would be desirable to apply reimbursement so that both treatments can be used on an equal footing.” Additionally, Professor Ko stressed the need for policy support to apply special reimbursement calculation provisions for the rare and intractable disease suppurative hidradenitis. Currently, suppurative hidradenitis is classified according to severity, and only severe cases are eligible for special reimbursement and insurance coverage, but the total number of patients is only about 10,000, and among them, less than 1,000 are estimated to be severe cases. Therefore, even if reimbursement and special calculations are applied simultaneously, it is unlikely to place a significant financial burden on the government. Professor Ko said, “For diseases like hidradenitis suppurativa, which have a small number of patients and treatments offer clear benefits, it is necessary to increase access to treatment by providing both reimbursement and special calculations. Even if reimbursement and special calculations are applied simultaneously, only a few dozen patients will actually benefit and use Cosentyx each year.” Finally, he added, “Effective medications for treating hidradenitis suppurativa are continuing to emerge, and better ones will be developed in the future. I hope patients do not lose hope and actively consult with medical professionals and seek treatment.”
- Opinion
- [Reporter's View] Prescribing pre-reviewed new drugs
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Apr 30, 2025 06:06am
- New drugs that patients long-awaited are being reimbursed, but no hospitals are prescribing them. There have been various attempts at improving the system, but an issue related to new drug access remains unresolved in South Korea. Public petitions for reimbursement of a particular new drug are frequently listed, and more patient organizations are gathering petition signatures. Yet, new drugs that successfully overcome challenges to be listed often are not prescribed at hospitals even though there are no prescription requirements, often mandated for gene therapies, for these drugs. Although these are first-in-class drugs and quality for reimbursement, there are only a handful of drugs that become prescribed at medical institutes throughout the country half a year after inclusion to the reimbursement list. This often occurs because hospitals tend to be afraid of being responsible for high-cost drugs after administration of such drugs upon doctor's advice and having the risk of insurance deduction. Distributing companies often contribute to this matter. During the process of distribution, loss results in substantial financial loss. Many of these cases involve drugs that have undergone a pre-review system for reimbursement. The 'pre-review' system processes the appropriateness of reimbursement for high-cost orphan drugs before authorization. It has been established to consider strengthening patient drug access and protecting National Health Insurance finance. It conducts both pre-reviews of determining the appropriate patient pool and continuance of administration after approval through pre-review. In other words, especially for high-cost drugs, the system offers a pre-review to determine whether a drug is deemed reimbursable. Drugs that underwent pre-review can be prescribed during an emergency and under a doctor's advice. The problem is that the drug has been administered but is deemed not reimbursable afterward. It does not mean that hospitals and distributors must endure losses. However, these drugs have been added to the reimbursement list after substantial efforts and demands. Hospitals and distributors need to collaborate on the issue of 'risk-sharing.' These drugs entered the system after meeting the criteria for at least two types of risk-sharing agreement (RSAs). There is no time to hesitate, and we must find a solution.
- Policy
- Ofev will be reimbursed next month
- by Lee, Tak-Sun Apr 29, 2025 05:57am
- Ofev Soft Cap (nintedanib esylate, Boehringer Ingelheim Korea) , which was approved in South Korea in 2016, will be listed for reimbursement next month, creating an opportunity for follow-on drugs. It took a long time to secure reimbursement, and with its compound patent already expired, generic manufacturers have obtained marketing authorization and are now awaiting reimbursement. Generic manufacturers plan to apply for reimbursement immediately upon Ofev’s listing to receive the same reimbursement price and commence market sales soon. Some generic companies are even securing distribution channels by launching non-reimbursed versions before the reimbursement takes effect. According to industry sources on the 28th, Ofev soft cap will be reimbursed from next month at KRW 26,220 for the 150 mg and KRW 20,960 for 100 mg. After Ofev was approved in South Korea in October 2016, the drug applied for reimbursement in October 2020 but was deemed non-reimbursable, and the company re-applied for reimbursement in March of last year. Ofev has secured three indications. At the time of its domestic approval in October 2016, it was indicated for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), in February 2020, for systemic sclerosis-associated ILD, and in June 2020, for chronic fibrosing ILD with a progressive phenotype (PPF). The current reimbursement criteria cover only ILD with a PPF. The Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA) determined that reimbursement for IPF was not appropriate, as the company did not submit separate cost-effectiveness evidence. In the case of IPF, Ildong Pharmaceutical's Pirespa Tab (pirfenidone) established a dominant position when they were reimbursed under a risk-sharing agreement (RSA) starting in October 2015. Subsequently, generic pirfenidone formulations entered the market, and Pirespa Tab's RSA ended in October 2017. Currently, pirfenidone formulations from Ildong Pharmaceutical, Yungjin Pharmaceutical, Kolon Pharma, and Korea United Pharm are listed for reimbursement. When Pirespa entered the RSA, it was difficult for follow-on products in the same indication to be included in the scheme, making reimbursement listing for Ofev challenging. After securing Ofev's three indications in 2020, the company was reportedly focused on obtaining reimbursement for PPF, a segment with no market competition. The Drug Reimbursement Evaluation Committee (DREC) recognized clinical utility, citing the significant improvement in the annual decline rate of forced vital capacity (FVC) compared with placebo and judging that the cost-effectiveness ratio fell within an acceptable range, deeming reimbursement appropriate. Reimbursement also includes patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease who exhibited delayed lung function decline. It is estimated that approximately 329 patients will be eligible for Ofev reimbursement in Korea. With reimbursement, annual out-of-pocket drug costs are expected to amount to KRW 5.74 million, significantly reducing the financial burden. Under non-reimbursed status, costs amounted to approximately KRW 19.14 million. However, the imminent entry of generic versions poses a threat to Ofev. Ofev's compound patent expired on January 25 of this year. As a result, generic manufacturers have either already launched their products or are preparing to do so following approval. The currently approved generics are Daewoong Pharmaceutical's Opevia Tab, Yungjin Pharm's Nintebro Tab, and Ildong's Cuinnta Tab. With Ofev being listed as an innovator drug, these generics are now more likely to receive reimbursement within three months of their listing applications. If they apply for reimbursement in May, they could be covered as early as August. The fact that the compound patent has expired and that nintedanib is designated as an orphan drug allows it to receive the same top reimbursement price as the original, creating opportunities for the generics. In particular, companies that have already established a foothold in the pulmonary fibrosis market with pirfenidone formulations can expect synergies by maintaining their existing customer base while expanding their product line. Pirfenidone and nintedanib have different reimbursed indications. Last year, pirfenidone formulations posted sales of KRW 34 billion for Ildong's Pirespa (according to UBIST) and KRW 4.9 billion for Yungjin's Fybro. Yungjin began marketing immediately after the patent expired, while Ildong recently started non-reimbursed marketing. Ildong held a symposium on the launch of Cuinnta Tab on the 26th&8211;27th at the Gravity Chosun Seoul Pangyo Hotel, attended by approximately 80 respiratory medicine specialists from across the country.
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