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- 2026-04-24 02:42:36
- Policy
- Will the DoctorNow Prevention Act pass the National Assembly?
- by Lee, Jeong-Hwan Apr 23, 2026 10:51am
- Whether the amendment to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, which prohibits non-face-to-face medical treatment platforms from operating as pharmaceutical wholesalers, can be tabled and passed during the final plenary session of the 22nd National Assembly, scheduled for the 23rd, is drawing significant attention.The bill, called the "Doctor Now Prevention Act," was originally expected to be processed in a plenary session last year alongside the amendment to the Medical Service Act to institutionalize non-face-to-face treatment. However, it has been pending for over five months due to opposition from some ruling and opposition party lawmakers, as well as the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, for the reason that it undermines the revenue-generating models of startups.On the 21st, the ruling and opposition parties agreed to holding a plenary session on the 23rd to wrap up the first half of the 22nd National Assembly ahead of the June 3 local elections.In particular, the ruling party has expressed its determination to process as many livelihood bills awaiting final disposal as possible at this closing point of the first-half session, citing that approximately 120 bills are currently pending in the plenary session.This is why all attention is on whether the inclusion of the Doctor Now Prevention Act to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act can be tabled and passed during this plenary session.For now, the Democratic Party of Korea’s Policy Committee maintains the position that there is no reason for the bill not to be processed. Their view is that it is irrational and abnormal to delay the passage of the bill due to backlash from a specific company, especially after the bill already passed the committees, including the Health and Welfare Committee and the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, with bipartisan agreement.Furthermore, despite the strong determination of the Ministry of Health and Welfare to pass the bill, the leadership of the Democratic Party reportedly views it as unprecedented for a bill, which is only awaiting plenary processing following legitimate legislative procedures, to be suddenly modified because a related ministry, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, raised a differing opinion, leading to inter-ministerial conflict.Nevertheless, the outlook for tabling and processing the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act amendment in the plenary session on the 23rd remains challenging. This is because the legislative opposition from lawmakers in 'Unicorn Farm,' a bipartisan research group for startups and ventures, remains intense, and internal party alignment has not been definitively settled.Consequently, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has been placed in a position where it can do nothing but wait for the National Assembly's decision. Even if a non-face-to-face treatment brokerage platform establishes and operates its own pharmaceutical wholesaler to generate revenue through management that carries a high risk of conflict of interest, the ministry has no choice but to remain a bystander.An official from the ruling party explained, "The Democratic Party’s Policy Committee views that a platform's operation of a wholesaler cannot be regarded as startup innovation or a legitimate revenue model, and thus believes it is necessary to pass the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act in its original form in the plenary session on the 23rd," and added, "This bill is also essential for the institutionalization of non-face-to-face treatment. However, the fact that some disagreements within the party remain is an issue that must be resolved promptly."
- Policy
- CPAC agrees on designating GLP-1 obesity drugs as medicines of concern
- by Lee, Tak-Sun Apr 23, 2026 10:50am
- The majority of members of the Central Pharmaceutical Affairs Council agreed on the need to designate GLP-1 obesity treatments as 'drugs of concern for misuse or abuse.' There were also reactions suggesting that the designation is expected to raise awareness among the public who may not recognize these as prescription-only medications.According to the minutes released on the 21st regarding the meeting held by the Central Pharmaceutical Affairs Council (CPAC) on ‘Validity of Designating GLP-1 Class Obesity Treatments as Medicines of Concern for Misuse or Abuse,’ committee members unanimously agreed that the designation is appropriate to curb indiscriminate use by patients and the sharing of misinformation online.As a result of the meeting, all 9 attending members voted in favor of the designation, and the motion was passed. The CPAC members assessed the current situation where GLP-1 class treatments are being misused by the general public despite being prescription-only drugs as serious.One member stated, “The designation can provide a reminder to the public that these are prescription drugs,” supporting the designation.Another member pointed out, “We need a mechanism to eradicate inappropriate behaviors, such as the sharing of reviews on platforms like YouTube describing how people ‘splitting’ expensive medications.”The fact that the need for this designation has been consistently raised by the media and the National Assembly, as well as the need for equity with other medications, were cited as key grounds for the decision. One of the key regulatory measures of this designation is restricting handling in pharmacies located in areas exempt from the prescription–dispensing separation system, specifically blocking purchases without prescriptions.Committee members viewed prescription restrictions in these exempt areas as necessary to prevent cases where the drugs are prescribed to inappropriate groups, such as pregnant women or children.One committee member emphasized that “pharmaceutical companies are unlikely to suffer significant losses from this designation,” stressing that the public interest outweighs the administrative burden of the regulation.The designation includes liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro).In particular, the MFDS explained that ‘Mounjaro,’ which is used to treat both diabetes and obesity, is subject to the ‘drug of concern for misuse or abuse’ designation because it includes an obesity indication.However, some committee members added, “We are concerned that designating these drugs as ‘drugs of concern for misuse or abuse’ may create a negative perception of the medication in a situation where obesity should be treated as a disease.”Based on the results of this review, the MFDS plans to require the phrase ‘drug of concern for misuse or abuse’ to be printed on the packaging of GLP-1-based obesity treatments and to strengthen oversight to ensure they cannot be sold without a prescription, even in exception areas.
- Policy
- Kanarbzet, Sogroya newly reimbursed next month
- by Lee, Jeong-Hwan Apr 23, 2026 10:50am
- Boryung Pharmaceutical’s triple-combination drug for hypertension and dyslipidemia, ‘Kanarbzet Tab,’ will be newly reimbursed from next monthBoryung Pharmaceutical’s triple-combination drug for hypertension and dyslipidemia, ‘Kanarbzet Tab,’ and Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical’s long-acting growth hormone ‘Sogroya’ will be newly listed for reimbursement next month (May).Viatris Isoptin Inj, Epic Cholestyramine Powder, and Senra 5-HTP, supplied through the Korea Orphan & Essential Drug Center, will also newly obtain reimbursement.Ono Pharmaceutical’s Opdivo Inj(120 mg) and the autoinjector formulation of GSK’s Nucala will be newly listed for reimbursement, while Daewon Pharmaceutical’s Pelubi and Janssen’s Erleada will have their reimbursement price ceilings reduced.LG Chem’s Zemidapa, which had been scheduled for a price reduction, will retain its current price.On the 21st, the Ministry of Health and Welfare partially revised and issued the “Drug Reimbursement List and Reimbursement Price Ceiling Table” containing these changes.Boryung’s Kanarbzet Tab, a combination of the antihypertensive drug Kanarb (containing fimasartan) and the hyperlipidemia drugs atorvastatin and ezetimibe, will be priced at KRW 1,644 per tablet for the 30/10/10 mg formulation, the 30/20/10-milligram formulation is KRW 1,646, the 60/10/10-milligram formulation is KRW 1,753, and the 60/20/10-milligram formulation is KRW 1,755.Sogroya Prefilled Pen 15mg/1.5ml will be listed for reimbursement at KRW 277,624 per pen, and Opdivo Injection 120mg at KRW 1,318,822 per vial.The price of Viatris Isoptin 5 mg Inj is set at KRW 3,491 per 2 ml vial, Epic Cholestyramine Powder for Susp at KRW 1,604 per 4 g packet, and Cenra 5-HTP 100 mg Cap at 2KRW 790 per capsule. The price of the Nucala autoinjector is set at KRW 1.28 million per pen, the same as the existing injectable formulation.Among already listed drugs, Pelubi Tab and Pelubi SR Tab will have their reimbursement ceilings reduced by 46.7% and 23.0%, respectively, on the 1st of next month. Among these, the reimbursement ceiling for Pelubi SR Tab will be further reduced by 23.5% starting August 1.The reimbursement ceiling for Janssen’s Erleada Tab will also be reduced by 29.3% on the 1st of next month, while Kyowa Kirin’s Orkedia Tab 1 mg and 2 mg will each be reduced by 2.0%.Kolon Pharmaceutical’s Kotuss 50 mg will be reduced by 0.4%, and Chong Kun Dang’s Dilatrend SR 32 mg by 0.1%Meanwhile, Zemidapa Tab, which had been scheduled for a 15.5% reduction next month, will maintain its current ceiling, and the reduction will be postponed to May 1 next year.
- Policy
- INN Prescribing Bill may be excluded from April subcommittee
- by Lee, Jeong-Hwan Apr 22, 2026 08:54am
- The Health and Welfare Committee of the National Assembly has decided to hold a legislative subcommittee meeting on the 28th. However, as the ruling and opposition parties have agreed not to table bills under debates, the legislation that would partially mandate International Nonproprietary Name (INN) prescribing by physicians is expected to be excluded from the review agenda.The bill, a national task for the Lee Jae Myung administration and proposed by members of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, is strongly opposed by the medical community. Furthermore, lawmakers from the main opposition People Power Party maintain a stance of cautious review or outright opposition. Consequently, the likelihood of reaching a bipartisan agreement to include the bill in this month's subcommittee has diminishedIf the bill is excluded this month, after failing to gain a review opportunity last month due to medical community resistance, the INN Prescribing Bill is expected to be considered during the subcommittee meetings held after the June 3 local elections.On the 20th, the executive secretaries of the Health and Welfare Committee agreed to hold the 1st and 2nd Legislative Subcommittees on the 28th. The plan involves reviewing bills under the jurisdiction of the 1st subcommittee in the morning and the 2nd subcommittee in the afternoon. On the following day, the 29th, a Petition Subcommittee will be held, followed by a plenary session to process the bills passed by the subcommittees.The executive secretaries have requested that individual members' offices submit the bills they wish to have reviewed. While the final agenda is determined through bipartisan consultation, the agreement to prioritize 'non-controversial bills' makes it highly likely that the bill mandating INN prescribing for national essential drugs and medicines in unstable supply, a major point of interest in the healthcare sector, will be excluded for the second consecutive month.The proposed amendments to the Medical Service Act and the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, introduced by Rep. Jang Jong-tae and Rep. Kim Yun of the Democratic Party, would legally mandate physicians to use active ingredient names rather than brand names when prescribing national essential medicines or drugs with unstable supply.While the legislation aims to address social inconveniences, such as patients "pharmacy hopping" due to long-term drug supply instability, the medical community remains adamantly opposed. Kim Taek-Woo, president of the Korea Medical Association (KMA), has repeatedly stated that if the INN Prescribing Bill is tabled, the KMA will gather physicians nationwide for outdoor protests.Since the People Power Party sympathizes with the medical community's opposition, a bipartisan agreement is unlikely even if the Democratic Party requests a review.Furthermore, as this month's subcommittee is condensed into a single day for both the 1st and 2nd subcommittees, unlike the usual practice of dedicating a full day to each, the probability of tabling a highly contentious bill like INN prescribing is even lower.An official from a member's office on the Health and Welfare Committee explained, "We are currently at the stage of selecting bills for review as requested by each office. Since this subcommittee is being held just a month before the June 3 local elections, both parties have agreed to table and process only non-controversial bills."The official added, "The INN prescribing bill is an issue with significant disagreement, including opposition from doctors, making it difficult to include in this subcommittee's agenda. If it is not reviewed this time, it will likely only be possible after the National Assembly is formed in the second half of the year following the local elections."
- Policy
- Government mobilizes full effort to stabilize medical product supply
- by Kang, Shin-Kook Apr 22, 2026 08:54am
- The government is launching an all-out response, including additional syringe production and increases in fees for treatment materials, in order to resolve the supply instability of pharmaceuticals and medical devices caused by the prolonged war in the Middle East.The Ministry of Health and Welfare (Minister Eun-kyeong Jeong) held the “4th Meeting of Health and Medical Organizations in Response to the War in the Middle East” on the morning of the 21st at Conference House Dalgaebi in Jung-gu, Seoul, together with 12 health and medical organizations and relevant ministries, and discussed medical product monitoring results and future action plans.At present, production volumes of major medical products such as syringes, needles, medicine pouches, and syrup bottles are not much different from the previous year, but measures are being implemented to preemptively block concerns over supply instability.First, regarding syringes, which had raised significant concerns about supply instability, Korea Vaccine has agreed to produce an additional 500,000 units per week for seven weeks, totaling 3.5 million units, through special overtime work. The units produced in this manner will be prioritized for supply to hemodialysis clinics, pediatric and adolescent medicine clinics, and obstetric medical institutions via the Korean Medical Association’s ‘Syringe Hotline,’ and some will be distributed to medical institutions through online stores.Medicine pouches and syrup bottles are likewise not in short supply in the first quarter, but the government plans to continue supporting manufacturers so that raw materials can be supplied to them on a priority basis.Economic support measures have also been put in place to alleviate the cost burden on companies caused by the recent rise in exchange rates.The Ministry of Health and Welfare has decided to increase the average reimbursed health insurance fee by 2% for approximately 27,000 separately billed medical supplies to compensate for the rise in prices of imported raw materials.At the same time, it will respond strictly to acts that disrupt the distribution order. Beginning this week, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is deploying a 70-member ‘special syringe and needle crackdown team’ to intensively inspect hoarding and other illegal activities. It plans to take severe measures against any confirmed violations.Regulatory relief measures to alleviate on-site difficulties are also being pursued. The Ministry of Climate Change, Energy and Environment, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare are reviewing a plan to temporarily extend the disposal cycle for general medical waste, on the premise that management will be strengthened so that no infection risk occurs.Minister Eun-kyeong Jeong said, “Production volumes of key items such as syringes are being managed stably at last year’s levels. We will do our utmost to ensure that necessary medical services are provided to the public without disruption through close monitoring.”
- Policy
- Xtandi generics signal June showdown as patent expiry nears
- by Lee, Tak-Sun Apr 21, 2026 07:33am
- Astellas’ newly launched ‘Xtandi Tab’GL Pharma has thrown its hat into the ring for the generic market of Astellas Pharma Korea’s blockbuster prostate cancer treatment, ‘Xtandi (enzalutamide).’ With the compound patent set to expire in June, domestic pharmaceutical companies are securing approvals one after another, and fierce competition is expected in the second half of the year to gain market leadership.GL Pharma’s ‘Proenza’ approved… expands generic lineupAccording to industry sources on the 20th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) granted marketing authorization for GL Pharma’s ‘Proenza Soft Cap 40mg.’ This product is manufactured under a contract manufacturing (CMO) arrangement with Cosmax Pharma.With this approval, the number of domestic companies holding approvals for Xtandi generics has increased to include GL Pharma, joining existing holders Alvogen Korea (Anamide), Daewon Pharmaceutical (Enzadex), Hanall Biopharma (Enzaluta), Menarini Korea (Enzal-X), and Hanmi Pharmaceutical (Enzaron).In particular, following Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s approval last month for the first domestically manufactured product, GL Pharma has also secured a domestically produced product, improving supply stability.AI-generated imageFormulation patent through 2033 also avoided… launch barriers eliminatedThe patent barriers, which had been the biggest obstacle for generic companies, have in effect all been removed. Xtandi had been protected mainly by two patents.The compound patent (diaryl hydantoin compound) expires on June 27, 2026. Generic drugs are expected to enter the market starting at this point.The formulation patent (enzalutamide formulation) was scheduled to expire in September 2033. However, five domestic companies, including GL Pharma, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Chong Kun Dang, JW Pharmaceutical, and Alvogen Korea, recently succeeded in circumventing it by securing a favorable ruling after obtaining favorable decisions in passive scope confirmation trials.As a result, domestic companies have fully secured the legal basis to launch generics early, from June 28.Astellas’ last stand “tablet conversion”… can it defend the market?The defense strategy of the originator company, Astellas Pharma Korea, is no less formidable. Astellas moved to defend the market by abruptly listing ‘Xtandi Tab (40 mg, 80 mg)’ for reimbursement this month, immediately before generic launch, which improves ease of administration.Compared to the existing 40 mg soft capsule, the 40mg tablet version is about half the size, and with the addition of the 80 mg high-dose product, the daily dosage has also been reduced. Consequently, the medication burden of patients who had to take four 40 mg capsules per day is expected to be significantly eased.The price for the 40mg product remains unchanged at KRW 14,167 per tablet, the same as the existing soft capsules, while the 80mg product is priced at KRW 21,251 per tablet. Notably, for the 80mg product, the monthly medication cost (based on 56 tablets) is approximately 25% lower than that of the existing 40mg capsules (112 capsules), which is expected to reduce the financial burden on patients.Astellas’ strategy is to use the tablet formulation to penetrate the generic drug market, which currently consists solely of capsule formulations.According to pharmaceutical market research firm UBIST, Xtandi recorded KRW 38 billion in sales last year, up 26% from KRW 30.2 billion the previous year. Industry attention is focused on whether Astellas can defend the market with the new tablet product.A pharmaceutical industry source said, “With GL Pharma joining the fray, the scale of generics to be launched in line with the June compound patent expiry has grown even larger. Going forward, who secures pricing competitiveness will be one of the decisive factors.”
- Policy
- HER2-mutated NSCLC treatment 'Hyrnuo Tab' approved
- by Lee, Tak-Sun Apr 21, 2026 07:33am
- The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS, Minister Yu-Kyoung Oh) announced that it has approved the imported orphan drug 'Hyrnuo Tab (sevabertinib, Bayer Korea)' on the 20th.Hyrnuo Tab is a medication used to treat patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have HER2 (ERBB2) tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) activating mutations and have previously received systemic therapy.HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2) is a protein involved in the regulation of cell growth. When a mutation occurs in the HER2 TKD (Tyrosine Kinase Domain), downstream signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and survival are excessively activated, promoting the growth and survival of cancer cells.This drug is an oral reversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) targeting HER2, exhibiting anticancer effects by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells expressing mutated HER2.The MFDS explained that it designated Hyrnuo Tab as the 43rd product under the 'Global Innovative Product on Fast Track (GIFT) support system' and conducted an expedited review to ensure its rapid introduction into the medical field.The GIFT system is a program designed to quickly review global innovative medical products with outstanding innovation in treatments for life-threatening, serious, or rare diseases.A MFDS official stated, "We will continue to put our efforts into ensuring that treatments with sufficiently confirmed safety and efficacy are reviewed and approved promptly based on our regulatory science expertise, thereby contributing to expanding treatment opportunities for patients."
- Policy
- Ginkgo biloba ·calcium dobesilate ·silymarin set for reimb re-eval this month
- by Jung, Heung-Jun Apr 17, 2026 09:03am
- Ginkgo biloba extract, calcium dobesilate hydrate, and silymarin are set to be discussed for the re-evaluation of reimbursement appropriateness during this month’s Health Insurance Policy Deliberation Committee (HIDC) meeting.Three ingredients, including the two reviewed by the Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Evaluation Committee (PREC) in January and silymarin (added this month), are expected to be considered. The HIDC's final decision process, which had been somewhat delayed following the drug pricing system reform, is anticipated to be finalized this month.According to industry sources on the 15th, the ingredients for this year's reimbursement re-evaluation are highly likely to pass through the HIDC subcommittee today (the 16th) and be presented at the plenary session on the 23rd.The list of ingredients for re-evaluation differs slightly from those discussed in last year's HIDC subcommittee. At that time, seven ingredients were under discussion, including kallidinogenase, meglumine gadoterate, diacerein, afloqualone, and octylonium bromide, as well as ginkgo biloba and calcium dobesilate.However, as the drug pricing system reform plan, which included a new set of criteria for appropriateness re-evaluation, passed the HIDC last November, re-discussions were held this year based on these updated standards.The requirements for claim amounts and registration in specific countries have been removed. The selection criteria have been changed tov include ▲ingredients for which health authorities in A8 countries have initiated clinical or reimbursement appropriateness re-evaluations ▲cases where data or clinical evidence contradicting previously reported efficacy has been published ▲drugs for which academic societies or experts have recommended a re-evaluation.Accordingly, ginkgo biloba and calcium dobesilate were reviewed as re-evaluation targets by the PREC in January. Typically, these should have been finalized at the January HIDC meeting following PREC approval, but the HIDC consideration was delayed alongside the postponement of the drug pricing reform.In the meantime, silymarin was added to the list of targets for review at this month's PREC meeting. Although a court had previously ruled to cancel the notification of silymarin's removal from the reimbursement list following an administrative lawsuit by pharmaceutical companies, the ruling was limited to procedural issues, leaving re-evaluation likely.The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) plans to proceed with the re-evaluation again, this time acknowledging the literature previously pointed out by the court. Consequently, silymarin, which underwent reimbursement re-evaluation in 2021, will return to the evaluation table alongside ginkgo biloba and calcium dobesilate.Due to the government's reform of the drug pricing system, the follow-up measures following a reimbursement re-evaluation have been simplified to either exclusion from reimbursement or selective reimbursement. The bypass that allowed companies to maintain reimbursement by voluntarily lowering drug prices to demonstrate cost-effectiveness relative to alternative drugs has effectively been blocked.
- Policy
- New reimb criteria established for growth hormone Sogroya
- by Jung, Heung-Jun Apr 17, 2026 09:03am
- The government is establishing new reimbursement criteria following the new listing of growth hormone treatments. Additionally, self-injectable formulations of severe asthma treatments have been newly added to the list, allowing for switching between formulations.On the 16th, the Ministry of Health and Welfare issued an administrative notice regarding the amendment to the “Detailed Provisions on the Application Criteria and Methods for Medical Care Benefits.” The amendment is scheduled to take effect on May 1.Novo Nordisk’s Sogroya prefilled pen (somapacitan) will have new reimbursement criteria established for growth hormone deficiency in both pediatric and adult patients.The drug is administered at a maximum of 8 mg per week in accordance with the approved indications, and patients must bear the full cost if they exceed specific height criteria (153 cm for females, 165 cm for males). Coverage may be extended if growth hormone deficiency is confirmed after 3 years of treatment. Self-injection prescriptions are also permitted.Reimbursement criteria have also been newly established for emergency imported drugs supplied through the Korea Orphan & Essential Drug Center. The skeletal muscle relaxant Takeda Lysthenon Inj is now covered for use during general anesthesia to alleviate spasms associated with endotracheal intubation or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).For the anti-atherosclerotic agent Epic Cholestyramine Powder for Susp, coverage criteria have been established solely for the purpose of 'Reducing serum cholesterol levels’ within the scope of approval by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. However, patients must bear the full cost when the drug is administered for other purposes, such as treating pruritus.Reimbursement criteria have been established for the vasodilator Viatris Isoptin Inj for the treatment of angina and arrhythmia, and Centa 5-HT-P Cap is now covered for the treatment of patients with BH4-deficient phenylketonuria. For GSK’s severe asthma treatment Nucala, the self-injectable autoinjector formulation Nucala Autoinjector was added, allowing switching with the existing formulation.Additionally, for Nucala Autoinjector, long-term prescriptions of up to 24 weeks are permitted for patients who have shown stable disease activity and no side effects 6 months after the initial dose.’With the listing of new combination drugs for diabetes and hypertension/dyslipidemia, general reimbursement principles have been partially revised. The empagliflozin + linagliptin combination has been added for diabetes with the new listing of K-Glito Tab, and the fimasartan + atorvastatin + ezetimibe combination has also been added for hypertension and hyperlipidemia with the new listing of Kanarbzet Tab.Gliptide Tab, which failed to demonstrate usefulness during the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s clinical reevaluations, will be removed from the reimbursement list.
- Policy
- Free HPV vaccination for 12-year-old boys to begin in May
- by Lee, Jeong-Hwan Apr 17, 2026 09:03am
- Starting this May, 12-year-old boys will also be eligible for free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations.The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 16th that it will launch a new national HPV vaccination support program targeting 12-year-old male adolescents (born in 2014) starting May 6.With this change, the existing HPV free vaccination program for female adolescents aged 12–17 and low-income women aged 18–26 will now include male adolescents, who will receive two HPV vaccine doses at six-month intervals.Starting with those born in 2014 this year, those born in 2015 will be newly supported next year. Even if those born in 2014 do not complete both doses this year, they will still be eligible for free vaccination next year.The KDCA plans to expand the program gradually, broadening the target group by one age group each year.HPV vaccination is included in national immunization programs in 147 countries worldwide, including 37 of the 38 member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90% of cervical cancers and 70% of anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers are caused by HPV infection. The KDCA believes that expanding free HPV vaccination will help prevent related diseases such as cervical cancer, anal cancer, genital warts, and anal intraepithelial neoplasia.The KDCA maintains that since HPV can infect not only women but also men, and since the HPV vaccine’s efficacy in preventing related diseases has been confirmed in men as well, vaccination can reduce future infections and the incidence of related diseases.The Advisory Committee on Immunization also determined that HPV vaccination is effective in preventing diseases such as genital warts and anal cancer in men. Based on domestic and international research and vaccination experience, which have confirmed the safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine, the agency recommended expanding support for HPV vaccination among male adolescents.Eligible individuals can visit a nearby designated medical institution or public health center to receive the HPV vaccine (quadrivalent HPV vaccine) free of charge. The KDCA plans to provide information on medical institutions through the Vaccination Assistant website and support vaccination history tracking and management.Commissioner Seung-Kwan Lim stated, “HPV vaccination is an effective means of preventing future cancers and related diseases. We hope that this expansion of the target group will enable more adolescents to receive the vaccination in a timely manner.”
