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- 2026-03-10 22:25:31
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- Latecomer psoriasis drug Bimzelx enters competition in KOR
- by Whang, byung-woo Jun 13, 2025 06:03am
- The new psoriasis treatment Bimzelx (bimekizumab) has cleared the reimbursement hurdle and is now officially entering Korea’s market competition. With numerous psoriasis treatment options already on the market, the drug is expected to target new patients based on its relatively low drug price. On the 12th, UCB Korea held a press conference to celebrate the launch of Bimzelx in Korea and highlighted the product's competitiveness. ▲ (From left) Jeong-Eun Kim, Department of Dermatology, Hanyang University Hospital; Stevan Shaw, Head of Research at UCB UK Bimzelx is the first plaque psoriasis treatment that dually inhibits interleukin-17A and 17F (IL-17A and 17F). IL-17A and IL-17F are key cytokines that trigger the inflammatory process in psoriasis, and Bimzelx selectively and directly targets and inhibits both simultaneously. In the BE READY trial, the global Phase 3 clinical study that became the basis for the approval, 90.8% of patients in the Bimzelx group achieved PASI 90 at Week 16, and 68.2% of patients achieved PASI 100. In a clinical trial that compared Bimzelx with another biological agent, there was a clear difference in the percentage of patients who achieved complete clearance of skin lesions at Week 16, which is referred to as 'PASI 100'. Specifically, ▲BE VIVID: Bimzelx 59%, ustekinumab (Stelara) 21% ▲BE SURE: Bimzelx 60%. 8%, adalimumab (Humira) 23.9% ▲BE RADIANT: Bimzelx 61.7%, secukinumab (Cosentyx) 48.9%, etc. The introduction of Bimzelx as a new psoriasis treatment option is significant because of its dual inhibiting mechanism of action that blocks IL-17A and IL-17F. Dr. Stevan Shaw, Head of Research at UCB UK and developer of Bimzelx, said, "Bimzelx’s dual inhibition of interleukin-17A and interleukin-17F showed a higher skin lesion improvement rate in psoriasis patients compared to secukinumab, which only inhibits interleukin-17A.” He further explained, “The dosing regimen, which involves administration every 8 weeks for maintenance therapy, also enhances patient convenience, representing a significant advantage over existing interleukin-17A inhibitors.” In addition, Professor Jeong-Eun Kim of Hanyang University Hospital's Department of Dermatology said, “Even in a meta-analysis conducted over a long period of 52 weeks, Bimzelx showed better efficacy than other drugs in terms of the cumulative number of days achieving PASI 100. No new safety issues were reported during long-term treatment that continued for over three years, with no special events reported overall.” In other words, despite the emergence of various psoriasis treatments, there is still unmet demand due to resistance and other factors, for which Bimzelx is considered to be competitive. The reimbursement price for Bimzelx, which has been covered by health insurance since June, is KRW 801,332. In order to compare the specific drug prices with existing treatments, it is necessary to consider the dosage and administration, and Bimzelx does not have a significant advantage in terms of cost competitiveness, which is a strategy often chosen by later entrants. Bimzelx is administered subcutaneously at 320 mg (two 160 mg doses) at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks, and then every 8 weeks thereafter. Considering that competing treatments have administration schedules ranging from 4 weeks to 12 weeks, Bimzelx has a moderate dosing schedule. Regarding this, Professor Kim stated that prescriptions will be tailored to individual patient characteristics and the doctors’ discretion. He added, “While consideration should be given to the patient's comorbidities and prior treatment history, there is no guideline on which drug must be used as the first or last option based on efficacy. However, as more treatment options become available, the therapeutic paradigm for psoriasis is expected to shift and become more segmented.” Finally, Professor Kim added, “Personally, I think Bimzelx should be considered first for patients who do not respond well to biological agents.”
- Company
- New ADC drug Padcev seeks reimb again in Korea
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Jun 13, 2025 06:03am
- The ADC bladder cancer drug Padcev is once again attempting reimbursement listing in Korea. According to Dailypharm coverage, Astellas Pharma Korea recently submitted a reimbursement application for its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) Padcev (enfortumab vedotin). Accordingly, it will be interesting to see whether the company will be able to make progress in the discussion on insurance reimbursement for Padcev as a monotherapy and combination therapy. This is the company’s third attempt at reimbursement listing. Padcev was first approved in Korea in March 2023, and has remained non-reimbursed for over 2 years since. The monotherapy option passed the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service's Cancer Disease Deliberation Committee review in February this year, but the application was rejected after the government and pharmaceutical companies failed to agree on the cost-effectiveness after the company completed the pharmacoeconomic evaluation. At the end of last year, Astellas Pharma applied for Padcev’s reimbursement as a monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have previously received PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors and platinum-based chemotherapy, and as first-line therapy for advanced metastatic urothelial carcinoma in combination with the PD-1 inhibitor ‘Keytruda (pembrolizumab)’ However, the applications were also rejected by the Cancer Disease Deliberation Committee in February. Astellas Pharma plans to supplement the relevant data and reapply for reimbursement. The drug is recommended as Category 1 in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. It is a new treatment option for urothelial cancer patients whose cancer has progressed or recurred even after receiving treatment with immunotherapy drugs and platinum-based chemotherapy. The drug was approved in March in Korea for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer who have received prior treatment with PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors and platinum-based chemotherapy, then was approved in combination with Keytruda in July. Padcev’s efficacy as a monotherapy was demonstrated through the EV-301 study, an open-label, Phase III trial that was conducted on 608 patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer who have previously been treated with platinum-based chemotherapy and PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors. Study results showed that Padcev reduced the risk of death by 30% compared to chemotherapy. The median overall survival (OS) of the Padcev group was 12.9 months, demonstrating a significant improvement in survival compared to chemotherapy's 9.0 months. In addition, Padcev significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) with a 38% reduction in disease progression or death risk, with the median progression-free survival (PFS) for Padcev being 5.6 months and 3.7 months for the control group. In the case of the Keytruda-Padcev combination, its efficacy was demonstrated through the randomized Phase III EV-302 trial that was presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Annual Meeting (ESMO 2023). The trial evaluated Padcev+Keytruda versus conventional chemotherapy in 886 patients in 25 countries. Trial results showed, that at a median follow-up of 17.2 months, the median overall survival in the Padcev combination therapy group was 31.5 months, approximately twice as long as the 16.1 months in the platinum-based chemotherapy group, reducing the risk of death by 53%.
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- Pharma-distributor 'margin war' heats up again
- by Son, Hyung Min Jun 13, 2025 06:03am
- The pharmaceutical industry and distribution industry are in conflict over profit margins. Janssen Korea reportedly notified its training companies of a 2%p reduction in margins and continuing negotiations with individual companies. Some domestic pharmaceutical companies are implementing margin reductions starting this year. Pharmaceutical companies are citing sluggish sales, drug price reductions, and increasing debt ratios as background for these margin cuts. However, the distribution industry is showing strong resistance, claiming that if they bear labor costs, delivery fees, and other commissions, they will incur losses with every transaction. Domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies announce margin reductions According to industry sources on June 13, VivaCell Biotechnology recently officially informed its distributors of a plan to lower sales discount rates. According to the official letter, the company will reduce the sales discount rate from the current 4% to 3% of the cash collection starting in July. The pharmaceutical distribution industry interprets this as a strategy to cut margins. The distribution industry is expressing concern that numerous pharmaceutical companies are implementing margin reductions this year. Indeed, Korea Pharma, Kolon Pharm, and Ahn-Gook Pharmaceutical have also announced plans to lower their distribution margins this year. Recently, the global pharmaceutical company Janssen Korea joined in. Janssen Korea notified its trading partners that it would pursue a 2%p reduction from existing margins. The distribution industry asserts that while some pharmaceuticalcompanies have attempted margin adjustments of around 1%p due to declining profitability, it's rare for a company like Janssen to pursue a reduction as significant as 2%p. The distribution industry has expressed strong objection, particularly because this measure was announced without prior discussion or consultation with the distribution industry. The distribution industry immediately began to protest, demanding negotiations through their association. They assert that if Janssen Korea negotiates with individual companies, it's highly likely to result in a mere notification. However, Janssen Korea maintains that negotiations with individual companies are appropriate, given the varying contract terms and scale of trading partners, rather than with the association. In this regard, Janssen Korea is reportedly conducting individual negotiations with companies starting this week. Industry leaders, including Korea Pharmaceutical Distributors Association Chairman Park Ho-young, are expressing a strong commitment to respond, stating, "The association will reflect on its member companies and strive to eliminate factors threatening the pharmaceutical distribution industry." Margin narrowing and conflict increasing...the endless tug-of-war between pharma-distribution Margin rate reductions are ongoing conflict issue between the pharmaceutical and distribution industries. Pharmaceutical companies push for lower margins, while distributors try to prevent them. The recent decision by Janssen Korea to cut margins, in particular, signals a potential escalation of this conflict, as the distribution industry mounts a strong backlash. The association recently agreed that Janssen's margin cut threatens the very existence of the distribution industry. In fact, this is the first time in several years that the issue of pharmaceutical companies' distribution margins has been formally placed on the association's agenda, highlighting the severity of the current situation. The distribution industry began direct confrontation, including demonstrations against pharmaceutical companies, years ago. In 2013, the association held collective protests, including one-person demonstrations against Handok, demanding an increase in distribution margin rates. At the time, the association emphasized that a 5% margin, as proposed by Handok, made distribution unfeasible and strongly advocated for additional margins. In 2014, the distribution industry requested a margin increase from GSK, citing deteriorating business conditions, leading to another conflict. They stressed the necessity of a margin increase to cover credit card fees and labor costs, among other expenses, and threatened to refuse to handle GSK products if their request was not met. However, the conflict was temporarily resolved in October of the same year when the Korea Pharmaceutical Distributors Association and GSK agreed on a margin increase. Since then, the distribution industry has engaged in discussions and negotiations with pharmaceutical companies regarding margin reductions, aiming for mutual growth. However, in the case of Janssen Korea's recent margin cut, they are adopting strong opposing stance. The distribution industry refutes the pharmaceutical companies' calls for mutual growth, asserting that their very survival is at stake. Indeed, the gross margin rate for the pharmaceutical distribution industry has been on a continuous decline. The gross margin rate is a key indicator used to measure distributors' profitability before deducting all expenses, including labor costs and selling, general, and administrative expenses. While the exact margin pharmaceutical distributors earn from purchasing drugs from manufacturers is not precisely known, they generally consider gross profit, the opposite of cost of goods sold, as their margin. A comparison of the gross margin rates of 55 pharmaceutical distribution companies with over KRW 100 billion in sales last year showed an average of 6.2%. The margin rate, which was 7.1% in 2020, recorded 7.0% in 2021 before entering a downward trend. A closer look by sales bracket reveals that companies with annual sales of over 500 billion KRW had an average margin rate of 6.6% last year. The highest margin rate recorded in the last five years was 6.8% in 2023, failing to exceed 7%. Companies with sales between KRW 200 billion and KRW 500 billion also saw their margin rates decline. Their average margin rate last year was 7.4%, the lowest in the past five years. Notably, excluding Korea Medix, which operates under a CSO (Contract Sales Organization) model and had a margin rate of 43.9%, the average for this group sharply drops to 5.8% based on last year's figures. The average margin rate for companies with annual sales between KRW 100 billion and KRW 200 billion has also been decreasing each year. Their average margin rate last year was 6.4%, a 0.2 percentage point increase from 2023, but it has remained at an average of 6.3% over the past five years. The pharmaceutical distribution industry believes that current margin rates make survival difficult, considering credit card fees, labor costs, delivery fees, and returns. An official from the pharmaceutical distribution industry said, "The continuous decrease in margin rates is attributable to the pharmaceutical companies' declining sales. Pharmaceutical companies are responding to losses incurred from drug price reductions by reducing margins for pharmaceutical distributors. If margins continue to decrease, small and medium-sized distributors simply cannot survive." Adding, "It's a situation where pharmaceutical companies advocate for mutual growth while the distribution industry asserts its right to survival. A compromise needs to be found, but relationships between trading partners must also be considered. The proliferation of distributors and CSO companies has intensified competition, making excessive return orders and aggressive labor cost expenditures issues that also need careful consideration. However, it is an undeniable fact that operating businesses is not easy with the current margin rates."
- Company
- Distributors Association plans "strong response"
- by Son, Hyung Min Jun 13, 2025 06:01am
- The Korean pharmaceutical distribution industry is rallying around the Korea Pharmaceutical Distributors Association in response to Janssen Korea's reduction of distribution margins. Park Ho-young, Chairman of the Korea Pharmaceutical Distributors Association, described Janssen Korea's margin reduction as an arbitrary act rather than a negotiation, indicating a firm stance of strong countermeasures. The Wednesday Forum (Chairman Nam Sang-gil), a private gathering within the pharmaceutical distribution industry, recently held its regular monthly meeting in June to discuss key issues, including countermeasures against Janssen Korea's margin reduction, and foster camaraderie among members. At the forum, opinions were raised that small and medium-sized hospitals must seek alternatives for Janssen Korea products, such as the biologic Remicade. Additionally, it was argued that with the reduced distribution margins, pharmacy deliveries are practically difficult, thus necessitating the minimization of orders for Janssen Korea pharmaceuticals. Notably, Chairman Park Ho-young of the Korea Pharmaceutical Distributors Association also attended the meeting to explain the association's response plan to the issues threatening the distribution industry. Park stated, "The 2%p distribution margin reduction being pushed by Janssen Korea goes beyond the scope of a simple negotiation; it is an act of tyranny." Park added, "Member companies have conveyed their concerns to the association. The association will step forward and respond proactively." He further emphasized, "The association will exert all its capabilities to eliminate elements that threaten the pharmaceutical distribution industry." Park repeatedly urged unity among member companies, stating, "If we fail to properly defend against this Janssen Korea issue and fail to demonstrate the united power of the distribution industry, a greater crisis will come in the future." An advisor to the Wednesday Forum who attended the meeting also supported Chairman Park, saying, "Now is the time to build a strong front, centered on the association, against Janssen Korea's attempt to cut distribution margins." He added, "Sanctions are also necessary for member companies that act against the association's policy." Following the Wednesday Forum, the Korea Pharmaceutical Distributors Association plans to hold a series of follow-up response meetings. The Seoul Pharmaceutical Distributors Association will have an expanded board meeting on the 18th to discuss key issues in depth, including the Janssen Korea margin reduction issue. The Seoul Pharmaceutical Distributors Association, which had initially sought countermeasures through hospital branch meetings, is said to have shifted the discussion among the board of directors, considering the seriousness of this matter. The Gyeonggi-Incheon Pharmaceutical Distributors Association also expressed deep concern about Janssen Korea's move to reduce distribution margins. It will lend its support to the association's response, including preparing a statement of opposition. The heads of regional branches under the Korea Pharmaceutical Distributors Association are expected to meet next Monday, and pharmaceutical distributors in the Busan, Gwangju, and Daegu regions are also expected to voice their concerns, centered around the association. As they have delegated negotiation authority for margin reductions to the association, regional pharmaceutical distributors are likely to strengthen their resolve to participate actively. A high-ranking official from the Korea Pharmaceutical Distributors Association warned, "The latest margin reduction is not just a simple profit structure adjustment; it is an issue directly linked to the survival of small and medium-sized distributors," and added, "If we fail to withdraw Janssen Korea's measure this time, a crisis will sweep over the entire distribution industry." He further pointed out, "Margins are like a cost concept for distributors, and pharmaceutical companies must accurately recognize this concept."
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- Trodelvy approved for reimbursement with the ICER value
- by Whang, byung-woo Jun 12, 2025 06:06am
- As Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan), the first antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) for treating Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) available in South Korea, becomes reimbursed, a paradigm shift in the treatment is expected. Experts assess that the metastatic TNBC treatment, which has been challenging due to a high risk of metastasis and relapse and relied on chemotherapy, has undergone a transition. There is a high demand for Trodelvy, as demonstrated by two previous National Petitions with over 50,000. In the future, the survival benefit is expected to rise. Trodelvy can be reimbursed by the national health insurance from June for the treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). A paradigm shift in TNBC treatment is expected. On June 11, Gilead Sciences Korea hosted a session to celebrate reimbursement approval of Trodelvy, and the company shared the latest updates on TNBC treatment and the significance of reimbursement. TNBC is a type of breast cancer that is negative for three receptors: two types of hormone receptors and the HER2 receptor. TNBC has unmet needs because there is no receptor that treatment can target, and treatment options have been limited to cytotoxic anticancer agents. Trodelvy is known to bind Trop-2 protein, releasing the medicine inside tumor cells. It minimally affects healthy cells, and it can destroy not only tumor cells but also the tumor microenvironment (TME). Besides cytotoxic anticancer agents, Trodelvy is the only treatment approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) as a second-line treatment for patients with metastatic TNBC, regardless of existing genetic mutations or biomarkers. When MFDS granted approval in May 2023, Trodelvy presented a cost burden of KRW 10 million per cycle. It was approved for national health insurance reimbursement in June, thereby expanding patient accessibility. Specifically, Trodelvy can be reimbursed for treating locally advanced or metastatic TNBC as a third-line or later treatment. If recurrence occurs during or within one year of completing neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy, previous treatments are considered as first-line treatment, allowing for reimbursement of Trodelvy in the second-line setting as well. Trodelvy was categorized as having innovativeness. It gained attention for becoming the first case to clear the DREC review, with its price being measured based on its an Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) values. Dr. Joohyuk Sohn, a Professor at Yonsei Cancer Hospital's Department of Oncology, who presented during the meeting, assessed that reimbursement approval of Trodelvy will bring a new shift in the treatment of TNBC. Dr. Joohyuk Sohn, a Professor at Yonsei Cancer HospitalDr. Sohn explained, "While there has been remarkable progress with the emergence of various new drugs for breast cancer, treatment options for TNBC have remained limited. It has been challenging to treat due to its faster and more aggressive progression compared to other types of breast cancer." Additionally, Trodelvy, with efficacy confirmed through the Phase 3 ASCENT study and now reimbursed, is considered a potential new game changer. Dr. Sohn stated, "The final analysis results of the ASCENT study showed that the overall survival (OS) of the Trodelvy treatment group, including patients with brain metastases, was 11.8 months, approximately twice as long as the single-agent chemotherapy group (6.9 months), and it reduced the risk of death by 49%." The breast cancer guidelines of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) foremost recommend Trodelvy as a second-line treatment for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Dr. Sohn emphasized, "For patients who were hesitant to receive treatment because Trodevly was not reimbursable, despite the clear clinically confirmed treatment benefits, the reimbursement listing of Trodelvy will bring survival benefits." "When new drug efficacy is proven, rapid reimbursement approval is needed to expand patient access" In particular, Dr. Sohn suggested that if a new drug's efficacy is sufficient, a rapid reimbursement approval is necessary. Dr. Sohn stressed, "Regarding (new drug) accessibility, it takes too long, usually 3 to 4 years, and I think it's problematic that we consider it a good thing when it takes only 2 years," and added, "While reimbursement listings can be delayed due to health insurance finances. If the research data is not accurate, it can also be delayed. However, if the benefit in OS is proven, rapidly expanded reimbursement is necessary." Meanwhile, Trodelvy is recently expected to expand its indication as a first-line treatment for TNBC through combination therapy with the immunotherapy Keytruda. In the interim analysis results of the Phase 3 'ASCENT-04/KEYNOTE-D19' clinical trial, presented at the recent American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO 2025) Annual Meeting, the median progression-free survival (mPFS) for the Keytruda-Trodelvy group was 11.2 months, showing a significant improvement over the control group's chemotherapy+Keytruda at 7.8 months. The duration of response (DOR) for the Trodelvy-Keytruda treatment group was 16.5 months, while chemotherapy+Keytruda was limited to 9.2 months. The OS data were yet incomplete, but a positive trend was observed with Trodelvy plus Keytruda.
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- Tevimbra seeks to add 6 indications in Korea
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Jun 12, 2025 06:05am
- The use of the immuno-oncology drug Tevimbra is set to be extended further in Korea. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is in the final stages of reviewing and approving the additional indications for BeOne Medicines Korea’s Tevimbra (tiselizumab). The drug is expected to be approved for the extended indications within the month. Specifically, the extended indications include its use as: ▲First-line combination therapy for patients with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic esophageal cancer; ▲First-line combination therapy for patients with unresectable or metastatic, HER2-negative gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma; and ▲First-line combination and second-line monotherapy therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tevimbra has already been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a first- and second-line treatment for patients with unresectable or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, as well as for the first-line treatment for patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC). The drug has been expanding its indications in the global market. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved Tevimbra as a first- and second-line treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, a first-line treatment of advanced gastric cancer, and as a first- and second-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In line with the global trend, Tevimbra’s role is expected to expand to treating various types of cancer in Korea in the future as well. Tevimbra is an immuno-oncology drug with a PD-1 inhibition mechanism of action that recently demonstrated clinical efficacy in second-line treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, was approved in Korea in November last year and became the first immuno-oncology drug to be reimbursed for esophageal cancer in March this year. This drug is designed based on the technological expertise of BeOne Medicines and employs a dual mechanism of action that effectively blocks PD-L1 while minimizing binding to Fc-gamma receptors (FcγR), thereby inducing potent antitumor responses through a mechanism distinct from that of existing immuno-oncology agents. Notably, it demonstrated superior PD-L1 blocking efficacy (>99%) compared to other immunotherapy agents of the same class, and according to the company, it has a higher binding affinity and a half-life 30-80 times longer than existing drugs, suggesting a more sustained therapeutic effect. Based on this unique mechanism of action, Tevimbra demonstrated treatment efficacy by significantly improving overall survival rates compared to chemotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, where over 70% of patients have low or no PD-L1 expression, regardless of PD-L1 expression status. Meanwhile, BeOne Medicines Ltd. recently changed its name from Beigene and relocated its corporate headquarters to Switzerland, marking its new beginning.
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- 'Ocrevus' for multiple sclerosis available at hospitals
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Jun 11, 2025 06:03am
- Product photo of OcrevusThe new drug 'Ocrevus' for treating multiple sclerosis is becoming available at general hospitals. According to sources, Roche Korea's Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), the treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), has passed drug committees of tertiary general hospitals, including Samsung Medical Center, Seoul National University, Asan Medical Center in Seoul, and Sinchon Severance Hospital, and medical institutes, including Chonnam National University Hospital and Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital. Ocrevus is expanding its prescription areas after being included in the insurance reimbursement list in March. Ocrevus is a drug that targets B-cells expressing CD20, which affects the demyelination causing neurological disorder in patients with multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease in which the myelin sheaths are damaged due to autoimmune inflammatory responses. Damages to the myelin sheaths cause muscle weakening, fatigue, and vision impairment, and the disease could lead to atraumatic disorders. As of 2022, there are approximately 2674 patients with multiple sclerosis in South Korea, and people aged 20-40 account for 62% of all patients. Until now, antibody medications such as 'Tysabri (natalizumab),' 'Gilenya (fingolimod),' and 'Mabthera (rituximab)' have been used for treating multiple sclerosis. However, there are ongoing requests for new drugs. In overseas, various new drugs were developed, such as Novartis 'Briumvi (ublituximab)' TG Therapeutics 'Kesimpta (ofatumumab).' However, Roche's Ocrevus is the only drug introduced to Korea. Ocrevus has the advantage of administration duration. Ocrevus can be taken once every 6 months, providing greater convenience of administration compared to Kesimpta (administered once a month). The basis of this drug is the Phase 3 OPERA-I and II studies. These trials comparatively evaluated the efficacy and the safety of Ocrevus and Biogen's Plegridy (pegInterferon beta-1a) in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. In the clinical trials, Ocrevus reduced the annual recurring revenue (ARR) by almost half compared to Plegridy. Specifically, in the OPERA I trial, the ARR of the group treated with Ocrevus for 96 weeks had an ARR of 0.156, compared to 0.292 in the control group. In the OPERA II trial, the ARR of the group treated with Ocrevus for 96 weeks had an ARR of 0.155, which was lower than the 0.290 ARR of the control group. Additionally, in the Phase 3 ORATIORIO clinical trial involving patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), Ocrevus demonstrated effectiveness. In the clinical trial, Ocrevus reduced the confirmed disease progression (CDP) by 24% for 12 weeks compared to the control group. Dr. Ho Jin Kim, Professor of the Department of Neurology at the National Cancer Center, said, "Even a small difference in the early stage of multiple sclerosis has significant cumulative results. Using treatments with higher treatment effects at an earlier stage offers significant benefits. Using these treatments will be helpful in terms of improving the quality of life and reducing the economic cost burden. Ocrevus is useful because of its efficacy and sufficient data regarding long-term administration."
- Company
- Janssen Korea to cut distribution margins… sparks pushback
- by Son, Hyung Min Jun 11, 2025 06:03am
- # i1 Janssen Korea, which has announced a 2% reduction in distribution margins, is expected to engage in dialogue with individual pharmaceutical distribution companies rather than the Korea Pharmaceutical Distribution Association (KPDA) to resolve the current issue. The KPDA has sent two official letters to Janssen Korea, demanding negotiations via the association, but the company did not accept the request. As a result, the KPDA has expressed concerns that the margin cut will become more of a unilateral notification rather than a matter for negotiation. According to the pharmaceutical distribution industry on the 11th, Janssen Korea is expected to visit multiple pharmaceutical distribution companies this week to address the current issue of pharmaceutical distribution margins. Notably, Christian Rodseth, the Senior Vice President of Janssen Korean, plans to visit the companies in person for the negotiations. Janssen Korea recently notified its distribution partners of a 2% margin reduction. However, the distributors have strongly opposed the additional margin reduction, arguing that it threatens their survival as they are already struggling with low margins. In response, Janssen Korea sent a formal statement to the KPDA on the 29th of last month, stating that the decision to adjust pharmaceutical distribution margins was not a unilateral decision being imposed by the company, but rather a part made under the spirit of mutual cooperation. It emphasized that it will continue discussions with individual distributors based on reasonable standards and procedures. In the official statement, Janssen Korea stated, “Considering the number, scale, and diversity of the distribution companies we deal with, we believe it is unrealistic to uniformly apply the same transaction conditions to all distribution companies.” It further explained, “Transaction conditions between suppliers and distribution companies are typically determined through individual negotiations, which is the normal industry practice.” Previously, the KPDA had reached a consensus that Janssen Korea’s margin reduction measures threaten the survival of the distribution industry and agreed on joint countermeasures. A representative from a pharmaceutical distribution company stated, “The margin reduction being pushed by Janssen Korea is at a level that threatens the survival of the pharmaceutical distribution industry. Given that negotiations with Janssen Korea, a company that holds a dominant position in the relationship, are likely to amount to mere notifications, we have decided to have the association represent the positions of pharmaceutical distribution companies.”
- Company
- Korean pharmas to make strong presence at BIO USA
- by Son, Hyung Min Jun 11, 2025 06:02am
- The domestic pharmaceutical and biotech industry will showcase its contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) and new drug candidate technologies at Bio USA, the world's largest biotech convention. Various Korean companies have also set out to participate in BIO USA 2025, which will be held in Boston, USA, for four days from the 16th of this month, to expand partnerships and discuss global technology exports. Samsung Biologics, Lotte Biologics, Celltrion, and Kolon Life Science plan to showcase their manufacturing capabilities in the CDMO sector. With China's largest CDMO firm, WuXi Biologics, deciding not to participate for the second consecutive year, domestic pharmaceutical and biotech companies are expected to reap reflective benefits. Additionally, CareGen, Aptamer Sciences, and Pharos iBio will promote their innovative new drugs. CDMO companies promote manufacturing capacity again this year Samsung BioLogics plans to expand partnerships with multinational pharmaceutical companies based on its world-class manufacturing facilities. With the start of operations at its fifth plant, the company has secured a total manufacturing capacity of 780,000 liters per year and is accelerating the diversification of its CDMO order portfolio. Lotte Biologics plans to actively target the North American CDMO market leveraging its Syracuse plant in the US. At this year's BIO USA, the company is expected to not only attract new partners but also discuss contract renewals with existing partners. Industry observers predict that Lotte Biologics' plant, which has completed certification under the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards, will begin securing orders in earnest starting in the second half of this year. Celltrion is shifting its strategy from focusing on its products to expanding its CDMO business. The company is emphasizing its technological capabilities to drive CMO demand in Europe and is expected to highlight its customized biopharmaceutical development collaboration model. These three companies are particularly focused on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Samsung BioLogics, and Samsung Bioepis, have invested in ADC development companies Aimed Bio, Swiss Araris Biotech, and U.S.-based BrickBio through the Samsung Life Science Fund. They are also continuing to invest in companies developing new drug candidates, not just manufacturing facilities. Lotte Biologics, which recently signed an ADC manufacturing contract with an Asian materials company, has also invested in new ADC drug development companies such as Pinot Bio and Kanap Therapeutics. Celltrion is directly involved in new ADC drug development. Earlier this year, Celltrion disclosed the preclinical results of its ADC candidate 'CT-P71.' CT-P71 utilizes the ADC platform of Pinot Bio, a domestic ADC development company. CT-P71 is an ADC therapy targeting bladder cancer and other various solid tumors. The candidate specifically targets Nectin-4, a cell surface protein overexpressed in various solid tumors such as urothelial cancer and breast cancer. Additionally, Celltrion has received approval for the Phase I clinical trial of CT-P70. CT-P70 is an ADC therapy candidate for solid tumors such as non-small cell lung cancer. CT-P70 targets 'c-MET,' which prompts tumor growth when activated in cancer cells. BIO USA 2024 Korea Pavillion (Pic=KoreaBIO) Technology exports of new drug candidates a success?... domestic companies discuss partnerships with global companies At the event, Kolon Life Science will discuss technology export partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies regarding its pipeline of new drugs under development. The main pipelines to be introduced are ▲ KLS-2031, a gene therapy for neuropathic pain, and ▲ KLS-3021, an anti-cancer gene therapy. KLS-2031 has completed Phase 1/2a clinical trials in the US, and KLS-3021 is in preclinical development, with preparations for global technology export now in full swing. KLS-2031 is designed to carry three complementary therapeutic genes using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) and has demonstrated its safety and tolerability in a Phase I/2a clinical trial in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy (LSR). KLS-3021 is a solid tumor therapy that incorporates three therapeutic genes into a vaccinia virus-based platform with enhanced cancer cell selectivity. The candidate drug has demonstrated safety and efficacy in preclinical studies. CareGen has been continuously participating in BIO USA with a standalone booth every year since 2019. At this year’s event, CareGen plans to focus on introducing its main core products, including Korglutide, MyoKi, and ProGsterol, which have been commercialized based on its proprietary peptide platform technology. With growing global demand for its products, Caregen aims to use this exhibition as a platform to strengthen partnerships with international distributors and pharma companies, focusing on expanding indications and diversifying its market presence. CareGen also plans to showcase its major new drug pipelines, including CG-P5, a treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration, and CG-T1, a treatment for dry eye syndrome. CG-P5 is being developed as a non-invasive eye drop formulation, while CG-T1 is a dry eye treatment based on a unique mechanism of action applicable to a wide range of ophthalmic conditions. Aptamer Sciences plans to use BIO USA as an opportunity to initiate strategic collaboration discussions with leading ADC-focused companies in North America, Europe, and China. The company aims to explore concrete partnership opportunities in joint development, clinical collaboration, expansion of new indications, and technology transfers. Aptamer Sciences owns its proprietary ADC platform technology, ApDC (Aptamer Drug Conjugate). ApDC is a next-generation precision drug delivery platform that uses aptamers instead of antibodies and incorporates Aptamer Sciences’ proprietary modified nucleic acid technology. According to the company, anticancer drugs developed using the ApDC platform demonstrate rapid intracellular internalization and fast onset of action after binding to target cell surfaces, excellent tumor tissue penetration, swift tumor targeting in animal models post-administration, and superior antitumor efficacy—validated through comparative studies with existing ADC drugs. In addition to cytotoxic drugs, Aptamer Sciences is currently expanding its platform to enable conjugation with various other therapeutic modalities such as radioisotopes, targeted protein degraders (TPDs), and immunotherapies. At this year’s event, Pharos iBio will showcase research progress on its next-generation drug candidates—PHI-101 for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and PHI-501 for refractory solid tumors—while actively seeking global partnership opportunities. With both key pipelines backed by strong clinical data and advanced development stages, the company expects this conference to serve as a significant stepping stone toward global market entry. PHI-101 is an innovative anticancer drug candidate discovered through Pharos iBio’s proprietary AI-driven drug discovery platform, Chemiverse. It is a next-generation AML treatment designed to target a wide range of resistance mutations in the FLT3 protein. The drug has demonstrated high therapeutic efficacy in global Phase 1 clinical trials and has shown favorable cardiac safety in preclinical studies through AI-based toxicity prediction, offering itself a new treatment option to patients with relapsed or refractory AML. PHI-501, which is entering Phase 1 clinical trials, is a treatment candidate for hard-to-treat solid tumors. In recent preclinical studies, it showed promising therapeutic effects against difficult-to-treat cancers such as refractory lung cancer, malignant melanoma, and colorectal cancer with limited treatment options. Notably, PHI-501 demonstrated significant efficacy in solid tumors with BRAF, KRAS, and NRAS mutations. In March, Pharos iBio submitted an IND (Investigational New Drug) application for PHI-501 to Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, signaling its full-scale entry into the high-value KRW 40 trillion global solid anticancer drug market.
- Company
- EU revises pharma package law for the first time in 20 years
- by Kim, Jin-Gu Jun 11, 2025 06:02am
- The European Union (EU) is pushing for revisions to its “Pharmaceutical Package” law on major drugs for the first time in 20 years. The core of the revision, which is now awaiting final approval by the European Parliament, can be summarized as expanding the exclusivity of innovative drugs and strengthening supply obligations within Europe. In addition, measures such as exempting relevant intellectual property rights are being promoted to improve access to biosimilars and generics. According to the Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization on the 10th, the European Council (EC) recently agreed to the European Commission's revision of the “Pharmaceutical Package.” The only remaining procedure is the final approval by the European Parliament. The Pharmaceutical Package, established in 1965, forms the foundation of pharmaceutical laws in Europe. The last revision was in 2004. However, over the past 20 years, issues regarding pharmaceutical access have been consistently raised, particularly in certain countries. In response, in April 2023, the European Commission drafted a revision to the pharmaceutical package law. The revision focuses on three main points: extending protection for innovative drugs, imposing a supply obligation for pharmaceuticals, and supporting the early entry of generics and biosimilars. First, to protect innovative medicines, additional incentives will be provided to companies that develop and produce them. Specifically, companies producing innovative medicines will be granted an 8-year data exclusivity period. During this period, competing companies will not be able to access the development data for the medicine. Additionally, companies producing innovative medicines will be eligible for a 1-year regulatory market protection benefit. This benefit may be extended to 2 years if certain conditions are met. Furthermore, a new provision (56A) will be added to strengthen supply obligations. EU member states will be able to impose obligations on drug marketing authorization holders to ensure that their patients have sufficient access to necessary drugs. Early market entry for generics and biosimilars will also be supported. To this end, the provisions known as the “Bolar exemption” are clarified. The Bolar exemption recognizes exemptions from certain requirements, allowing generic and biosimilar manufacturers to conduct clinical trials and prepare regulatory documents for patented drugs. This revision ensures the availability of generic and biosimilar drugs on the first day after patent expiration. Once a patent or exclusive period expires, competitive products (generic drugs) can be launched immediately without bureaucratic delays. If a drug is sold after patent expiry, its generic and biosimilar manufacturers can complete the submission of a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) beforehand. Furthermore, they can participate in national tenders through hospital contracts even before the exclusive rights of the original manufacturer expire.
