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- 2026-05-18 13:59:02
- Company
- Viatris Korea will participate in the IMPACT WEEK
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Nov 22, 2021 05:52am
- Vitris Korea celebrated its first anniversary. On the 16th, Viatris announced that it will participate in the IMPACT WEEK designated by the world to mark the first anniversary of its launch, reflect on the past year, and carry out activities to commemorate the first anniversary with executives and employees. During Impact Week, Viartris will hold various events with executives and employees around the world under the theme of "Advancing Access: Everywhere Health Matters." On November 16th, U.S. time, an opening bell event and an outdoor advertisement campaign for the New York Times Square electronic display are scheduled to mark the first anniversary on the New York Stock Exchange. Linkedin Live discussion will also be held with various stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen drug accessibility and events with the U.S. media the Hill. In addition, it plans to celebrate its first anniversary by communicating with Viatris employees around the world through the application. They will have time to express gratitude to employees around the world for their hard work over the past year and draw the future of Viatris together. In particular, Viatris Korea has time to express gratitude to employees and colleagues who have created our new journey together over the past year. Viatris Korea obtained domestic approval for MDR-TB tx Doveprella (Pretomanid) in October this year to increase access to patients in areas where unmet medical needs exist. Since domestic MDR-TB tx options have been limited over the past 50 years, it is meaningful in that it provides new treatment options to patients through the introduction of new treatments. In addition to Lipitor, Novasc, and Lyrica, Viatris Korea plans to realize its vision by expanding its portfolio to new treatment areas and enhancing accessibility. Lee Hye-young, CEO of Viatris Korea, said, "During the year of launch, the company has successfully adapted to the rapidly changing environment and has shown various results, and both the company and its employees are continuing a rewarding journey to become a 'company they want to work' with a new and healthy culture." In addition, she stressed, "As a new type of healthcare company, we will continue to do our best to contribute to the development of the domestic health care environment through active collaboration with various stakeholders." Meanwhile, Viatris is a global healthcare company launched in November 2020 by the combination of Upjohn and Mylan companies, which were Pfizer's business divisions, and was selected as Fortune Journal's 2021 Change the World in recognition of its accessibility to innovative HIV treatments over a decade.
- Policy
- AML drug that returned after 7 years is approved in Korea
- by Lee, Tak-Sun Nov 19, 2021 05:52am
- An acute leukemia treatment that withdrew its new drug application (NDA) and then was reapproved by the FDA in 2017 has now been approved in Korea. The drug is Pfizer’s ‘Mylotarg (gemtuzumab ozogamicin).’ On the 18th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approved Prizer’s 'Mylotarg inj.4.5mg.’ The drug is indicated for the treatment of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia whose tumors express the CD33 antigen (CD33-positive AML). The approval gained attention because it was the second time the company received approval for the drug after voluntarily withdrawing its treatment from the market. Wyeth first received approval for Mylotarg in 2000. At the time, the drug received attention as the first antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) approved in the market. However, Pfizer, which acquired Wyeth in 2010, voluntarily withdrew Mylotarg’s FDA approval. In a clinical trial, the drug did not show clinical benefit and the rate of fatalities as a result of treatment-related toxicity was significantly higher in the Mylotarg arm compared to the chemotherapy arm. Then in 2017, Pfizer received approval from the FDA again for Mylotarg in response to the high demand among doctors for its use due to a limited amount of options being available for AML. For the new approval, the company demonstrated the efficacy of Mylotarg in a lower dose in an investigator-led trial. In the clinical trial (ALFA-0701) that was conducted on 271 patients aged between 50 to 70 with newly-diagnosed AML, the median event-free survival (period from the date of randomization to death from any cause, including induction therapy failure, recurrence, etc.) of patients who were treated with Mylotarg was 17.3 months for patients receiving Mylotarg, compared with the 9.5 months for those receiving chemotherapy alone. The MFDS approved the drug as an orphan drug and designated it as a Risk Management protocol (RMP) drug to monitor post-marketing adverse reactions.
- Policy
- The CSO reporting system will be reviewed
- by Lee, Jeong-Hwan Nov 19, 2021 05:52am
- A bill that mandates government reporting of drug sales and promotional agencies (CSOs) and a bill that regulates illegal hospital subsidies between hospitals, pharmacies, and agents in exchange for prescriptions will be reviewed by the National Assembly's subcommittee on the 24th.The government has also published a bill to designate late night operated pharmacies and support budgets, a survey of pharmacies illegally opened through license, and a bill to announce information on illegal pharmacies to the public. In order to strengthen regulations on illegal office managers' hospitals, a bill will also be reviewed to give the NHIS the authority to review the establishment of medical institutions and strengthen the authority to request data submission by the medical institution's opening review committee. On the 18th, Kim Min-seok, chairman of the National Assembly's welfare committee, and the ruling and opposition parties' secretaries agreed on the agenda of the 1st and 2nd Legislation Subcommittees containing such information. The first subcommittee on the bill, where major bills in the health and pharmaceutical sectors will be reviewed, will be held at 9 a.m. on the 24th. The first agenda to be reviewed is the CSO government reporting system bill proposed by Rep. Kim Sung-joo of the Democratic Party of Korea. The bill enforces government reporting by individual drug promoters or corporate CSOs and regulates that drug promotions cannot be entrusted if they are not reported. The goal of the bill is for CSO to improve the reality of illegal rebates. A revision to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, which further clarified CSO's regulations on banning rebates on illegal drugs and medical devices, was also listed on the second screening list. The bill is expected to be reviewed by Rep. Kang Byeongwon of the Democratic Party and Rep. Seo Jung-sook of the People's Power, respectively. A bill to support the designation and budget of public night operated pharmacies and local governments, proposed by Rep. Kim Do-eup, the People's Power, will also be reviewed. The key is to allow the Mayor/Do Governor or the Mayor/Gun/Gu Head to designate pharmacies operated during late-night hours and holidays, and to support expenses necessary for operation within budget. This is the same as the bill recently proposed by Democratic Party lawmaker Seo Young-seok, and the bill will be able to be pushed forward at the same time as the welfare committee has decided on a budget of KRW 4,041 billion for next year's pilot project. Rep. Seo Young-seok's proposal is unlikely to be reviewed with that of Kim Do-eup due to the late timing of the proposal, but the contents are similar, so there is a possibility that it will be implemented next year if the review opportunity is obtained. A survey of illegal pharmacies and herbal pharmacies represented by Rep. In Jae-geun of the Democratic Party of Korea and a bill to announce the results were also on the list. The purpose is to solve the problem of unfairly defrauding health insurance finances by opening a pharmacy where unlicensed people, not pharmacists, rent licenses. The main goal is to regularize surveys of illegal opening, operating pharmacies, and herbal pharmacies and disclose the results of illegal confirmation to the public. With the aim of tightening regulations on the hospital of the secretary, the NHIS staff will be included in the medical institution's opening committee, and the bill will also be reviewed to allow the NHIS to request necessary data or opinions. The two bills were submitted by Rep. Kang Byeongwon. A bill will also be reviewed to announce the results of an investigation into illegal pharmacies (herbal pharmacies) proposed by Rep. In Jae-geun of the Democratic Party. The purpose is to solve the problem of unlicensed people, not pharmacists, opening licensed rental pharmacies to unfairly defraud health insurance finances. The main goal is to regularize surveys of illegal opening, operating pharmacies, and herbal pharmacies and disclose the results of illegal confirmation. The government is expected to strengthen its obligation to ventilate medical institutions to prepare for quarantine such as COVID-19, and revise the Medical Service Act to raise the level of regulations on illegal medical advertisements.
- Policy
- Is Celltrion developing a combination of HBP?
- by Lee, Tak-Sun Nov 19, 2021 05:51am
- Attention is focusing on whether Celltrion, which has secured domestic copyrights for ARB-based hypertension treatment Edarbi (Azilsartan Medoxomil), will develop a combination that combines Edarbi and Amlodipine. Attention is focusing on whether Celltrion will also stand out in the hypertension treatment market, which is the domain of traditional pharmaceutical companies. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approved the plan which Celltrion applied to verify the effectiveness and safety of Azilsartan Medoxomil and Amlodipine Besylate for eight weeks on the 17th. This test is a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded test to compare the effectiveness and safety of 8-week combined administration in patients with essential hypertension who do not respond appropriately to each of Azilsartan Medoxomil and Amlodipine Besylate. Seoul National University Hospital plans to conduct 852 test subjects in Korea. The industry believes that this test first verifies the effectiveness of the combination of Azilsartan Medoxomil and Amlodipine Besylate for the development. It is known that combination of Azilsartan Medoxomil and Amlodipine Besylate has already been commercialized and sold in Japan. However, it has not yet been approved for items in Korea. Edarbi was approved in Korea in 2017, and Edarbyclor, which combines Chlorhalidone, a diuretic, was approved the following year. Celltrion invested about 307.4 billion won last year to buy 18 kinds of medicines owned by Takeda in the Asia-Pacific region. This also includes Edarbi, a treatment for hypertension. Edarbi has been sold by Dong-A ST, a domestic partner, since it was approved in Korea. However, it is the ninth ARB-based new drug released in Korea, and has struggled in the market dominated by selected drugs. As of last year, the amount of outpatient prescriptions was 8.2 billion won according to UBIST, which is still less than the blockbuster standard of 10 billion won. The development of this combination system is interpreted as an attempt to increase the domestic market share by expanding the product lineup. Celltrion is competing with traditional pharmaceutical companies in the domestic synthetic drug market, but its main business is also biosimilar. Celltrion also has a blockbuster called Godex, but Edarbi is the first hypertensive new drug.The hypertension treatment market is not an easy market because existing pharmaceutical companies are fiercely competing in Clinics. Attention is focusing on whether Celltrion, which is seeking global big perm through biosimilars, will show its presence as Edarbi.
- Policy
- Competition intensifies in Forsteo market with 4 latecomers
- by Lee, Tak-Sun Nov 19, 2021 05:51am
- Teriparatide products Fosteo and TeriboneProducts with the same ingredient as the world’s first bone anabolic agent 'Forsteo(Teriparatide),' which was finally able to receive reimbursement in Korea 10 years after its approval, are rapidly entering the market. Domestic pharmaceutical companies are occupying the follow-on market with their Forsteo latecomers. Already 4 teriparatide products have entered the market. On the 16th, the MFDS approved Pharmbio Korea’s teriparatide biosimilar. The product contains the same teriparatide ingredient as Forster and is indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis in women and men. The drug was approved as a biosimilar after demonstrating its bioequivalence to Forsteo. Forsteo is Lilly Korea’s osteoporosis treatment that was approved in 2002. As the first bone anabolic(bone-forming) agent, Forsteo received much attention for its different treatment mechanism from existing antiresorptive agents. Previous bone resorption inhibitors had inhibited the release of calcium from the bone into the bloodstream, however, Forsteo, as an anabolic agent, promoted proliferation and activity of osteoblasts that are involved in new bone formation. It took 10 years for the drug after being approved in 2006 to receive reimbursement. Forsteo was approved for reimbursement as second-line treatment in 2016. However, patients who showed no effect or are unable to use one or more of the existing bone resorption inhibitors are allowed reimbursement for Forsteo. Since receiving reimbursement, Forsteo defeated the then-leading bisphosphonate products in the market and become the top leader in the market. Domestic pharmaceutical companies quickly followed on its course with their biosimilars. Dong-A ST was the first to be approved for its more convenient, single, once-weekly injection formulation of the same ingredient, ‘Teribone subcutaneous inj.’ in 2015. In 2019, Daewon Pharm was the first to be approved for Forsteo’s biosimilar, ‘Terrosa Cartridge.’ And last year, BMI Korea was approved for Teribone’s biosimilar, ‘Teria inj,’ sparking full competition in the market. And the recent introduction of PharmBio’s second Forsteo biosimilar increases the count of teriparatide products to 4. Based on IQVIA, Forsteo sold ₩17.1 billion, Teribone ₩2 billion, Terossa ₩0.8 billion last year. Forsteo continued to show strength as the original by ranking second in the osteoporosis treatment market, but the latecomers still have a long way to catch up due to their late entry. However, this does not mean that Forsteo’s has a solid lead over its competitors because of the large gap between Forsteo and the market leader 'Prolia (₩75.1 billion).' Prolia is a biologic bone resorption inhibitor that is administered once every 6 months and is considered to have upgraded the effect and convenience in administration over existing osteoporosis treatments. In particular, Prolia’s reimbursement was extended to first-line from April 2019, showing an advantage over Forsteo in market competitiveness as it is still only reimbursed in the second-line. This is why there are some negative outlooks on the market performance of Forsteo latecomers. However, there is also analysis that the drugs will show strength in the market if reimbursement is expanded to first-line.
- Policy
- A law, proposed to prohibit overuse of drug price reduction
- by Lee, Jeong-Hwan Nov 19, 2021 05:51am
- The ruling party has proposed an additional bill to regulate the abuse of lawsuits by some pharmaceutical companies, including an injunction to suspend execution of the government's drug price cut. Following Rep. Kim Woni of the Democratic Party of Korea, Rep. Nam In-soon also proposed a partial amendment to the National Health Insurance Act on the 17th. The key point of the bill submitted by Rep. Nam In-soon is to allow the NHIS to collect a significant portion of health insurance losses from drug companies and others if it is confirmed that it is not illegal depending on the outcome of the drug price reduction lawsuit. If the suspension of execution is rejected and the ruling is confirmed to be illegal, the NHIS will pay the losses suffered by pharmaceutical companies. Rep. Nam In-soon explained, "There have been 46 cases of administrative trial claims and administrative litigation over the past 10 years against the reduction in drug prices under the current law. Administrative litigation to benefit from the suspension of execution is on the rise." Rep. Nam said, "As most of the suspension of pharmaceutical companies' applications is cited by the Administrative Appeals Committee or courts, drug price cuts are not executed during the trial or litigation period." She pointed out, "The problem is that even if it is confirmed that the disposition is not illegal in the trial or lawsuit on the merits in the future, pharmaceutical companies enjoy the economic benefits of not being executed during the lawsuit." Rep. Nam said, "The financial loss of health insurance due to abuse of lawsuits reached 160 billion won as of June this year, which was also pointed out in last year and this year's parliamentary audits." She said, "We have pushed for a revision of the law to prevent financial losses in health insurance due to abuse of administrative trials and administrative litigation related to drug prices and compensate for losses from manufacturers and others for illegal dispositions."
- Company
- All-round prostate cancer treatment Xtandi with solid growth
- by Nov 18, 2021 05:55am
- Xtandi (enzalutamide)' rose to the ranks and became a blockbuster drug last year after continuously extending its indication in prostate cancer, a field that lacked treatment options. Although the drug was approved later than its competitor, through its continuous expansion effort, Xtandi became the only single-agent drug that is approved for use in both metastatic and nonmetastatic prostate cancer. Enzalutamide inhibits the AR signaling pathway by binding to the male hormone Androgen receptor (AR) to suppress the proliferation of cancer cells. Although the drug was approved later than its competitors such as ‘Zytiga (Janssen)’ or ‘Jevtana (Sanofi),’ in June 2013, Xtandi was the first to be approved for reimbursement. Xtandi was listed for reimbursement in November 2014 under the refund-type Risk-Sharing Agreement (RSA) scheme. During the 3.5 years that other drugs it took for the other drugs to receive reimbursement, Xtandi gradually took over the market as a second-line treatment for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Xtandi sold over 10 billion to 20 billion in sales according to IQVIA from 2015 to 2017, when it was the only drug approved for reimbursement, while Zytiga sold 1 billion won and Jevtana 0.4-0.5 billion won in the same period. The multinational pharmaceutical company Pfizer recognized the potential of Xtandi and added it to its portfolio through an M&A with its original developer, Medivation. In Korea, Xtandi is continuously being supplied by Astellas, which had entered into a sales agreement with Medivation. It is distributed by Pfizer and Astellas in the U.S. ◆Used for all castration-resistant prostate cancer regardless of metastasis…Rises to the rank as No.18 blockbuster drug Xtandi gradually expanded its indications from its first indication as second-line treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer to first-line, then to non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, and metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer. Through its continuous expansion effort, Xtandi became the only single-agent drug that covers all metastatic and nonmetastatic, hormone-sensitive (castration-sensitive), and castration-resistant prostate cancer. The NCCN recommends Xtandi as a first-line treatment in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, and as Category 1 in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. With the recommendations, Xtandi has established its position as a leading prostate cancer treatment. Source: IQVIA In terms of domestic sales (based on IQVIA), Xtandi’s sales increased continuously since receiving reimbursement in November 2014 to record 13.9 billion won in 2015 to 18.8 billion won in 2016, 20 billion won in 2017 and 23.8 billion won in 2018. It is the highest-grossing new prostate cancer drug. It recorded the highest sales among new prostate cancer drugs. Although its sales briefly slowed down to 23 billion won in 2019, it rebounded last year to record nearly 30 billion won. Globally, Xtandi also outperformed the other drugs and rose to the ranks to become one of the top 20 blockbuster drugs for the first time last year. Last year, Xtandi sold 4.39 billion dollars (approx. 5.19 trillion won) in global sales and became the 18th best-selling drug in the world. Projected sales per Xtandi Furthermore, Astellas expressed its ambition to maximize Xtandi’s sales over the next five years. In the new strategic planning meeting that was held in May, Astellas projected that Xtandi will sell 600 billion to 700 billion yen (approx. 6.20 trillion-7.24 trillion won) at maximum by the fiscal year 2025 (March 2026). Astellas also plans to extend the indication to high-risk non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer next year. ◆The introduction of new latecomer drugs and Zytiga’s late but rapid chase … use of PARP inhibitors allows for more specified treatment strategies The competition in the prostate cancer treatment market is intensifying. New drugs such as ‘Erleada (Janssen),’ ‘Nubeqa (Bayer)’ etc. are continuing to be introduced while PARP inhibitors that target BRCA mutation like ‘Lynparza (AstraZeneca)’ is expanding their scope to cover prostate cancer as well. Erleada is approved for non-metastatic hormone-sensitive and nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in the US, and Nubeqa is approved for the high-risk nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer indication. Also, a PARP inhibitor was recently approved for prostate cancer and settled as a new treatment strategy and option for castration-resistant prostate cancer patients with BRCA 1/2 and DNA Damage Response (DDR). In particular, Lynparza in combination with Zytiga emerged as a stronger option by meeting the primary endpoint of radiological progression-free survival. The Lynparza+Zytiga combination aims to become a first-line treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer regardless of genetic mutations. In Korea, the fact that Xtandi’s sales fell short in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, which is the second-most on-demand area after metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, also leaves much to be desired in terms of expanding Xtandi sales. Zytiga added the indication in June 2018, and the latecomer Erleada was also approved for the indication at the end of last year, Xtandi only received approval for the indication in September this year. While Xtandi made no further progress since expanding reimbursement to first-line treatment in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in May 2019, Zytiga persisted on the path to be approved for selective reimbursement in high-risk groups among metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer patients in April this year. Although Xtandi was approved for both the high-risk and low-risk groups, Zytiga, which received limited approval for the high-risk group, holds the immediate upper hand in prescriptions. After the reimbursement expansion, Zytiga’s quarterly sales surged from 2 billion won to approximately 4 billion won. In response, Astellas is seeking a way to extend its indication and expand reimbursement of Xtandi from the current metastatic hormone-sensitive indication to cover all patients. In addition, the company is seeking a new treatment strategy through a clinical trial in combination with Pfizer’s PARP inhibitor ‘Talzenna.’ The clinical trial is expected to end in three years. Astella said, “We expect sales of Xtandi is to continue to grow due to its competitive price and the yearly increase of prostate cancer, the fourth most common cancer in men. Depending on the domestic situation, we are also considering adding further indications, and are planning to expand reimbursement to the treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer regardless of the degree of risk.”
- Company
- Domestic approval of Tabrecta is imminent
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Nov 18, 2021 05:54am
- According to related industries, the MFDS is conducting a final review for marketing approval of Tabrecta (Capmatinib) of Novartis Korea. Approval is possible within this year. MET mutations account for about 3% to 4% of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, and as there have been no treatments, interest in these new drugs is increasing. Tabrecta targets hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met) and was first approved in the United States in May last year as a treatment for MET exon14 mutated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It was confirmed to be effective through a phase 2 GEOMETRY mono-1 study of 97 patients with METex14. As a result of the study, the overall response rate was 68% in patients who had never been treated and 41% in patients who had previously been treated. Among the patients who took Tabrecta, the median response duration (DoR) of previously untreated patients was 12.6 months and the patients treated were 9.7 months. Tabrecta is also spurring research for future combination therapy. In particular, it is expected to be able to solve the resistance problem of EGFR TKI in lung cancer. In fact, Tabrexta is conducting a clinical trial in combination with AstraZeneca's third-generation EGFR TKI Tagrisso. Combination therapy of Tabrecta and Tagrisso are compared with platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer with T790M negative and amplified MET genes during treatment with 1st and 2nd generation EGFR TKI or Tagrisso. Janssen Korea has also applied for permission for Rybrevant (Amivantamab) to lower the MET. In the case of Rybrevant, it obtained US permission in May, blocking EGFR and MET mutations at the same time. The first indication of this drug is non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR Exon20 mutation.Rybrevant is conducting a study in combination with Leclaza (Lazertinib) of Yuhan Corporation, a new domestic drug.
- Policy
- MFDS reviews emergency use of Merck’s oral COVID-19 pill
- by Lee, Tak-Sun Nov 18, 2021 05:54am
- The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced that it has started review for the Emergency Use Authorization of US Merck’s oral COVID-19 treatment, ‘Lagebvrio (molnupiravir).’ Also, the ministry added that a preliminary review is also in progress for US Pfizer’s ‘Paxlovid.’ On the 17th, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency requested an emergency use authorization for US Merck’s oral COVID-19 treatment ‘Lagebvrio’ to the MFDS. Lagebvrio is a ribonucleoside analog that is inserted in place of the normal RNA needed in the viral replication process to induce lethal mutagenesis. The MFDS plans to carefully review the clinical and quality data submitted by the company, conduct an expert advisory meeting, and hold deliberations with the ‘Committee for the Safe Management and Supply of Medical Products for Public Health Crisis Response’ to verify the product’s safety and efficacy before deciding whether to authorize emergency use. On the 10th, Pfizer Korea applied for the preliminary review of quality and nonclinical data on ‘Paxlovid,’ an oral COVID-19 treatment developed by Pfizer US. The MFDS is conducting a preliminary review on Paxlovid upon the company's request. ‘Paxlovid’ inhibits 3CL protease, which plays an essential role in viral replication, to inhibit the multiplication of the coronavirus. The MFDS plans to carefully review the non-clinical and quality data submitted by the company, and promptly conduct required processes if the KDCA requests an emergency use authorization for Paxlovid as well.
- Policy
- Major bills have been piled up
- by Lee, Jeong-Hwan Nov 18, 2021 05:54am
- Review site of the first bill of the Welfare Committee The National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee held the first subcommittee on bills on the 23rd and 24th and agreed between the ruling and opposition parties to review the medical law and the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. The second subcommittee on the bill will be held for two days on the 24th and 25th, and both subcommittees are still before the agreement. The problem is that there are many major bills to be reviewed in preparation for the two-day schedule. The bill, which was not reviewed by the subcommittee, is likely to not be reviewed until the presidential election in March next year. On the 16th, Kim Min-seok, chairman of the Welfare Committee, and the secretaries between the ruling and opposition parties confirmed the schedule of the subcommittee on the bill. The secretariat will go through a consultation process on the 17th to finalize the list of bills to be reviewed by the subcommittee. The Welfare Committee completed next year's budget review by the relevant government department by the 12th. There are 272 new bills and bills that have not been reviewed earlier. As the government has decided to implement with COVID-19, restrictive telemedicine allowances are pending in the National Assembly. In addition, eradication of illegal hospital support, CSO government reporting system, regulation of health functional food note prescription, regulation of suspension of drug price reduction avoidance, and bill to revitalize Generic Substitution are waiting for review. The bill, which will not be reviewed this time, is likely to not be resolved until the 20th presidential election scheduled for March 9 next year. For this reason, the ruling and opposition parties have scheduled consultations on the direction of handling or discussing bills that are highly urgent or highly controversial during the With COVID-19 outbreak. This is because the National Assembly must set the direction of the bill review to some extent so that discussions and consultations on related matters can be carried out. Even so, the schedule of the bill subcommittee, which has been confirmed immediately, is too short, so there is no time for hundreds of bills to be reviewed enough or it is difficult to even present them at all. This means that many of the bills waiting for review will soon be in a situation that will not proceed until the end of next year's presidential election without obtaining a chance to review at the subcommittee on bills. An official from the ruling party's secretariat, Kim Sung-joo, said, "The schedule of the subcommittee on the bill has been agreed, but the agenda has yet to go through an agreement process between the ruling and opposition parties." He explained, "We believe that controversial bills will be introduced due to consultations scheduled on the 17th, but the screening schedule is tight." The official said, "Important bills that will affect the health's weaknesses are waiting," adding, "The problem is that if they are not reviewed by the subcommittee this month, it will be difficult to get a chance to review them until next year's presidential election. This month's subcommittee on legislation is the last of this year, he added.
