Korea’s P-CAB Market Enters New Phase as Japanese Drugmakers Join Race
South Korea’s market for treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease is rapidly shifting from proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs), as a growing market draws new competitors. P-CAB drugs can be taken regardless of meals and take effect quickly, with annual
Korea's gastroesophageal reflux disease market is transitioning from proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs), attracting new competitors and rapid growth. P-CAB drugs offer meal-independent dosing and quick onset, with annual sales projected to exceed 400 billion won, or about $289.46 million.
Domestically, three South Korean drugs led the market, but now Japanese firm Takeda Pharmaceutical's vonoprazan and generic versions, along with fresh Korean candidates, are joining the fray. Ubist, a pharmaceutical research firm, notes that P-CAB prescription sales jumped from 100 billion won in 2021 to a record 368.5 billion won last year, with sales expected to surpass 400 billion won this year.
Leading South Korean P-CAB drugs include HK inno.N's K-CAB, Daewoong Pharmaceutical's Fexuclue, and Onconic Therapeutics' JAQBO. K-CAB, the first locally developed new drug in tablet form to surpass 1 trillion won in cumulative outpatient prescriptions, is currently the market leader. The patent for Takeda's vonoprazan expires in 2027, prompting Korean companies like Kyongbo Pharmaceutical and Mother's Pharmaceutical to develop salt-modified versions before the expiration, with reimbursement negotiations underway.
Patent infringement battles are also intensifying, with generic drugmakers challenging existing Korean-developed drugs' patents. Upcoming drugs, such as Ildong Pharmaceutical and Daewon Pharmaceutical's padoprazan, aim to compete in additional indications, including peptic ulcer prevention and Helicobacter pylori eradication. Established market leaders are expanding their indications and exploring overseas markets to counter generic competition.
The surge in new drugs and generic products is anticipated to provide patients with more treatment options while heightening pharmaceutical companies' competition for market share.
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