Price of Pulmicort raised again upon request

by private-public consultative council to address its continuous supply shortage

Worldwide shortages, another price increase in a year...KRW1125→KRW1380

The price of asthma and bronchitis drug ‘Pulmicort Respule Nubuliser Suspension (budesonide, AZ), which had been raised in December last year, will again be raised in just one year.

 

The move is intended to proactively address the drug’s global market shortage.

 

According to industry sources on the 20th, the insurance price ceiling for the drug will increase by KRW 255 from KRW 1125 to KRW 1380, effective as of January 1st, 2025.

 

It is reported that the price adjustment was made upon the request of the ‘Private-Public Council for Addressing Unstable Supply and Demand.’ An industry insider explained, “We understand that the council proactively requested a drug price increase to secure domestic import volume as procuring the supply and demand of Pulmicort has recently been difficult in global markets including Japan and Canada.” The price increase was finalized after negotiations with the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service’s Drug Reimbursement Evaluation Committee and the National Health Insurance Service’s price adjustment negotiations.

 

Pulmicort's drug price was also increased in December last year, along with another same-ingredient product Pulmican.

 

At that time, Pulmican’s price was raised from KRW 946 to KRW 1121 per vial and Pulmicort was raised from KRW 1000 to KRW 1125 to address supply and demand insecurity.

 

Both drugs are suspension formulations that are often used to treat bronchitis, especially in infants and children, and their use increases during this season.

 

In response, the company plans to expand the manufacturing line of the domestically manufactured Pulmican and double its production from next year.

 

However, the drug price of Pulmicort, the imported product, has been preemptively raised to resolve the current shortage issue.

 

It is reported that the recent shortage of Pulmicort has caused red flags in securing stocks in pharmacies nationwide.