LG Chem expands its Zemimet SR Tab lineup

allows customized prescriptions…introduced to add on to the 100 billion sales posted by the Zemimet series

Government approves reimbursement of the 25/750 mg dosage form of the modified new combination drug...grants 68% pricing premium

A new dosage form of LG Chem's diabetes combination drug ‘Zemimet SR Tab (gemigliptin /metformin) will be added to the reimbursement list next month.

 

This is expected to increase prescription options in the field and allow fully personalized prescriptions for the patients.

 

According to industry sources on the 27th, Zemimet SR Tab 25/750 mg will be added to the reimbursement list from April 1.

 

Zemimet SR Tab 25/750 mg is a combination of 25 mg of gemigliptin and 750 mg of metformin.

 

The addition of the 25/750mg dose will bring the total lineup of Zemimet SR Tab to five.

 

This is the most diverse array of options provided among all DPP-4 inhibitor class products.

 

Currently, Zemimet SR 25/500mg, 50/1000mg, 50/500mg, and 25/1000mg are listed in Korea’s reimbursement list.

 

Zemimet SR Tab 25/750 mg will be the first option that provides 750 mg of sustained-release metformin among the combinations.

 

The new product will allow patients to be prescribed various combinations of metformin in different doses depending on their symptoms.

 

For example, patients will be able to receive fully personalized prescriptions that contain low to high-dose metformin- 500, 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, and 2000 mg – suited to each patient’s specific condition.

 

The product has been designated as an incrementally modified drug combination by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in recognition of its improved efficacy and utility.

 

As a result, its drug price has also been incentivized.

 

Since it is an incrementally modified drug combination and LG Chem is an innovative pharmaceutical company, a 68% pricing premium is added to the amount calculated using a set standard (calculating the upper limit of each single drug (or combination drug) by applying a content formula and then summing them).

 

Accordingly, the company received a ceiling price of KRW 428.

 

Last year, LG Chem’s Zemimet SR Tab lineup generated KRW 100.3 billion in outpatient prescriptions (UBIST), surpassing the KRW 100 billion mark for 2 consecutive years.

 

LG Chem and Daewoong Pharmaceutical's joint sales of the drug are analyzed to be creating synergistic effects.

 

LG Chem said, "The new dosage form has significance in that it provides a more targeted, step-by-step drug escalation option for diabetes patients.

 

We will continue to make R&D investments in our Zemiglo product lineup to provide effective diabetes treatment options."