Forxiga return policy in question amid AZ-Daewoong dispute

Confusion emerges in pharmacies due to the upcoming Forxiga withdrawal from the Korean market

Forxiga's return will be processed through the wholesaler HK inno.N, and pharmacies that transact directly with the company will be handled by Daewoong

Forxiga Tab.

There was initial confusion among front-line pharmacies regarding the return policy for Forxiga, which is set to be withdrawn from the Korean market.

 

However, it appears that the issue is now being resolved.

 

According to the pharmacy industry sources, there has been a disagreement between AstraZeneca Korea and Daewoong Pharmaceutical regarding the return policy of Forxiga tablet following the decision for Forxiga withdrawal from the domestic market.

 

In 2018, AstraZeneca Korea entered into a partnership agreement with Daewoong Pharmaceutical to co-promote Forxiga and Xigduo.

 

After the end of the domestic distribution contract with Daewoong Pharmaceutical, confusion arose in the market.

 

Currently, HK inno.N has taken over the sales of Forxiga.

 

During this period, pharmacists were denied returning the drugs.

 

A pharmacist commented on the experience such as "I have initially requested a return for the drug to the distributor, but the answer was 'We do not accept returns because the marketing and distribution agreement has ended.

 

Instead, contact AstraZeneca.' However, AstraZeneca said, 'We do not take returns because we are no longer involved in the distributing business.' Both parties rejected returns." "When I was making returns due to changes in the prescription, having two parties reject the returns was confusing," said the pharmacist.

 

It was reported that other pharmacies had also experienced confusions when processing returns.

 

Daewoong has officially informed wholesalers, hospital pharmacy departments, and pharmacies that 'Starting from the 19th, distribution of Forxiga will be suspended due to the contract ending.

 

Although the sales and distribution of existing stock will continue, any returns must be made through AstraZeneca Korea once the distribution and sales are suspended.' On the 30th, AstraZeneca clarified its return policy and informed that 'Returns can be processed through HK inno.N’s cooperating wholesalers, and the pharmacies that have direct transactions with Daewoong can continue to make returns through Daewoong.' On the 30th, AstraZeneca Korea and HK inno.N entered into a partnership agreement to distribute Forxiga and co-promote Xigduo Tab and Sidapvia Tab.

 

"We will do our best to stabilize the supply of Forxiga for patients who are using it for the treatment of diabetes, chronic heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.

 

AstraZeneca Korea will be responsible for the marketing and sales of Forxia and HK inno.N will manage the distribution of Forxiga by the end of this year," AstraZeneca Korea and HK inno.N stated.