New drug for gastroesophageal reflux disease surpasses 10 billion won in monthly prescriptions two years after launch
Zacubo, Jeil Pharmaceutical's new drug for gastroesophageal reflux disease, has broken into the top 10 of South Korea's ethical drug market.
According to Ubist's October outpatient prescription rankings released Tuesday, Zacubo recorded 10.3 billion won ($7.6 million) in prescriptions, placing it 10th in the ethical drug market before price-flexibility measures are applied.
Zacubo — which contains the active ingredient zastaprazan — is South Korea's 37th domestically developed new drug in the P-CAB (potassium-competitive acid blocker) class, developed by Onconic Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Jeil Pharmaceutical. Launched in October 2024, the drug has grown into a blockbuster within two years of its release.
Analysts attribute its rapid growth to several advantages over conventional PPI (proton pump inhibitor) drugs: faster onset of action, better nighttime acid suppression through a longer half-life, and the convenience of being taken regardless of meals.
In January this year, the company expanded its product lineup by launching an orally disintegrating tablet formulation for greater convenience. Earlier, in June last year, it added a gastric ulcer treatment indication and continues clinical development to secure additional indications.
"Zacubo has established itself as a key treatment option in South Korea's P-CAB market just two years after launch," Jeil Pharmaceutical said. "We will continue to expand its prescription scope and enhance its value in the global market."
freiheit@heraldcorp.com
