Daewoong's 'Enblo' and Pfizer's 'Cibinqo' Conditionally Approved for National Health Insurance Reimbursement Based on Appropriateness Criteria

Daewoong Pharmaceutical's new diabetes drug 'Enblo Tablet' and Pfizer's atopic dermatitis treatment 'Sibinco Tablet' have been conditionally recognized for their appropriateness for health insurance reimbursement.

The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) announced that as a result of the 3rd Drug Reimbursement Evaluation Committee meeting in 2023 held on the 2nd, it was decided that Sibinco Tablets 50, 100, and 200 mg (active ingredient: Abrocitinib) and Enblo Tablet 0.3 mg (active ingredient: Inavogliflozin) are appropriate for reimbursement if accepted below the evaluated price.

Enblo Tablet from Daewoong Pharmaceutical, Hanall Biopharma, and Daewoong Bio is a diabetes treatment drug with a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor mechanism. It selectively inhibits the SGLT-2 transporter located in the proximal tubule of the kidney, which is involved in glucose reabsorption, thereby directly excreting glucose through urine and reducing blood sugar levels. Daewoong Pharmaceutical explained that clinical trials have demonstrated superior blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) lowering effects and safety compared to existing marketed drugs.

Pfizer Korea's Sibinco Tablet is used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older. This drug regulates levels of interleukins that cause inflammation and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an immune substance.

On the other hand, Novartis Korea's gene therapy for biallelic RPE65 mutation-related hereditary retinal dystrophy, 'Luxturna' (active ingredient: Voretigene Neparvovec), was decided to be non-reimbursable.

Meanwhile, HIRA evaluates the appropriateness of drug reimbursement through the Drug Reimbursement Evaluation Committee's review. Afterward, final decisions on health insurance coverage are made through price negotiations between the National Health Insurance Service and pharmaceutical companies.