Launched as an Extended-Release Combination of Alogliptin and Metformin
Celltrion Pharm announced on July 1 that it has launched the diabetes treatment "Nesina Met XR Tablet (Alogliptin·Metformin)" in Korea.
Nesina Met XR Tablet is a combination drug that contains both "Alogliptin" and "Metformin," the main active ingredients for diabetes treatment, in a single tablet. Alogliptin improves blood sugar control by inhibiting the enzyme DPP-4 (Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4), which breaks down incretin, a hormone important for blood sugar regulation. Metformin prevents glucose production in the liver and improves insulin resistance.
In particular, Nesina Met XR Tablet is an extended-release formulation that maintains its effect for a longer duration. Unlike conventional immediate-release Metformin, which is usually taken more than once a day, this product allows for once-daily dosing, thereby improving convenience for patients.
The product is available in three dosage strengths based on the content of Alogliptin and Metformin: 12.5mg·500mg, 12.5mg·1000mg, and 25mg·1000mg, enabling tailored prescriptions according to the patient's condition. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's drug price ceiling notice, the reimbursed prices are set at 503 KRW for the 12.5mg·500mg and 12.5mg·1000mg products, and 758 KRW for the 25mg·1000mg product.
With the launch of Nesina Met XR Tablet, Celltrion Pharm has strengthened its brand presence in the diabetes treatment market alongside its existing products: Nesina Tablet (Alogliptin), Nesina Met Tablet (Alogliptin·Metformin), and Nesina Act Tablet (Alogliptin·Pioglitazone).
According to UBIST, a pharmaceutical market research agency, the domestic diabetes treatment market was estimated to be worth approximately 1.6 trillion KRW as of last year. Celltrion Pharm plans to continuously expand its diabetes treatment portfolio to provide therapeutic benefits to more patients, as the number of diabetes patients is increasing across various age groups due to factors such as obesity and changes in lifestyle habits.
A Celltrion Pharm representative stated, "Through the launch of Nesina Met XR Tablet, we expect to provide a wider range of treatment options for diabetes patients and rapidly expand our market presence with differentiated competitiveness," adding, "We will continue to do our best to establish a solid position in the growing diabetes treatment market through ongoing product expansion and formulation improvements."
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