Kyungdong Pharmaceutical launches Nasopra Tab, expanding anti-inflammatory and analgesic lineup

Kyungdong Pharmaceutical announced on July 2 that it has launched 'Nasopra Tab,' a combination drug of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). This product, which received item approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in February this year, enters the market as a generic of LG Chem's 'Bemovo Tab,' making it the first follow-up product in 11 years.

Nasopra Tab is a combination drug that contains the NSAID naproxen and the PPI esomeprazole. Its key feature is that it maintains anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects while significantly reducing the risk of gastrointestinal side effects that may occur with NSAID use.

Developed based on Kyungdong Pharmaceutical's formulation technology, this product is a film-coated tablet composed of an inner core and an outer core, with a total of six precise coating layers. The naproxen in the inner core is formulated as an enteric-coated, delayed-release tablet, designed to avoid decomposition in the stomach and exert its effect in the intestine. The esomeprazole in the outer core is formulated as an immediate-release tablet, helping to minimize gastric irritation by adjusting the hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the stomach.

Esomeprazole is applied as the fourth layer among the multi-layer coatings, and its rapid dissolution suppresses gastric acid, creating an environment in which naproxen can act effectively. This dual-release structure, which requires advanced multi-layer coating technology, demands a high level of pharmaceutical formulation expertise. However, Kyungdong Pharmaceutical has implemented this technology in-house, demonstrating bioequivalence and ensuring the product's quality and efficacy.

A Kyungdong Pharmaceutical representative stated, "Recently, there has been a gradual increase in prescription demand for NSAIDs+PPI combination drugs," and added, "We expect to provide better treatment options for patients by creating synergy with our existing NSAID products."

The representative continued, "The launch of this product, together with our existing anti-inflammatory and analgesic lineup such as Selekka Duo Tab, Loxonal Tab, Dexidifen Tab, and Acer Tab, will serve as an opportunity to strengthen our position in the NSAID market. In the early stages of the launch, we plan to actively conduct academic activities focused on major hospitals and clinics to promote the product's unique features and the need for combination prescriptions, aiming for a successful market entry."