On July 3, Daewoong Pharmaceutical announced that it had successfully concluded the "Perfect (PERFECT) Symposium," held in eight cities nationwide to commemorate the successful launch of its osteoporosis treatment biosimilar, "Stoboclo (STOBOCLO)," and that it is now moving forward with a full-scale market expansion.
The "Perfect (PERFECT) Symposium" was held a total of 11 times, starting in Seoul and continuing in Suwon, Daegu, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeonbuk, Gwangju, and Jeju, with over 720 medical professionals in attendance, demonstrating high interest. The symposium's slogan, PERFECT, stands for the core values of Stoboclo: Providing, Economical, Reliable, First-in-class, Effective, Cure for, and Treating Osteoporosis. This encapsulates Stoboclo’s vision to offer an economical yet effective treatment option to many patients, and, as Korea’s first denosumab biosimilar, to provide a highly reliable and sustainable treatment solution.
Stoboclo is the first denosumab biosimilar launched in Korea. Through a global Phase 3 study, it demonstrated equivalent efficacy and safety to the original product. It has already secured approvals in key markets such as the United States, Australia, and Europe, and is preparing for launch in these regions. Stoboclo features a device design that takes into account both physicians and patients, with a wider finger rest and a mechanism that automatically retracts the needle into the body after injection, enhancing convenience and safety. The use of latex-free materials also eliminates allergy concerns. The entire production process is conducted domestically, ensuring supply stability.
Currently, due to a voluntary price reduction, Stoboclo is priced at approximately KRW 200,000 per year?about 13% less than the original product. With insurance reimbursement, the patient’s out-of-pocket cost is only KRW 5,400 per month. This means patients can prevent fracture risk and continue treatment for the price of a cup of coffee each month, greatly improving accessibility.
Enhancing treatment accessibility is especially important given Korea’s rapidly aging population and the realities of low diagnosis and treatment rates. Among women aged 50 and older, 26% have osteoporosis and 58% have osteopenia. For women aged 70 and older, two out of three are osteoporosis patients. Nevertheless, only 46.9% of women and 18.7% of men with a fracture history receive drug treatment[ii]. Because osteoporosis often has no symptoms and is frequently detected late, it is strongly recommended that individuals over 50 undergo regular bone density tests.
Baek Ki-hyun, professor of endocrinology at Catholic University of Korea and chair of the symposium, stated, "As the development and achievements of biosimilars are being made worldwide, it is highly significant that Daewoong Pharmaceutical, a leader in the Korean pharmaceutical industry, has launched Stoboclo, the world’s first denosumab biosimilar product. Especially since it is produced domestically, I expect it will become a reliable and stable treatment option for osteoporosis patients, free from supply issues, thanks to trustworthy raw materials and technology."
Hong Seung-jae, professor of rheumatology at Kyung Hee University, who spoke at the event, said, "I am pleased that biosimilars, which are widely used in rheumatology, are now being introduced for osteoporosis treatment. With effective and safe drugs now available at more economical prices, I expect Stoboclo will become a first-choice treatment option for many healthcare professionals and patients."
Kim Kyung-min, professor of endocrinology at Yonsei University, who also presented at the symposium, commented, "Stoboclo has proven its biological equivalence to the original product through a global Phase 3 study. Its affordable price increases patient access to treatment and helps ensure continuity in osteoporosis care."
In fact, within just three months of its launch, Stoboclo has achieved KRW 5 billion in sales, according to company data, positioning itself as a market "game changer." Daewoong Pharmaceutical anticipates that, leveraging synergies with Celltrion Pharm, Stoboclo will grow into a mega blockbuster with annual sales exceeding KRW 100 billion.
Yoo Young-ho, CEO of Celltrion Pharm, stated, "Stoboclo is a product that has met all clinical and regulatory requirements both domestically and internationally. By combining Celltrion Pharm’s nationwide distribution network and hospital sales capabilities, it is quickly establishing itself in the market. Through strategic collaboration with Daewoong Pharmaceutical, we aim to set new standards in the fracture treatment market."
Lee Chang-jae, CEO of Daewoong Pharmaceutical, said, "Fractures can lead to a decline in quality of life and even increase mortality risk, but for the price of a cup of coffee, they can be prevented. With the launch of Stoboclo, we will continue various initiatives to improve access to osteoporosis treatment for both patients and healthcare professionals."
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