DongKook Pharmaceutical and iNTherapeutics Sign Co-Promotion Agreement for "Veloxcap Tab"

Exclusive Domestic Distribution and Sales of Veloxcap Tab

DongKook Pharmaceutical announced on the 24th that it has signed a co-promotion agreement with iNTherapeutics for 'Veloxcap Tab,' a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Juno Song, CEO of Dongkook Pharmaceutical (left), and Jongduk Park, CEO of I&Therapeutics, signed a joint promotion contract for Belloxcap tablets on the 22nd and are taking a commemorative photo. Dongkook Pharmaceutical

The company aims to strengthen its position in the gastrointestinal drug market by distributing and selling P-CAB (potassium-competitive acid blocker) class treatments, which are rapidly growing through exclusive domestic distribution and sales.

Veloxcap Tab is a P-CAB class treatment containing fexuprazan, the same active ingredient as Daewoong Pharmaceutical's Fexuclu Tab, which is the 34th domestically developed new drug. P-CABs are next-generation treatments for gastrointestinal diseases, offering faster acid suppression compared to conventional PPIs (proton pump inhibitors). They can be taken regardless of meal times, which improves medication adherence. The drug's effect is long-lasting, so taking it once a day is sufficient for effective treatment.

In Korea, P-CABs have achieved an average annual sales growth rate of 34% over the past five years, rapidly expanding their market presence. Products containing fexuprazan have shown a 119% sales growth rate over the past three years due to their product differentiation and high market potential. Notably, fexuprazan has substance patent protection until 2036, which ensures a monopoly structure that prevents generic entry for the next ten years. In addition, the product continues to strengthen its competitiveness by expanding its indications.

Song Junho, CEO of DongKook Pharmaceutical, stated, "Through the distribution and sales of Veloxcap Tab, we plan to increase the market share of fexuprazan in the P-CAB market and enhance the value of the product," adding, "We expect to expand our portfolio through synergy effects from joint promotion with our existing gastrointestinal products."

DongKook Pharmaceutical has been selling Veloxcap Tab since this month. The 40mg formulation is indicated for the treatment of erosive GERD, while the 10mg formulation is indicated for erosive GERD as well as for the improvement of gastric mucosal lesions in acute and chronic gastritis. The 20mg Veloxcap Tab, which will be launched in the future, adds the prevention of NSAIDs-induced peptic ulcers (gastric and duodenal ulcers) to its existing indications for erosive GERD and improvement of gastric mucosal lesions in acute and chronic gastritis. Among P-CAB class treatments available in Korea, Veloxcap Tab 20mg (fexuprazan hydrochloride 20mg) is the only product indicated for the prevention of NSAIDs-induced peptic ulcers.