HK Innoen's New Drug for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease "K-CAB" Selected as World-Class Product

HK Innoen announced on the 19th that its new drug for gastroesophageal reflux disease, "K-CAB" (active ingredient: tegoprazan), has been selected as a "Current World-Class Product" in the World-Class Product Promotion Project, which is hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency). Among the 97 products chosen as "Current World-Class Products" this year, K-CAB is the only pharmaceutical product.

At the World-Class Product Certification Award Ceremony held at Lotte Hotel World on the 18th, Choi Yeonwoo, Director of the SME Policy Division at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (left in the photo), presented the certificate to Park Hyunjung, Executive Director of R&D Strategy at HK Innoen (right in the photo). HK Innoen

The "World-Class Product Promotion Project" is a certification program operated by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA since 2001 to expand the global market presence of outstanding Korean products and to strengthen their export competitiveness.

Products and companies with a global market share of 5% or more, ranking within the top five worldwide, and with annual export volumes exceeding 5 million US dollars are designated as "Current World-Class." Those with the potential to become "Current World-Class" within the next seven years are selected as "Next-Generation World-Class." Selected companies receive a variety of benefits, including overseas marketing, financial support, and export consulting, enabling them to further strengthen their competitiveness in the global market.

K-CAB, developed by HK Innoen, is Korea's 30th new drug and a P-CAB (potassium-competitive acid blocker) therapy that has set a new standard in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Unlike conventional PPI (proton pump inhibitor) drugs, K-CAB competitively blocks potassium ions at the final stage of gastric acid secretion, enabling rapid and powerful suppression of gastric acid. Its effects appear within one hour of administration, providing fast symptom relief, and it maintains strong acid suppression even at night, significantly improving patients' quality of life. Additionally, it can be taken regardless of meal times, enhancing medication convenience and patient compliance.

Currently, K-CAB has signed technology transfer or finished product export contracts with 53 countries abroad and has been launched in 18 countries, including Korea, China, and countries in Central and South America, expanding its presence in the global market.

A representative from HK Innoen stated, "K-CAB being selected as a World-Class Product is recognition of its potential in the global market," adding, "We will continue to contribute to elevating the status of Korea's pharmaceutical industry through the development of innovative new drugs and the expansion of our global market reach."

Meanwhile, as of last year, a total of 974 products and 1,094 manufacturing companies across all industries-including electronics, automobiles, chemicals and materials, medical devices, and food-had been selected as World-Class Products.