With the surge in respiratory diseases such as winter influenza (flu), it has been reported that pharmacies across the country are experiencing a supply shortage of flu treatments, cough suppressants, and antipyretic analgesics. The spike in patients has depleted stock at once. In response, major corporations are focusing on increasing distribution.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 8th, the number of flu patients is rapidly increasing. The influenza virus detection rate over the past four weeks saw a sharp rise from 9.3% in week 49 (Dec. 1-7) to 50.9% in week 52 (Dec. 22-28). The number of flu-related physician visits, which was 7.3 in week 49, steadily increased to 73.9 in week 52. This is the highest level since 86.2 in 2016.
As flu patients flocked to some pharmacies, antiviral flu medications 'Tamiflu' and 'Jofluza' became sold out. Consequently, alternative generic drugs also quickly ran out of stock. Examples include Chong Kun Dang's Tamiflu capsules and powder for suspension, Gunil Biopharm's Gunflu capsules, and Mothers Pharmaceuticals' Oslem capsules.
According to major pharmaceutical manufacturers, the supply of domestic medications is stable; however, a surge in patients at medical facilities and pharmacies has caused supply instability. There are reports of temporary stock shortages due to delays in medication distribution to pharmacies.
Corporations are expanding their distribution in response to the increasing trend of flu patients.
Roche Korea has established a distribution and sales contract for Jofluza and Tamiflu with domestic company HK inno.N last year and is supplying medications to the domestic market. A Roche Korea official noted, "Currently, the stock of Roche's flu treatment Tamiflu and Jofluza in Korea has been confirmed to be sufficient" and added, "As stock is stably secured in the domestic market and distribution is being increased, pharmacies will soon receive the necessary quantities."
Tamiflu (active ingredient oseltamivir) and Jofluza (active ingredient baloxavir marboxil) are prescription-only medications that inhibit the release of influenza A and B viruses to treat infections. Both medications can be taken by adults and children; however, Tamiflu must be taken orally for five days to be effective, whereas Jofluza, which was developed later and released to the market, can be taken just once after symptoms appear. In addition to tablets, a suspension formulation that dissolves in water for easier consumption by children has also been launched.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical has reportedly increased production of its flu treatment generic drug 'Hanmi Flu' and related products such as antipyretics and cough suppressants. Yuhan Corporation is also detecting an increase in sales of 'Yuhan Enflu' and plans to ship additional products according to the ongoing trend and market inventory.
As the number of patients with respiratory diseases, including winter flu, rises, the sales of cough suppressants, antipyretic analgesics, and antibiotics are also increasing. Among cough suppressants, notable products include Anguk Pharmaceutical's Sinethura syrup, Daewon Pharmaceutical's Kodaewon Forte and Privitus syrups, and Yuhan Corporation's Cough syrup.
In the securities market, as the influenza virus (flu) gains momentum in South Korea and the 'human metapneumovirus (HMPV)' spreads in China, companies related to respiratory infection medications and diagnostic kits are gaining attention due to expectations of increased demand. HMPV exhibits symptoms similar to the common cold, including fever, cough, phlegm, runny nose, and nasal congestion. In severe cases, it can cause lower respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and with no vaccine or treatment available, supportive treatment is provided using antipyretics or intravenous fluids.
Among the diagnostic kit companies, Gene amplification (PCR) specialist Seegen, SD BIOSENSOR, diagnostic kit specialist Humasis, and Lab Genomics are receiving attention. All of them benefited during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the 6th, Seegen's stock closing price rose by 16.04% compared to the previous trading day. On the same day, SD BIOSENSOR's closing price increased by 14.87%, and on the 7th, it rose by 0.56% compared to the previous day. Previously, Seegen reached the 4th position in market capitalization on the KOSDAQ in 2020 and recorded annual sales of 1 trillion won in 2020-2021. In the case of SD BIOSENSOR, it generated nearly 3 trillion won in revenue in 2021-2022.
Daewon Pharmaceutical's 'Kodaewon S Syrup' is a medication approved for upper respiratory tract infection indications. The 'Pelubiprofen' formulation received approval in 2007, and Youngjin Pharmaceutical's 'Pelps Tablet,' launched in 2021, also secured approval for 'antipyretic' indications for acute upper respiratory inflammation. Among ibuprofen formulations used as antipyretics and anti-inflammatory analgesics, Daewoong Pharmaceutical's 'EZN' and Boeun's 'Pensyrup' are notable.
In cases where a faster-acting injection is needed due to the patient's critical condition, products such as GC Green Cross's 'Peramiflu' and Youngjin Pharmaceutical's injection 'Denogan Injection' may be used.