Daewoong Pharmaceutical_대웅제약 (CEO: Lee Jong-wook_이종욱) has released a neuropathic pain treatment, Lycafree, and begun its marketing in earnest.

Lycafree (ingredient: pregabalin) is a generic of Pfizer’s blockbuster Lyrica prescribed for neuropathic pain. Korean pharmaceuticals have competed fiercely over the domestic market since the Lyrica went off patent, which rakes in around 50 billion won ($44 million) of revenue each year.

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Daewoong said Lycafree’s main benefits come from its notable pain reduction in patients with neuropathic pain as well as its ease of use.

The drug has proven effective in significantly reducing neuropathic pain as well as improving insomnia symptoms. Patients can take Lycrafree twice a day without having to control dosage for increased convenience, the company said.

The drug will also be sold at 10 percent of the original, reducing patients’ financial burden, the company said.

Daewoong expects Lycafree when used in combination with peripheral vascular disease treatment Anpl-One Tab, will help patients with peripheral and central nerve pain “providing pain relief and increasing the patient’s quality of life.”

The U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) designated pregabalin, Lycafree’s main ingredient, as the first-line treatment for all neuropathic pain. The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has also named the element as the highest grade, Level A, concerning effectiveness and safety for neuropathic pain.

“We expect Lycafree, made from high-purity material and strict GMP (good manufacturing practice) manufacturing maintenance systems, will help patients suffering in pain,” a Daewoong official said.