Yuyu Pharma said on Monday that it released SGLT-2 inhibitor, Newxiga (ingredient: dapaglifozin propanediol hydrate), for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes in Korea.

In particular, Newxiga is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise therapy to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. It can also be used to lower blood sugar in all stages of type 2 diabetes, except in patients with moderate or severe chronic kidney disease.

Recently, with the change in the provision of insurance benefits for the combined use of DPP-4 and SLGT-2 inhibitors, competition in the domestic diabetes market is heating up.

The Korean Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Fact Sheet in Korea 2022 showed that as of 2020, one in six adults over the age of 30 in Korea suffered from diabetes, and about 20 million people were diabetic or at high risk for diabetes.

Also, the domestic diabetes market is estimated to be worth 1 trillion won ($757 million). 

Accordingly, Yuyu Pharma plans to challenge the domestic diabetes drug market with the launch of its first diabetes product.

"Starting with the launch of Newxiga, Yuyu Pharm will continue to add to its lineup of diabetes medicines to position itself as a strong player in the chronic disease market alongside our existing focus on chronic diseases with dyslipidemia and osteoporosis medicines," said a Yuyu Pharm company official.

Meanwhile, the insurance benefit price per tablet of Newxiga is set at 334 won.