Maxigesic IV (acetaminophen-ibuprofen), a non-narcotic combined injection of analgesics Kyongbo Pharmaceutical exclusively sells in Korea, recently received new drug approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration based on clinical results showing it effectively reduces pain compared to single drugs.

The approval was granted to Belgian pharmaceutical company Hyloris, and Maxigesic IV has been registered as Combogesic IV for the U.S. market.

Maxigesic IV was developed by AFT Pharmaceuticals in New Zealand and has been exclusively marketed in Korea by Kyongbo Pharm since 2018. It is characterized by the combination of acetaminophen (1,000mg), which acts on the central nervous system, and ibuprofen (300g), which acts on the peripheral nerves, in a patented ratio of 3.3:1. It provides more than twice the pain relief effect of single-component injections while significantly reducing side effects.

In particular, it has attracted attention in the medical field by effectively controlling pain while reducing the use of narcotic painkillers by more than 30 percent compared to acetaminophen or ibuprofen alone in a clinical study comparing the use of narcotic painkillers.

The product is prescribed at 25 top-tier hospitals, including Seoul National University Hospital, Asan Medical Center, Severance Hospital, Samsung Medical Center, Ajou University Hospital, Korea University Medical Center, and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, and more than 270 hospitals and clinics nationwide.

"With the FDA’s approval, the excellent analgesic effectiveness and safety of Maxigesic has been recognized by the global market," a KyongboPharm official said. “It will significantly contribute to curbing the use of narcotic painkillers and improving the quality of life of patients through effective pain control."