Bayer Korea said it has entered into a strategic partnership with Chong Kun Dang to co-market Kerendia (ingredienet: finerenone), Bayer's novel treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Kerendia received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in May 2022 for its role in reducing the risk of sustained decline in eGFR, end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and hospitalization due to heart failure in adults with CKD and type 2 diabetes. The drug has started receiving reimbursement as of Feb. 1.

The partnership is an addition to the longstanding partnership between the two companies, which have been cooperating since 2005 through the co-marketing of antibiotics Ciprobay and Avelox.

Both companies plan to undertake aggressive marketing and sales strategies for Kerendia by providing focused training on the disease and product to the sales teams.

Type 2 diabetes, often accompanied by CKD, poses a significant challenge in managing the progression of kidney disease and cardiovascular risk, despite well-controlled blood pressure and blood sugar levels through standard treatments.

Kerendia represents a shift in the treatment paradigm for CKD in type 2 diabetes patients by targeting inflammation and fibrosis in the kidneys.

"CKD accompanied by type 2 diabetes imposes a substantial socio-economic burden, yet awareness of its risks remains low," Bayer Korea CEO Lee Jin-a said. "Through strategic collaboration with Chong Kun Dang, a leader in pharmaceutical marketing and sales in Korea, the partnership aims to increase disease awareness among healthcare professionals and patients while improving access to Kerendia, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those affected."

Chong Kun Dang CEO Kim Young-joo also said, "Together with Bayer Korea, we are committed to leveraging our combined product strength, marketing capabilities, and robust sales network to offer the therapeutic benefits of this global new drug to patients."