Hanmi Pharmaceutical said Monday that it has signed a co-promotion agreement with Santen Pharmaceutical Korea for the latter’s Diquas and Diquas-S dry eye treatments, last Thursday.

Hanmi CEO Woo Jong-soo (right) and Santen Pharmaceutical Korea CEO Lee Han-woong shake hands after signing a co-promotion agreement last Thursday.

Under the accord, the two companies will jointly conduct sales and marketing for Diquas and Diquas-S in general hospitals and clinics from April.

Diquas eye drop is a drug which uses Diquafosol Tetrasodium to improve symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Santen launched the treatment in 2013. The drug promotes mucin secretion that acts as a lubricant in the eye and relieves each conjunctival epithelial disorder. Diquas-S, a single-use product with the same ingredients launched in 2017, is sold in Korea along with Diquas.

According to IQVIA, a market research company, both products marked the combined sales of 13.8 billion won ($12.1 million) in 2018.

“Hanmi Pharmaceutical has concentrated its marketing and marketing capabilities on major academic activities and symposiums in the field of ophthalmology,” Hanmi CEO Woo Jong-soo said. “The company has made continuous efforts to strengthen the portfolio of ophthalmic treatment products.”

Through strategic alliances between Hanmi and Pharma, the two companies will be able to strengthen their presence in the future, Woo added.

Santen Pharmaceutical Korea CEO Lee Han-woong also said, “Santen Pharmaceuticals Korea, which has excellent product portfolio in the ophthalmic field, will provide more doctors with the clinical information and latest knowledge of Diquas and Diquas-S under the strategic partnership with Hanmi.”

The company will also do its best to contribute to the treatment of dry eye syndrome continuously, Lee added.

Copyright © KBR Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution prohibited