Dong-A ST has released their best-selling foot and nail fungal treatment in the domestic market, which has “excellent antimicrobial and drug penetration compared to existing topical agents,” the company said Wednesday.

The company’s prescription drug is a treatment for a nail fungal infection, onychomycosis (tinea unguium), which causes toenails or fingernails to become thickened and discolored. Onychomycosis affects around 1.2 million people domestically.

Jublia주블리아 (compound efinaconazole) had ranked first in sales in North America and Japan, according to 2015 IMS standards, dominating these markets after it received the go-ahead from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2014. The drug received domestic approval on May 16.

Clinical studies conducted over a year showed that Jublia’s main ingredient, efinaconazole, proved to be equally or more effective than other external treatments (amorolfine, ciclopirox, and itraconazole), said Go Hyo-sang고효상, section chief of Dong-A ST동아ST Medical Academy. The treatment, therefore, can be topically applied to a small area which then deeply penetrates the nail to provide a high rate of mycological cure than other topical agents.

The company also believes Jublia will serve as the go-to treatment for patients who are uncomfortable taking oral antifungal medicines because of its side effects on liver function and possible lead to gastrointestinal tract disorder. Go added that the medication is easier to apply and has a lowered chance of interaction between liver metabolism and medicine,

“Jublia has been proved equally effective as other oral medications and has fewer side effects, making it superior regarding efficacy and safety,” Go said.

The company estimates the price of the prescription medication to be around 35,000 won ($31).

Copyright © KBR Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution prohibited