DKSH Korea to acquire Kyowa Kirin Korea's specialty pharmaceutical unit

DKSH Korea said Monday that it is expanding its specialty pharmaceutical business by acquiring Kyowa Kirin's Korean medicine business unit.

The acquisition includes sales, marketing, academic support, distribution, and management of Kyowa Kirin Korea's specialty pharmaceuticals, including the transfer and management of product licenses. DKSH Korea began distribution and sales activities on Oct. 2, and product license rights will be transferred gradually from next year.

The main products include Grasin, Neurasta, and Romiplate in hematology and Nesp, Regpara, and Orkedia in nephrology. Through the acquisition, DKSH will continue to partner with Kyowa Kirin's collaborators, Boryung and LG Chem, and maintain the existing collaboration structure.

The acquisition follows DKSH and Kyowa Kirin's strategic business partnership across the Asia-Pacific region. DKSH will be responsible for the import, distribution, and sales of Kyowa Kirin products in Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Founded in 1865 and headquartered in Switzerland, DKSH is a multinational corporation with revenues of more than 17.1 trillion won ($12.7 billion) in 2023. DKSH Korea is responsible for the domestic license management, distribution, and sales and marketing activities of hypertension treatment Atacand, malaria drug Lariam, anticancer treatment Vesanoid, antifungal drug Fungizone, and ophthalmic treatment Visudyne.

“We started our activities in the specialty drug market in February with the launch of Atacand for hypertension, and with the addition of Kyowa Kirin’s products, we expect to further strengthen DKSH's position and activities in the specialty drug market,” said Kim Han-sang who heads DKSH Korea's Healthcare Business Division.

“Through our comprehensive activities covering the licensing, marketing, sales, academic, and distribution of specialty drugs, we will increase the accessibility of specialty drugs to Korean patients and provide a wider range of differentiated, high-quality medical products through academic partnerships with Korean medical staff,” Kim said. “In addition to our enhanced product offerings, we are pleased to welcome talented individuals from across Kyowa Kirin's existing divisions to strengthen our capabilities for future growth.”