Yungjin Pharm secures exclusive Korean distribution rights for Celltrion's Alzheimer’s patch

Yungjin Pharm said it has signed an agreement to exclusively distribute Celltrion’s Donerion Patch (ingredient: donepezil), the world’s first donepezil patch medication for Alzheimer’s disease, in Korea.

Under the accord, Yungjin Pharm has started exclusively distributing and marketing Donerion Patch in Korea since last Wednesday. The drug was launched in August 2022 with simultaneous reimbursement. For approximately two and a half years, the patch was marketed by Celltrion Pharm.

Unlike traditional oral donepezil medications that require daily intake, Donerion Patch offers an eased treatment option for Alzheimer’s patients, requiring application only twice a week. This innovative transdermal formulation aims to enhance medication adherence among patients and provide greater convenience for caregivers.

The patch delivers the drug gradually through the skin, resulting in stable blood concentrations with minimal fluctuations. It helps maintain acetylcholine levels, a key neurotransmitter, improving cognitive function and slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms.

With the introduction of Donerion Patch, Yungjin Pharm plans to establish a foothold in the dementia treatment market and expand its presence in the neurology sector.

“We are confident that Donerion Patch, the only patch formulation of its kind in Korea, will enable us to successfully enter the dementia market, which has been a challenging area for us,” Yungjin Pharm’s Sales & Marketing division Executive Vice President Yang Woong-yeol said. “We plan to strengthen our product lineup and continue expanding our market share in the coming years.”