Korea Orders Drug Companies to Make More Common Cold Medicines

12/14/2022

Korea Orders Drug Companies to Make More Common Cold Medicines. Medicine shortages are being reported globally, in Europe, the United States and China. 

The 18 medicines covered by the Korean order include Tylenol 8-hour tablets from Janssen Korea, Penzal AR tablets from Chong Kun Dang and Suspen 8-hour tablets from Hanmi Pharmaceutical.

With the order in place, the companies will have to increase production by up to 60 percent through the winter.

The aim is to increase the average monthly supply from 45 million tablets to 67.6 million. During the time of changing seasons, the total will be increased to 72 million tablets.

Commandeering pharmaceutical companies is allowed under a regulation on emergency production in place since March last year. It was updated in September to specify medicines and companies covered under the rules.

This is the first time Korea has ordered drug companies to increase production.

As the government raises the price of tablets, the increase will be covered by national health insurance.

A tablet that originally cost around 50 won will be priced at 70 won. The additional 20 won will be covered by the government.

Janssen Korea’s Tylenol 8-hour tablet is the most expensive at 90 won per tablet, and Huvist Pharmaceutical’s Tyrepen 8-hour 650 milligram tablet is priced at 70 won.

The government warned that it will claw back the coverage if pharmaceutical companies fail to meet the additional production quantity, leading to complaint from the manufacturers. It is also negotiating with the companies now to limit any increases. 

Source: Korea JoongAng Daily

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