HK inno.N’s innovative drug for gastroesophageal reflux disease, ‘K-CAB’, has been launched in six Latin American countries, bringing the total to 15 countries worldwide. The drug, known locally as ‘Ki-CAB’, received approval in the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Colombia last September.
K-CAB has been introduced in various forms, including technology transfer or finished product exports, to 18 Latin American countries. After its launch in Mexico and Peru last year, and Chile in the second half of this year, it is now sold in nine Latin American countries.
HK inno.N’s partner, Carnot, which has export agreements for 17 Latin American countries excluding Brazil, is driving the market growth of K-CAB in the region through sales and marketing efforts. As part of these efforts, the two companies have been organizing academic conferences for medical professionals both in Korea and locally since last year. A symposium was also held in Bogotá, Colombia, last October to celebrate the product’s launch there.
A representative from Carnot noted that K-CAB quickly established itself in the top three of the peptic ulcer treatment market in Mexico within about a year of its release and is approaching a 10% market share. This rapid growth is having a positive impact on the Latin American market, and medical professionals in other Latin American countries where K-CAB is not yet available are highly anticipating its launch.
Gwak Dal-won, the CEO of HK inno.N, stated, “K-CAB has quickly made its mark in the Latin American market, confirming its growth potential. We will continue our efforts to highlight the value of domestic new drugs in the global peptic ulcer treatment market beyond Latin America.”
K-CAB, the 30th new drug developed in Korea, belongs to the P-CAB class (potassium-competitive acid blockers) and is known for its rapid efficacy within one hour of taking and maintained effectiveness and safety even after six months of long-term use.