South Korea is intensifying efforts to stabilize the supply of essential medicines, a challenge that has persisted due to raw material constraints and limited profitability.

According to industry sources on August 21, Boryung Biopharma is progressing with reimbursement procedures for TrueLAC Syrup (lactulose), a treatment for chronic constipation. Lactulose has long been supplied almost exclusively by JW Pharmaceutical’s Dulackhan Easy Syrup, which has faced chronic shortages. To secure supply, Korea’s Health Insurance Policy Review Committee approved price increases for the drug in 2022 and 2023.

The government continues to view price adjustments and generic entries as key measures to ensure availability. Following the April listing of Korea Syntex’s Bielak Tool Easy Syrup, Boryung’s TrueLAC Syrup is expected to gain reimbursement and launch in October at the same ceiling price.

Meanwhile, Samoh Pharmaceutical is preparing to introduce a local version of fulvestrant, a breast cancer therapy designated as an essential medicine in late 2023. Industry reports suggest AstraZeneca may withdraw its brand Faslodex from Korea as its pricing premiums expire. Currently, AstraZeneca, Boryung, and Chorus Pharma supply reimbursed versions. Samoh has already registered its drug master file and completed stability testing, with approval and reimbursement targeted as early as the first half of 2026.

An industry executive noted, “Essential medicines are often commercially unattractive, yet these launches demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining treatment access and minimizing gaps in patient care.”