Prozac to Cymbalta: Boryung-Lilly's CNS Parting Continues

Recent speculation surrounds the termination of all CNS therapeutic products by Eli Lilly, distributed through Boryung. After the discontinuation of 'Strattera' and the transfer of 'Prozac' to a new supplier, concerns rise about the potential independent reversion of supply for 'Cymbalta.'

There are discussions around the speculated contractual end, potentially indicating underlying supply-related issues between the two companies. While acquired products remain stable, talks about the rights transfer for other products surface in industry conversations.

Industry sources revealed Eli Lilly Korea's formal announcement to shift the supplier of 'Prozac' from Boryung to Eli Lilly Korea starting January 1st, 2024. 'Prozac,' South Korea's first SSRI introduced in 1989, faces intense generic competition, leading to reduced drug prices and roughly $1.1 million in out-of-hospital prescriptions according to UBIST, a pharmaceutical market research firm.

The separation between Boryung and Eli Lilly in the CNS field echoes a previous instance earlier this year when 'Strattera,' Eli Lilly's ADHD treatment, faced market entry issues due to supply discontinuation. Remaining inventory stands at a meager $308,342.

Amidst these shifts, discussions arise concerning a potential alteration in the co-promotion strategy for 'Cymbalta,' a versatile medication for various conditions, which recorded around $7.6 million in out-of-hospital prescriptions last year.

Rumors regarding Boryung's CNS drugs distributed by Boehringer spark from disagreements between Boryung and Eli Lilly, notably concerning 'Trulicity,' a significant GLP-1 agonist for diabetes treatment recording $41.3 million in out-of-hospital prescriptions last year. Supply shortages emerged since July, attributed to disruptions in the supply of its self-injection needles due to material shortages post-COVID-19.

The disagreements on supplies between Boryung and Eli Lilly escalated market concerns and social issues. Speculations suggest Eli Lilly might intend to manage distribution directly to address the problem.

While certain products like 'Gemzar,' now part of the 'Made in Eli Lilly' roster after rights acquisition, might remain unaffected, concerns persist for CNS drugs. Speculation rises on whether the sales rumors for remaining products are accurate and who might become new co-promotion partners for the reclaimed rights.

The focus shifts despite lower sales figures for these products as major CNS original products gradually shift from Boryung's hands, prompting curiosity about sales rumors and potential new partners.