Future of Korea's Last Fever Suppository: MFDS and Hanmi Collaborate

There is growing interest in whether the last remaining fever suppository in Korea, the Bokhap Suspen Suppositories, will continue to be produced despite rising production costs.

Recently, Hanmi Pharmaceutical announced it would cease supplying Suspen Suppository from August 23 due to difficulties in improving profitability. In a market dominated by oral pediatric antipyretic analgesics, Hanmi, founded in 1973, launched Suspen Suppository in 1979, marking a significant R&D milestone for the company. It was one of their flagship products, alongside Ecolon and Torijar, which were heavily advertised.

The Bokhap Suspen Suppositories contain acetaminophen and DL-methionine and is the only over-the-counter drug in Korea approved in suppository form for antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory use. Though its sales were not high, it was a valuable product for young children with swollen airways or difficulties taking oral medication, suitable for use from one year of age.

Despite being a well-known legacy brand of Hanmi Pharmaceutical, the product faces production discontinuation due to insufficient profitability. A Hanmi Pharmaceutical representative explained, "HLB Pharmaceuticals is the only company in Korea capable of producing suppositories, but recent production costs have increased by 5.5 times, making it difficult to continue production. Consequently, pharmacy prices may also increase by about four times, putting us in a difficult situation."

They added, "Even if we produce it ourselves, it would be challenging to resume supply in the short term due to equipment purchases and GMP certification. Given the public's disappointment and the unique nature of the product as the only fever suppository, cooperation from manufacturers is essential."

The newly established Drug Management Support Team, led by Hyuk-seung Kwon, is investigating the potential impact on patients following the supply discontinuation and is gathering opinions to resume production. A representative from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) stated, "Following Hanmi Pharmaceutical's supply discontinuation report, we have sought expert advice through the Rare Essential Drugs Center to identify possible alternatives. We are also receiving feedback from the Korean Pharmaceutical Association, the Pediatric Society, and the Family Medicine Association."

They continued, "As the only fever suppository, the MFDS is in discussions with Hanmi Pharmaceutical to resume production. We understand that Hanmi is also in talks with HLB Pharmaceuticals."

However, the resumption of production for the combined Suspen Suppository, which lacks a set price as an over-the-counter drug, is expected to be a challenging process. Unlike prescription drugs, price increases do not resolve supply issues for non-reimbursable OTC medications. The MFDS representative noted, "While we can recommend price increases for prescription drugs, this does not apply to non-reimbursable OTC drugs. If necessary, measures to ensure stable drug supply could be discussed in a public-private consultative body involving the MFDS and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW)."

They also mentioned, "We have informed the MOHW of the reasons for the supply discontinuation of Supsen Suppository."