SK chemicals (CEO, Chang-Geun Kim) announced that its new drug for treating allergic rhinitis and asthma, Montepuri  ODF (①Montelukast Oral Disintegrating Film 10mg, 5mg,4mg), has obtained marketing approval from the Korea Food and Drug Administration.

Montepuri ODF, is a new type of drug containing montelukast, the most representative drug compound in the ②leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) family, developed with an innovative formulating technology. This ODF form, which can be taken easily and conveniently, is expected to greatly improve ④patients’ compliance, especially among elderly and infant patients suffering from ③dysphagia.

The orally disintegrating formulation is a new film-type of dosage using a hydrophilic excipient for convenient administration, and water is not required to take it. SK chemicals applied this formulation technique to Montepuri ODF for the first time in Korea.

Despite of the improved convenience compared to conventional products, ‘Montepuri ODF’ has another strength in competitive price reduced by more than 30%.

Mr. Choi Nakjong, head of the marketing team at the Life Science Biz of SK chemicals, said, “The incidence of allergic rhinitis and asthma is increasing sharply due to climate change. We are expecting that the sales of Montepuri ODF during the first year will reach more than KRW 10 billion based on the differentiated strength and price competitiveness of the product.”

According to a report from UB Care, a market research firm, the market for the LTRA family among asthma drugs in Korea is as much as KRW 70 billion, with an annual growth rate of almost 20%.

SK chemicals is developing a variety of new drugs by applying high-end formulation techniques obtained from its development experience, including an arthritis patch, Trast, and a drug for treating gastroduodenal ulcers, Omed. The company is also planning to expand the formulation research field.

<Terminology>

①Montelukast
: One of the compounds of the LTRA family. Singulair from MSD is the most representative product in this category. (The patent will expire in 2011.)

② LTRA (Anti-leukotriene agent, Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist)
 : Leukotriene is a mediator of inflammation and a causative substance of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Leukotriene results in contraction of the airway’s smooth muscle, increased vasopermeability, and inflammatory cells’ infiltration of the esophagus etc. by binding to its receptor, which is inhibited by LTRA.

③ Dysphagia
 : Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty in swallowing due to such reasons as lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract, dysfunction in the nerves or muscles related to swallowing movements, and so on. Obstruction of the esophagus is the most common cause of dysphagia, and swallowing is generally accompanied by pain. Dysphagia can occur in unconscious patients or it can be caused by esophageal stenosis, cancer, the presence of foreign bodies and so forth.

④ Patients’ compliance
: Patients’ compliance means the extent to which patients adhere to the prescribed dosing time, period and frequency and to the directions or recommendations of the physician or pharmacist. Low compliance can worsen the patient’s condition by raising his/her resistance to the medicine.