Daewoong, achievement of a patent for next generation antibiotics in Japan

- Splendid achievement of overcoming a patent for
  the manufacture of Carbapenem intermediates,
  which has been dominated by Japan

- Established a bridgehead for the advance into
  the global next generation antibiotics market

Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (CEO Lee, Jong Wook) achieved a patent regarding next generation antibiotics in Japan. This patent, which has been already patented in last December, is related to manufacturing a new crystal form of core intermediates of Carbapenem antibiotics. Meanwhile, Daewoong had difficulties with entering the Japanese market, since Japan was the only one which acquired a patent for intermediate crystal forms. However, by virtue of this patent, Daewoong will be easier to enter the overseas market of Carbapenem antibiotics, including Japan.

In general, antibiotics are classified into β-lactam, quinolone, and aminoglycoside according to their structures, effects, and target symptoms. Among them, Carbapenem, a type of β-lactam antibiotics, has the broadest range of antibacterial effects. Especially, it has been recognized as the next generation antibiotic due to its excellent effect on the bacterial strain which is resistant to existing antibiotics. Commonly, various Carbapenem antibiotics are synthesized by using core intermediates, and Japan has solely dominated the patent for the synthesis of Carbapenem antibiotics. However, over one and half year, Daewoong has developed the manufacturing method for a new intermediate. As a result, in the future, Daewoong’s Carbapenem antibiotics are expected to be competitive in prices and superior in qualities.

So far, of KRW 20 trillion of the global antibiotics market, about 10% of Carbapenem market has been led by Japan. Daewoong is expecting annual sales of over KRW 20 billion by accelerating the sales business in Carbapenem core intermediates and the complete raw materials. In addition, it is planning to systemize the development of all Carbapenem antibiotic products on the basis of core intermediates.