Dong-A ST (Vice Chairman Kang Soo-hyoung) announced on December 21 that it had held a symposium for the launch of Edarbi, a new ARB-based anti-hypertensive drug, with 300 doctors from the Seoul and Gyeonggi area in attendance, in the afternoon on December 20 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Saemunan-ro, Jongro-gu, Seoul.

The event was held to announce the strong debut of Edarbi, which is scheduled for launch later this month, and to discuss current levels of knowledge about hypertension therapy and the clinical usefulness of Edarbi.

Edarbi (active ingredient: Azilsartan Medoxomil Potassium) is an ARB-based treatment that lowers blood pressure by inhibiting the receptor of angiotensin II, a hormone that raises blood pressure2. In the Phase III clinical trials for patients with stage 1 and 2 hypertension, Edarbi demonstrated a superior 24-hour BP lowering effect compared to Olmesartan and Valsartan, and displayed a safety profile similar to that of both the control and the placebo1.

Korea Takeda Pharmaceutical was granted a domestic license in May 2017 and signed a joint domestic sales agreement with Dong-A ST in August.

The symposium was led by Professor Kim Jong-jin of the School of Medicine of Kyung Hee University and Professor Ha Jong-won of the College of medicine of Yonsei University, while lectures were given on ‘Hypertension Guidelines and Clinical Practice: Diagnosis and Treatment’ by Professor Cho Eun-ju of the College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea and on ‘New ARB, Edarbi for new hypertension patients’ by Professor Pyeon Wook-beom of the School of Medicine of Ewha Womans University.

During the lecture, Professor Cho (College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea) said, “Based on the results of the SPRINT study, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) have issued a new guideline for hypertension treatment,” before going on to say, “We are examining whether the US target BP standard is applicable to Koreans through individual research.”

Professor Pyeon Wook-beom (Ewha Womans University School of Medicine) stated, “Edarbi showed an excellent 24-hour hypotensive effect compared to Olmesartan and Valsartan, and a safety profile similar to that of the control and placebo groups.”

An official from Dong-A ST said, “Edarbi’s superior efficacy and excellent safety profile have been proven through clinical trials both at home and abroad. In conjunction with these findings, we have recently achieved an economical price, which will contribute to improving the quality life of patients with hypertension in Korea.”

The national insurance coverage of Edarbi took effect as of December 1. The price of Edarbi 40mg is 439 while Edarbi 80mg retails at 658. Among patients with hypertension without any accompanying diseases or complications, those with a systolic BP above 140mmHg or a diastolic BP above 90mmHg will be covered by national insurance.