Analgesics in South Korea

PROSPECTS

Harsh environment positively affects demand for analgesics

Whilst sales during the flu season and emergency-use purchases remain the main revenue sources for analgesics, environmental issues also influence demand for analgesics. With air pollution becoming more severe, and extremely cold winters in the country, the resultant frequent health issues require the use of OTC analgesics.

Patch topical analgesics/anaesthetic dominates due to efficacy

Topical analgesics/anaesthetic saw the highest current value growth within analgesics in 2019. Consumers in South Korea still prefer patches over lotions or gels, which can stain clothing.

New products come in liquid/gel format and tailored to distribution channels

Ever since the successful launch of Advil Liqui-Gels in 2013, domestic manufacturers have competed by introducing liquid gel ibuprofen in soft capsules. Liquid/gel type products are preferred by consumers who seek immediate results.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Domestic manufacturers enjoy a strong presence in analgesics

Handok continued to lead analgesics in retail value terms in 2019, followed by Yuhan Corp. Handok’s Keotop brand is a topical analgesic/anaesthetic, which has successfully penetrated with its positioning for both muscle and joint pain.

Slow new product development in analgesics due to maturity

Analgesics is one of the most mature categories within consumer health in South Korea. Therefore, new product development is not as active as in many other categories, although some efforts are seen in this direction.

Acetaminophen ER products face safety concerns

In March 2018, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety advised against the overuse of Tylenol ER (Extended Release) Tablet, which claims to be long-lasting thanks to dissolving slowly. This decision was based on the European Commission’s suspension of the marketing of acetaminophen ER products.

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