Analgesics in South Korea

PROSPECTS

Harsh environment positively affects demand for analgesics

While sales during the flu season and emergency-use purchases remain the main revenue sources for analgesics, environmental issues influence the demand for analgesics. With air pollution becoming more severe and extremely cold winters, frequent health issues call for OTC analgesics.

Patch topical analgesics/anaesthetic dominate value sales

Topical analgesics/anaesthetic saw minimal development in 2018. Consumers in South Korea still prefer patches over lotions or gels, which can stain clothes.

Liquid/gel analgesics see consumer demand and manufacturer-led development

Since the successful launch of Advil Liqui-Gels in 2013, domestic manufacturers have competed by introducing liquid gel ibuprofen in soft capsules. Liquid/gel types 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 share terms in 2018, followed by Yuhan. Among the top five manufacturers in 2018, four were domestic manufacturers.

New product development is not strong in analgesics

Analgesics is one of the most mature categories in 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 by dissolving slowly. This decision was based on the European Commission’s suspension of the marketing of acetaminophen ER products.

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