Jeil Pharmaceutical has announced the launch of Jaqbo (zastaprazan citrate), a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB), marking the company's first in-house developed drug in its 65-year history. Jaqbo enters the Korean peptic ulcer drug market, valued at $1 billion, offering a new alternative to traditional proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Approved in April and covered by health insurance starting October 1, Jaqbo is poised to address limitations associated with PPIs in treating acid-related conditions.
Advantages Over Traditional PPIs
While PPIs have been the standard treatment for stomach acid issues for three decades, they present challenges such as delayed action, genetic variations affecting metabolism (CYP2C19 polymorphism), and nocturnal acid breakthrough. PPIs also require administration on an empty stomach, complicating patient adherence. Jaqbo, in contrast, inhibits stomach acid secretion by disrupting the binding of potassium ions to the proton pump, maintaining stability in the stomach's acidic environment. This allows for immediate effectiveness without acid activation.
"This unique property of P-CAB allows it to bind to the proton pump regardless of stomach acid levels," stated a representative from Jeil Pharmaceutical. Jaqbo works immediately after ingestion, unlike PPIs that can take four to five days to reach maximum effectiveness. Its long half-life enhances its ability to treat nighttime heartburn through prolonged stomach acid suppression. Furthermore, Jaqbo can be taken regardless of meal times, improving patient convenience.
Clinical Trial Data and Market Impact
Phase 3 clinical trial results for Jaqbo, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, demonstrated its efficacy and safety in patients with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), comparing it favorably to esomeprazole, a commonly used PPI. The domestic peptic ulcer drug market has grown consistently, from 801 billion won in 2019 to 1.266 trillion won in 2023, according to UBIST, a pharmaceutical market research firm. In the first quarter of 2024, PPIs held a 53.7 percent market share, while P-CABs accounted for 19.5 percent. By the second quarter, PPIs maintained a 53.4 percent share, with P-CABs increasing to 20.2 percent. Jeil Pharmaceutical anticipates accelerated market share expansion for P-CABs, given their relatively recent introduction.
Strategic Partnerships and Global Expansion
Prior to its market entry, Onconic Therapeutics partnered with Jeil Pharmaceutical and Dong-A ST for domestic sales and marketing, signing a joint sales agreement on Sept. 5. This collaboration leverages the strengths of Jeil Pharmaceutical and Dong-A ST in the digestive health market to promote Jaqbo across all Korean hospitals. Jeil Pharmaceutical has initiated launch symposiums in major cities to support the rollout, providing detailed product information and academic research to healthcare professionals.
Jaqbo has received international recognition, with Jeil Pharmaceutical signing a $127.5 million technology export contract with Livzon Pharmaceutical Group in China. A technology transfer agreement was also secured with a global pharmaceutical company in India, alongside agreements with 19 countries in Latin America. According to a Jeil Pharmaceutical representative, the company is actively pursuing additional technology export contracts, positioning Jaqbo as a potential global blockbuster drug.
Ongoing Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are underway to expand Jaqbo's indications and formulations, including its use in preventing gastric ulcers and NSAID-induced peptic ulcers, and the development of new formulations such as oral disintegrating tablets.
"Jaqbo is a valuable product that our company has been developing for a long time, using significant human and material resources through Onconic Therapeutics," said a Jeil Pharmaceutical representative. "We expect the share of P-CAB preparations in the peptic ulcer market to grow, and with the attention Jaqbo has received since its launch, we believe it will quickly establish itself and increase its influence as a new treatment option."
