Pharmaceutical companies are accelerating improvements in medication formulations with a focus on convenience. As differentiating solely based on efficacy becomes challenging, companies are strategizing to enhance usability through smaller pill sizes and easier administration methods.
According to the Food and Drug Safety Administration's '2025 Drug Approval Report' released on August 9, among the 248 submitted medications, the highest number was new formulation drugs (68), followed by new dosage forms (67) and drugs with altered dosages (37). Submitted medications are not new drugs but require safety and efficacy evaluations, including changes in administration routes, dosages, and formulations.
This year, domestic pharmaceutical companies have been launching new products aimed at reducing the burden of medication. Chung Kun Dang has introduced 'Esoduo Mini,' a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease, which features a smaller size to ease swallowing for long-term patients. Given the frequent recurrence of this condition, the strategy is to reduce patient dropout rates through improved formulations.
Daewon Pharmaceutical has also enhanced medication convenience with 'Uptaba Sustained Release Tablets,' changing the existing capsules to sustained-release tablets and modifying the active ingredients to allow for consumption regardless of meal times. The size of the tablets has been reduced by approximately 43%, making them the smallest among combination drugs with the same active ingredients.
The emphasis on diversifying formulations is driven by the understanding that improved medication adherence can lead to expanded prescriptions and better product performance. In a market with an increasing number of drugs with the same active ingredients, convenience is emerging as a new differentiating factor.
This trend is also evident in the over-the-counter (OTC) market. Particularly in pediatric medications, the choice of products varies based on age and administration methods, leading to active segmentation of formulations.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical has developed a range of formulations, including suppositories, chewable tablets, and stick-type syrups, centered around the 'Suspens' and 'Maxibufen' series. They have expanded their product lines to enhance medication convenience based on symptoms, age, and administration environments. Dong-A Pharmaceutical is also strengthening medication convenience by introducing cold medications that can be taken without water and oral spray cold medications for infants and toddlers.
Industry experts anticipate that efforts to improve formulations will continue. In an environment where the number of drugs with the same active ingredients is increasing, it is becoming difficult to differentiate based solely on efficacy. Factors such as pill size, frequency of administration, and the relationship with meals are likely to influence prescription choices and product selection.
An industry insider stated, 'As the number of products with the same mechanism and efficacy increases, it has become challenging to expand the market with existing sales strategies. Ultimately, the criteria that will drive prescriptions from healthcare providers and choices from patients will be how easily and consistently they can take the medication.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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