Dong-A ST Q3 Operating Profit 14.2 Billion KRW... Up 21.8% YoY

Sales of 158.3 Billion KRW, Net Profit of 24 Billion KRW
Overseas Business and Medical Device Sectors Show Remarkable Growth
Accelerating New Drug Clinical Trials and More

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Dong-A ST announced on the 26th that its standalone sales for the third quarter of this year reached 158.3 billion KRW, a 4.2% increase compared to the same period last year. Operating profit was tentatively recorded at 14.2 billion KRW, up 21.8%, and net profit at 24 billion KRW, up 98.8%.

Dong-A ST explained that although the prescription drug (ETC) segment's performance slightly declined, growth in the overseas business segment and the medical device and diagnostics segment led to favorable results.

The ETC segment saw a 2.4% decrease compared to the same period last year due to distribution volume adjustments to maintain appropriate market inventory of Sugannon, despite increased sales of key products such as Grotropin and Motilitone.

The overseas business segment's sales increased by 24.2% year-on-year due to higher sales of Canbarkas (Cambodia) and the effect of exchange rate appreciation, as well as entry into the tender market for Grotropin (Brazil) and increased sales of biopharmaceuticals such as Darbepoetin Alfa (Japan).

Additionally, the medical device and diagnostics segment grew by 7.4% year-on-year, driven by increased sales of medical equipment such as endoscope washers in the medical device sector and increased sales of vacuum blood collection tubes in the diagnostics sector.

Dong-A ST plans to focus on research and development (R&D), including its new drug pipeline. First, the Stelarara biosimilar 'DMB-3115' is currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials in the United States and nine European countries, expected to be completed next month. The company plans to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) as early as the first half of next year.

Furthermore, 'DA-1241', a diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease treatment licensed out to Neurobo Pharmaceuticals in the U.S., is preparing for global Phase 2 clinical trials. The diabetes treatment 'DA-1229 (Sugannon)' is undergoing domestic Phase 2 clinical trials by the joint venture Redenvia for the treatment of aortic valve calcification and has initiated Phase 2b and 3a clinical trials in the United States.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.