[Column] The Spirit of Pharmaceutical Patriotism Seen Through Free Supply of Reklaza

"Only a healthy nation, a nation free from illness, can enjoy sovereignty."

"Let us create the best products to help our country and compatriots." (Late Dr. Yu Ilhan)

Dr. Yoo Ilhan, the late founder of Yuhan Corporation [Photo by Yuhan Corporation]

Yuhan Corporation has decided to provide free supply of its non-small cell lung cancer treatment drug, 'Reclaza,' following the expansion of its first-line treatment indication. A drug that costs 75.5 million KRW annually has suddenly become 'free.' No conditions were attached except that this applies until the drug is listed on the national health insurance reimbursement. Yuhan Corporation is the first to implement a large-scale Expanded Access Program (EAP) for a high-priced new drug.

The EAP is a program that supplies prescription drugs approved for market release free of charge until they become available for prescription. When announcing this plan, the company repeatedly emphasized that it follows the spirit of its founder, the late Dr. Yu Ilhan. During his lifetime, Dr. Yu devoted himself to the independence movement and after his death, he donated his entire fortune to society. The founding of Yuhan Corporation originated from the 'Pharmaceutical Patriotism' spirit to protect the health of the nation suffering from diseases due to the lack of proper medicines under Japanese colonial rule.

Yuhan Corporation continues to develop new drugs inheriting the 'Yu Ilhan spirit.' Reclaza is expected to become the first Korean new drug among a total of 36 to achieve over 1 trillion KRW in annual sales, becoming a global blockbuster drug. However, Yuhan Corporation has sacrificed corporate profits to uphold the founder's spirit. Yuhan Corporation has a rare governance structure in Korea where the founding family does not participate in management. This background allows management decisions for the benefit of the public. President Cho Wookje also stated, "There were many opinions within the company that it would be better to allow those suffering from lung cancer who want it to take Reclaza as soon as possible."

Many industries develop products to improve people's lives, but the healthcare industry, including pharmaceuticals, is the only one that saves lives. As the phrase 'Pharmaceutical Patriotism' suggests, it is an industry that can contribute most significantly to society. The government recently announced bold support plans to foster global blockbuster drugs, but there are still many appeals that practical support is insufficient. As seen in Yuhan Corporation's case, the industry is already making sufficient efforts. Now it is time for the government to respond for the sake of society.

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