Chongkundang Signs Exclusive Domestic Sales Agreement with Bayer Korea for Chronic Heart Failure Treatment 'Bercubo'

Exclusive Distribution to Hospitals and Clinics Nationwide Starting in October

Chongkundang announced on October 1 that it has signed an exclusive domestic sales agreement with Bayer Korea for the chronic heart failure treatment 'Bercubo®' (active ingredient: vericiguat).

Under this agreement, starting in October, Chongkundang will be exclusively responsible for the distribution, sales, and marketing of Bercubo® at hospitals and clinics across Korea.

Bayer Korea's chronic heart failure treatment 'Bercubo'. Chongkundang

Bercubo® is a treatment for symptomatic chronic heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (less than 45%), and it is the world’s first chronic heart failure medication approved among soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators. By directly stimulating the nitric oxide-sGC-cGMP pathway, it improves vascular function as well as the structure and function of the heart.

This medication has demonstrated, through both global and domestic clinical trials, its efficacy in reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure-related hospitalizations in high-risk chronic heart failure patients who have experienced worsening symptoms despite standard therapy. With a mechanism of action distinct from existing neurohormonal blockade therapies, it is presenting a new treatment paradigm for high-risk patient groups.

Kim Youngjoo, CEO of Chongkundang, stated, "Chongkundang has been leading the market in the field of cardiovascular diseases based on our extensive experience and expertise. Through the exclusive domestic sales of Bercubo®, we aim to build a differentiated portfolio in chronic heart failure treatment and provide patients with a broader range of therapeutic options."

Lee Jina, CEO of Bayer Korea, commented, "Since receiving reimbursement approval in September 2023, Bercubo® has become a key treatment for patients experiencing worsening heart failure symptoms. Through this collaboration with Chongkundang, we expect that even more chronic heart failure patients in Korea will be able to benefit from the clinical advantages of Bercubo®."

Chongkundang has been co-marketing antibiotics Ciprobay® and Avelox® with Bayer Korea since 2005, and since last year, has jointly marketed Kerendia®, a treatment for chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes. Since February this year, Chongkundang has also been exclusively selling Bayer Korea’s advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treatments Nexavar® and Stivarga® in Korea, establishing a successful partnership.

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