Yuhan Corporation, a leading pharmaceutical company, has announced that it will provide its newly developed drug, “Lazertinib,” as a first-line treatment for free until it is covered by health insurance in South Korea. This initiative is in line with the company’s commitment to giving back to society, a value that was cherished by its late founder, Dr. Ilhan New. It is the first time that a domestic company has offered unlimited free support for a self-developed new drug until it receives national health insurance coverage in South Korea. This move is especially significant considering that a similar drug, “Tagrisso,” costs over 70 million won per year as a non-reimbursed medication.
During a press conference on “R&D and Social Contribution” held at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul, CEO Wook Je Cho emphasized the significance of Lazertinib as a second-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer with specific gene mutations. He announced that Lazertinib had recently received expanded approval as a first-line treatment, marking a milestone in the domestic pharmaceutical and biotech industry. CEO Cho further revealed that an Expanded Access Program (EAP) would be implemented, providing free medication to eligible patients until prescription coverage becomes available.
The EAP will cater to patients diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who have not previously received treatment and have specific gene mutations. Primary care physicians will evaluate patients’ eligibility, and nationwide secondary and tertiary medical institutions treating non-small cell lung cancer patients will participate in the program. CEO Cho confirmed that the EAP would commence this month, and applications from medical institutions would be accepted. The program will continue until the cost of Lazertinib as a first-line treatment is covered by insurance, which is expected to happen in the first quarter of next year.