Celltrion's patch for Alzheimer's symptoms is approved

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Celltrion’s patch-type product to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s was approved for use in Korea, the company said Friday.

It is the first patch product to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s approved in the world.

Patients can apply the patch twice a week, compared to conventional oral treatments that require daily doses.

Celltrion jointly developed the product with the Kosdaq-listed, Gangnam-based biopharmaceutical company Icure.

In Phase 3 clinical trials, the product, named Donerion Patch, showed its non-inferiority against Aricept, an oral treatment developed by Eisai, which means that it is no worse in terms of efficacy. The tests covered all measures of common symptoms for Alzheimer’s including loss of memory and verbal fluency.

Around 400 Alzheimer’s patients with light and moderate symptoms from Korea, Taiwan, Australia and Malaysia participated in the trials.

Celltrion has the exclusive rights to sell the product in Korea for 12 years. Icure will manufacture it.

Distribution of the product will be handled by Celltrion Pharm.

“It is anticipated that Donerion Patch will have a huge influence in the Alzheimer’s treatment market, which puts great importance on improving convenience as much as efficacy,” said a spokesperson for Celltrion. “We will try our best to market the patch product as soon as possible.”

The local Alzheimer’s treatment market size was around 290 billion won ($245 million) in 2020, and will grow to 360 billion won by 2025, Celltrion said.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]