Daewoong’s ‘Fexuprazan,’ the GERD Treatment Chosen by 30 Countries, Accelerates Entry into Indonesia

• P-CAB prescriptions remain below 1% in Indonesia — Daewoong draws attention with first P-CAB clinical trial involving Indonesian patients
• Already launched in 30 countries worldwide, nicknamed the ‘Korean Pill’ in Mexico
• Recognized by leading GERD experts – Dr. Michael Vaezi (USA): “Fexuclue is a drug that overcomes the limitations of PPIs”

(Jakarta, June, 12, 2025)

Daewoong Pharmaceutical announced that Fexuprazan, its treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), has expanded into 30 countries worldwide, gaining attention as a next-generation therapy that addresses unmet needs in the PPI drug class.

Fexuprazan is a next-generation treatment in the P-CAB (Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker) class that addresses the limitations of conventional first-line therapies such as PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors). With its rapid onset, meal-independent dosing, and long-lasting effects, Fexuprazan is gaining global attention.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remain limited. According to a study published by the Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Indonesia (UI) in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology (April 2024), the prevalence of GERD in Indonesia reached 67.9% in 2021. However, the commonly used proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) require pre-meal administration and show limited effectiveness in alleviating nighttime acid reflux symptoms. Despite this, the most commonly prescribed medications are PPIs, which must be taken before meals and are in relieving nighttime acid reflux symptoms. Global market data shows that P-CAB prescriptions account for less than 1% of GERD-related treatments in Indonesia, indicating ongoing demand for alternative therapies.

Against this backdrop, Daewoong Pharmaceutical has conducted the first local clinical trial of a P-CAB therapy involving Indonesian patients and announced the results of an investigator-initiated study of Fexuprazan. The trial confirmed that Fexuprazan offers faster and longer-lasting symptom relief compared to PPIs, drawing increased interest from local medical professionals.

Professor Ari Fahrial Syam, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Indonesian Society of Gastroenterology and principal investigator of the study, stated, "Fexuprazan demonstrated a faster relief of heartburn and acid reflux symptoms than esomeprazole in Indonesian patients. With its excellent efficacy, a once-daily dose of Fexuprazan is sufficient, making it an innovative treatment option."

◆ Fexuprazan expands to 30 countries globally and surpasses IDR 1 trillion in annual sales – nicknamed ‘Korean Pill’ in Mexico

While Fexuprazan may still be unfamiliar in Indonesia, it has already earned recognition in 30 countries worldwide. At the United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW 2024) last year, the drug gained the nickname “Korean Pill” from global healthcare professionals due to its convenient dosing and high patient satisfaction.

During a roundtable sharing global prescription cases, Professor Jose Maria Remes Troche of the Gastroenterology Department at Veracruz University Hospital in Mexico remarked, "Among patients who have previously been prescribed Fexuprazan, some even request it by name as the ‘Korean Pill.’" He added, “Many PPI users are now requesting Fexuprazan again because of the convenience of taking it regardless of meals.”

Now in its third year since launch, Fexuprazan surpassed IDR 1.17 trillion in global annual sales last year, securing its position as a blockbuster drug. It was recently launched in India, the fourth-largest anti-ulcer market globally, and is currently being sold in six countries: Korea, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, the Philippines, and India. Additionally, Daewoong has filed for marketing approval in 19 countries and signed export agreements with five others, marking entry into a total of 30 countries. The company aims to expand to 100 countries by 2027.

◆ Fexuprazan Gains Attention as an Alternative to PPIs — Dr. Michael Vaezi of the U.S. States: “Fexupraan, a Drug That Overcomes PPI Limitations”

Fexuprazan, a next-generation treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is gaining worldwide attention for its ability to overcome the limitations of traditional PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors), drawing increasing interest from global medical professionals.

At the Fexuclue Night international symposium held on the 4th, more than 100 gastroenterology experts from countries including Korea, the United States, Chile, and Mexico participated. During the opening session, Dr. Michael F. Vaezi of Vanderbilt University Medical Center (USA) remarked, "PPIs have several limitations, including delayed onset of action, inadequate nighttime acid suppression, the inconvenience of pre-meal dosing, and potential long-term side effects. Fexuprazan, a P-CAB class drug, is gaining attention as an effective alternative that can overcome these issues."

Fexuprazan offers several key advantages, such as rapid acid suppression, convenience of dosing regardless of meals, and long-lasting efficacy. It has demonstrated differentiated therapeutic benefits compared to both PPIs and other P-CAB therapies. Notably, Professor Ronnie Fass, a world-renowned expert on GERD, stated at the 2023 Asia-Pacific Neurogastroenterology and Motility Meeting (APNM) that, "P-CABs show superior therapeutic effects compared to PPIs and are expected to dominate the GERD treatment market in the U.S. in the near future."

Meanwhile, global market research firm BCC projects that the global P-CAB market will grow from USD 44.89 million (approx. IDR 731.41 billion) in 2015 to USD 1.38 billion (approx. IDR 22.47 trillion) by 2030.

Daewoong Pharmaceutical is currently in the process of obtaining regulatory approval for Fexuprazan from the Indonesian health authorities. The company plans to make this innovative GERD treatment, already recognized by global medical experts, available to Indonesian patients.

Baek In-Hyun, Head of Daewoong Pharmaceutical’s Indonesia Business Division, commented, "Fexuprazan is a new drug whose efficacy has been recognized by medical professionals around the world. We are committed to ensuring that Indonesian patients can benefit from faster, more convenient treatment options."

                                                                                                                                        - # # # -

‍