LG Chem is strengthening its women’s health portfolio by introducing Japan’s No. 1 endometriosis treatment (based on the Japanese dienogest ingredient market).

LG Chem announced on the 3rd that it has signed an exclusive distribution agreement in Korea and Thailand with Japan’s Mochida Pharmaceutical for the endometriosis treatment “Dinagest.”

Dinagest is an oral progestogen (progesterone) containing the active ingredient dienogest. It is used as a key drug for hormone-dependent gynecological diseases such as endometriosis. The Dinagest product that LG Chem is introducing is the market-leading treatment in Japan’s dienogest ingredient segment. It is said to be the only product that has demonstrated efficacy through clinical trials not only for endometriosis but also for adenomyosis and dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). Its local market share in Japan is reported to exceed 80%.

Based on collaboration with Mochida, LG Chem plans to apply for marketing approval in Korea next year. The company intends to enhance access to treatment for women’s diseases by leveraging the broad potential applications of Dinagest.

Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue that should be located inside the uterus is found in the peritoneal cavity outside the uterus, and it can occur at any reproductive age in women who menstruate. Major symptoms include severe menstrual pain, lower abdominal pain, and infertility. According to health information from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, it is a common disease that occurs in about 10–15% of women of reproductive age. It is reported to be a gynecological condition with a high risk of recurrence if not treated with medication.

Kim Sung-ho, head of LG Chem’s Specialty Care Division, said, “The introduction of Dinagest will be an important opportunity to expand the existing infertility business into a broader women’s health business,” adding, “LG Chem will continue to discover and develop products that provide practical support for health management across women’s life cycles.”

LG Chem supplies a wide range of products required throughout in vitro fertilization procedures in the domestic market, from ovulation-inducing drugs such as Polytrop, IVF-M HP, and Ganireber to products related to oocyte and embryo freezing and thawing. Since last year, it has also been developing and operating “Bloom,” an application that supports pregnancy preparation and infertility treatment. Starting with this new endometriosis treatment, the company plans to present a broad range of women’s health solution products, including drugs for maintaining embryo implantation and preventing miscarriage.

Meanwhile, Mochida Pharmaceutical, the developer of Dinagest, is a long-established pharmaceutical company founded in 1913 in Japan. It focuses its business capabilities on areas such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, women’s medicine, and psychiatry. Prior to this partnership, LG Chem and Mochida Pharmaceutical achieved results in joint Korea-Japan development and commercialization of two autoimmune disease treatments.

Popular News