Competition Heats Up in Magnesium Combination Drug Market... Ilyang Pharmaceutical Expands Product Line with 'Ilyang Magjet Tablet'

[Financial News] Demand for combination products containing magnesium and vitamins remains strong, intensifying competition among pharmaceutical companies. Companies are broadening consumer choices by adding B vitamins or minerals to products, rather than offering magnesium supplements alone, and by introducing various formulations, including liquid products.
According to pharmaceutical industry sources on the 21st, Ilyang Pharmaceutical recently introduced the over-the-counter drug 'Ilyang Magjet Tablet,' which is used to relieve muscle cramps caused by magnesium deficiency.
Magjet Tablet is a combination product containing 500 mg of magnesium oxide per tablet. It also contains vitamins B1, B6, and E, as well as gamma-oryzanol. Adults are instructed to take one tablet once a day.
Ilyang Pharmaceutical has also been selling 'Meco MG Premium Tablet,' which combines magnesium with B vitamins, and 'Alpha MG Tablet,' which contains minerals such as magnesium and zinc. Meco MG Premium Tablet is fortified with active-form B vitamins, while Alpha MG Tablet is designed to provide enhanced amounts of minerals, including magnesium and zinc.
With the addition of the new product, Ilyang Pharmaceutical now has three product lines with different ingredients, dosages, and auxiliary ingredients. The lineup has been segmented to allow consumers to choose products according to their intended use.
Yuhan and Dong-A Pharmaceutical are also expanding their product lines in the magnesium market.
Centered on Magby, Yuhan offers Magby Max, which combines magnesium oxide with B vitamins; Magby Speed Solution, a liquid formulation; and Magby EX Soft Capsules, which combine several types of magnesium. The Magby brand has recently posted double-digit sales growth, and Yuhan launched an integrated advertising campaign last July.
Dong-A Pharmaceutical is targeting the market with products including Magrang B Pidolax Soft Capsule, which combines magnesium with B vitamins, and Magrang B Pidol Shot Solution, a liquid formulation.
Magnesium is a mineral necessary for maintaining normal nerve and muscle function. A magnesium deficiency can cause symptoms such as muscle cramps, but muscle cramps have various causes, so not all cases can be attributed to a lack of magnesium.
An analysis by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) of the 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) found that 44.6% of the population consumed less magnesium than the estimated average requirement. The proportion exceeded 60% among those aged 12 to 29. However, these figures are based on magnesium intake and differ from the actual prevalence of magnesium deficiency.
A pharmaceutical industry official said, "Pharmaceutical companies are broadening product choices by combining magnesium with vitamins or minerals and diversifying dosage forms. Since the ingredients, dosages, and approved indications and effects differ by product, consumers need to choose a product that suits their intended purpose."
[email protected] Jung Sang-hee Reporter