From bitter capsules to powder: More treatment options for children with diarrhea

[Financial News] With the removal of the indication for smectite-containing products in patients under 19—products widely used to treat pediatric diarrhea—efforts to find alternative drugs are growing. Youngjin Pharmaceutical has signed an agreement with French company Athena to bring racecadotril powder to South Korea, targeting this demand.
Youngjin Pharmaceutical said on the 8th that it had signed a license agreement and product supply agreement with French pharmaceutical company Athena to bring racecadotril powder to South Korea. The move is intended to strengthen its competitiveness in the domestic diarrhea treatment market by expanding its product range from capsules to powder.
Since July, the treatment landscape for pediatric diarrhea has changed significantly following the removal of the indication for dioctahedral smectite (smectite) products in children and adolescents under 19. As a result, interest in and demand for racecadotril powder, which is easier for children to take, are also growing.
Racecadotril inhibits enkephalinase in the intestine, helping regulate the secretion of water and electrolytes there, and is used to relieve symptoms of acute diarrhea. In children with acute diarrhea, it can be used as an adjunct to oral rehydration therapy.
In 2023, Youngjin Pharmaceutical secured the first generic version of Hidrasec Capsules, the original racecadotril drug. With the introduction of the powder formulation, it is also pursuing the first generic version of Hidrasec Powder.
The company said that adding the powder formulation to its capsules means it now offers dosage forms suited to all age groups. Since entering the racecadotril capsule market, Youngjin Pharmaceutical has captured at least 70% of the market by prescription volume in a short period. The company expects these results to help it gain a leading position in the pediatric acute diarrhea market as well.
A Youngjin Pharmaceutical representative said, “This agreement is significant because it expands our product range to include powder, building on the business foundation established by our existing racecadotril capsules. We will continue to strengthen our pharmaceutical portfolio by responding to the changing treatment landscape for pediatric diarrhea and introducing products that take domestic market demand into account.”
  [email protected] Reporter Jeong Myeong-jin